3 VA Spots Among America’s Most Coveted Fall Cabin Retreats

Three Virginia destinations have been named among America's most coveted fall cabin retreats, according to a new survey.

Real estate website Texas Real Estate Source surveyed just over 3,000 respondents and asked them which part of the country they would most like to own or rent a cabin to experience the fall colors this season.

In all, 135 places made the final ranking. The answers ranged from dreamy getaways to practical choices and revealed what people value when they picture a rustic escape.

"Owning a log cabin has year-round appeal. In summer, they’re a base for fishing, hunting, or swimming in nearby lakes. In winter, they turn into cozy hideaways, perfect for fireside evenings. In spring, the surrounding landscape bursts into bloom," Texas Real Estate Source wrote. "But it’s fall when cabins truly shine, with vivid reds, oranges and golds creating picture-postcard views right outside the window."

In Virginia, the Blue Ridge Highlands in Floyd and Carroll counties came in at No. 38 on the list. With median cabin prices in these counties starting just over $200,000, it’s one of the state’s most budget-friendly mountain retreats.

"Southwestern Virginia’s Blue Ridge Highlands burst into color each fall, with winding parkway views across rolling hills. Rustic cabins and cottages dot the countryside, often tied to the local arts and music scene," the survey authors wrote.

Also included in the ranking was the Shenandoah Valley in Page and Rockingham counties, which came in at No. 67. Countywide median home values are in the low $300,000s, meaning the valley is an attainable way to own a cabin.

"The Shenandoah Valley is Virginia’s fall showcase, where the Blue Ridge Mountains glow in red and gold through October," the survey authors wrote. "Cabins are plentiful around towns like Luray, many marketed as vacation rentals for leaf-peepers."

Finally, Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford and Franklin counties made the list at No. 93. With median home values in the low $400,000s, it provides an affordable lakefront alternative to pricier East Coast destinations.

"Framed by forested ridges that peak with color in mid-October, Smith Mountain Lake offers a mix of water and mountain scenery," the survey authors wrote. "Cabins and lake cottages line the shoreline, popular with both seasonal visitors and full-time residents."

These are the top 10 most coveted fall cabin retreat destinations, according to the survey:

1. Estes Park, Rocky Mountain Gateway, Colorado
2. Pagosa Springs, San Juan Mountains, Colorado
3. Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino Mountains, California
4. Chattanooga & Lookout Mountain, Tennessee
5. Tupper Lake, Adirondacks, New York
6. Mariposa County (Yosemite Gateway), California
7. Great Smoky Mountains, Sevier County, Tennessee
8. Shasta County (Mount Shasta and Shingletown), California
9. Ozark National Forest, Newton and Johnson counties, Arkansas
10. Fairbanks and Chena River Valley, Alaska

Check out the full ranking online.