Want to get a look at the peak fall foliage in Virginia? Leaf your planning to us. Here’s a guide to where to watch the leaves change based on how close to home you want to stay.
Bonus: Check out this report by the Virginia Department of Forestry to learn when fall foliage is expected to peak. For our region, it’s mid October.
Stay in the city
Monument Avenue is one of Richmond’s most scenic pedestrian-friendly roads, and the stretch from I-195 down Franklin to Monroe Park is particularly beautiful in the fall.
Editors pick: River Road — the whole stretch. If you’re easily distracted by pretty passing window signs and enviable home estates, have someone else drive.
Areas like the Fan, Ginter Park, Riverside Drive, and the University of Richmond are also hotspots for fall colors. You can also wander through Byrd, Bryan, or Forest Hill Park, or set up a picnic at Maymont.
The leaves are expected to turn around mid-October this year.
Photo by @takeone.aerial
Hit the river
There are plenty of chances to enjoy the autumn leaves from along the James. Walk or run along the trails that make up the James River Park System, take a bike ride on the Capital Trail, cruise along Riverside Drive, or visit Hollywood Cemetery or the Oregon Hill Overlook for a view from above.
Down for a day trip
Pocahontas State Park is a quick getaway, just south of the Chesterfield Airport. Head west to High Bridge Trail State Park (~1 hr drive) or Natural Bridge State Park (~2 hr drive) for some of the most scenic views Virginia has to offer. There’s also York River State Park and Powhatan State Park.
Camp out
Immerse yourself in autumn by spending a night or two under the stars at Shenandoah National Park (~1.5 hr drive) or book a stay in a small town known for nature like Abingdon, Damascus, Bedford, or Farmville.
You better be-leaf Virginia Tourism has more recommendations. If you’re an autumn expert, let us know where you go to see the best fall foliage.
