Here’s your 2026 guide to leaf-peeping no matter what corner of Virginia you’re in.
With its bountiful forests stretching from the coast to its western border, Virginia’s beauty comes alive every fall with vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
However, different parts of the commonwealth reach peak fall foliage at different times. For example, the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah mountain ranges tend to peak earlier, in mid-October, while the Hampton Roads area peaks later, from late October through early November.
Here’s your guide to fall 2026 leaf-peeping in Virginia.
Western Virginia
Blue Ridge Parkway
Location: Rockfish Gap to North Carolina state line
The Blue Ridge Parkway is perhaps one of the most popular destinations in Virginia for leaf-peeping. All you have to do is hop in your car and cruise along the winding mountainous route that spotlights some of the best of the Appalachian Highlands.
The leaves usually start changing around mid-to-late October, with the highest peaks changing earlier. The parkway advises leaf-peeping enthusiasts to drive far enough to see changes in elevation to ensure they’re able to take in a variety of colors.
Plan to stop at Mabry Mill at Milepost 176, one of the most picturesque destinations on the parkway. You’ll want to explore the grounds of the old sawmill and blacksmith shop, which stand out beautifully against the backdrop of fall foliage. The best way to see everything is on the 0.5-mile Mountain Industry Trail.
Shenandoah National Park
Location: 3655 US Hwy. 211 E, Luray, VA 22835
Spanning 198,754 acres, 79,579 of which are designated wilderness acres, Shenandoah National Park offers an unlimited supply of fall foliage to marvel at. Enjoy the changing colors by going for a hike down a wooded hollow or staking out a view from a mountaintop vista.
The Dickey Ridge Visitor Center near Front Royal in the northern part of the park is a good place to stop in for information that might help orient you. Keep in mind that the park gets quite busy during peak foliage season, so buy your entrance pass online in advance of your trip. A weekday trip can help avoid the crowds.
Given the park spans 100 miles and a range of elevations, foliage can vary dramatically throughout the park. For that reason, the park can’t precisely predict color conditions. However, it offers fall update videos on Facebook and YouTube every Thursday throughout the season, as well as a View from the Valley Webcam that provides a snapshot of the current color progression on the mountain.
If you’d prefer to see the foliage from the comfort of your car, consider going for a leisurely drive along Skyline Drive, a 105-mile route along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains that runs through the park. Since the speed limit is 35, you’ll still be able to enjoy the leaves even if you’re in the driver’s seat.
Mill Mountain Star
Location: 2000 JB Fishburn Pkwy., Roanoke, VA 24013
Take in the changing colors throughout the Roanoke Valley, as seen from the Roanoke Star on Mill Mountain. The overlook, which sits at an elevation of 1,703 feet, offers 60-mile views.
Late October through the first week of November is predicted to be peak foliage season in the Roanoke Valley.
Consider hiking to the top of the mountain on the Star Trail to immerse yourself in the changing colors.
Grayson Highlands State Park
Location: 829 Grayson Highland Ln., Mount Wilson, VA 24363
With peaks reaching more than 5,000 feet in elevation, Grayson Highlands State Park offers plenty of opportunities for expansive leaf-peeping.
A good way to spot foliage is to hike along the Twin Pinnacles Trail, a moderate 1.3-mile path. If you’re lucky, you may even get to spot a wild pony or two.
Peak fall foliage in the mountain-based state parks occurs in early October. Be sure to check out the park system’s fall foliage report for Western Virginia, which will start being updated on Sept. 24.
Central Virginia
Maymont
Location: 1700 Hampton St., Richmond, VA 23220
Even if you’re in Virginia’s capital city, you can still enjoy leaf-peeping by visiting Maymont, a 100-acre former Gilded Age estate overlooking the James River that now serves as a free park.
The best way to take in the foliage is to walk along the 1-mile Virginia Wildlife Trail. You’ll also get to see plenty of rescued native animals while on the trail.
Powhatan State Park
Location: 4616 Powhatan State Park Rd., Powhatan, VA 23139
Powhatan State Park, just outside of Richmond, is another solid option for leaf-peeping. The 1,565-acre park sits along the historic James River, offering the perfect opportunity to explore the surrounding foliage by canoe or kayak. You can also take in the foliage by hiking on the 1.2-mile Turkey Trail, which is rated as easy.
Peak foliage at Central Virginia state parks occurs in mid-October. The park system’s fall foliage report for Central Virginia will start being updated on Sept. 24.
Staunton River State Park
Location: 1170 Staunton Trl., Scottsburg, VA 24589
With 2,400 acres of woodlands, meadows, and shoreline, Staunton River State Park offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy fall foliage. The park sits along the Dan and Staunton rivers, so the vibrant colors will surely create a beautiful reflection in the water.
A good way to view the park’s foliage is to go for a hike on the 8.5-mile River Bank Trail. It’s rated as being moderate. As you’re going along the trail, keep an eye out for some Canada geese that might be resting at the water’s edge on their flight further south.
Northern Virginia
George Washington Memorial Parkway
Location: 700 George Washington Memorial Pkwy., McLean, VA 22101
There’s no better way to take in the fall foliage in Northern Virginia than to drive along the 25-mile George Washington Memorial Parkway. The scenic tree-lined route offers an unlimited supply of leaf-peeping opportunities.
You can also pull over and explore the various trails along the parkway.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Location: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna, VA 22182
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens offers a more curated leaf-peeping experience with its 95 acres of greenery. Uniquely, the site features plants that are native to all corners of the commonwealth, so you can experience a range of fall colors without having to do much traveling.
October is also peak season for false aster, azure monkshood, and Canadian burnet at Meadowlark.
Mason Neck State Park
Location: 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton, VA 22079
Mason Neck State Park’s mixture of forests, wetlands, and open water makes it an excellent place for both leaf-peeping and bird watching. Look for the vibrant foliage along the banks of Belmont Bay.
Check out the Eagle Spur Trail, a 1.29-mile moderate hike, to see the changing colors. Peak fall foliage at the 1,857-acre park occurs from mid-to-late October.
Be sure to look at the park system’s Northern Virginia fall foliage report starting on Sept. 24.
Fountainhead Regional Park
Location: 10875 Hampton Rd., Fairfax Station, VA 22039
The 2,000-acre Fountainhead Regional Park offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in fall foliage without having to leave Northern Virginia.
Take in the changing colors from the widest point of Occoquan Reservoir by kayak or canoe or by hiking on the 2.25-mile looped Nature Trail.
Coastal Virginia
Caledon State Park
Location: 11617 Caledon Rd., King George, VA 22485
The extensive old-growth forest at the 2,587-acre Caledon State Park is ideal for leaf-peeping. Explore the foliage by walking along the Potomac Overlook Trail, a 0.94-mile easy trek. You can also find trails along the Potomac River.
The park system’s Coastal Virginia fall foliage report will go live on Sept. 24. Coastal Virginia’s peak fall foliage occurs between mid-to-late October.
York River State Park
Location: 9801 York River Park Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
Visit York River State Park to enjoy the vibrant foliage along the riverbanks. This part of the York River is where freshwater and saltwater meet, creating a perfect habitat for plant life.
The moderate 2-mile Taskinas Creek Trail offers plenty of foliage viewing opportunities. In total, the 2,954-acre park has 40 miles of trails.
