VA Fall Foliage: Expect 'Big Changes' In 2 Weeks, Foresters Say

VIRGINIA — Leaf-peepers are beginning to see changing autumnal colors in the higher elevations of southwest Virginia. There's no set time for peak fall foliage viewing, but experts have updated maps predicting when the trees will be at their most spectacular in October.

Peak fall foliage season starts in southwest Virginia and the Alleghenies and moves east across the Commonwealth. The peak fall foliage period typically occurs from Oct. 10 to 20 for western Virginia, Oct. 20 to 25 in central and Northern Virginia, and Oct. 20 to 31 in eastern Virginia.

"The higher elevations of southwest Virginia have undergone a dramatic change in the past week, with some areas ranging from 25-50 percent coloration," said the Department of Forestry. "Reds are spotty along the Blue Ridge, with varying shades from sourwood, sumac, Virginia creeper, black gum, dogwood, and occasional maples. Patchy coloration can be found in pockets elsewhere, including subdued yellows from walnut and tulip-poplar.

"Watch for big changes in the next two weeks, especially in mountain areas."

Cooler evenings and crisp mornings bring a change in the leaves.

In Virginia, the week of Oct. 11 looks good for a fall leaf viewing trip in far western parts of the state, while northern Virginia won't see peak colors until Oct. 18, according to the Fall Foliage Prediction Map.

The Virginia Department of Forestry said leaf colors generally peak between Oct. 10 and 31; however, these dates can vary greatly year to year, based on other factors, such as temperatures, rain, winds and storms.

The Virginia Department of Forestry's recommended fall foliage driving tours designed by local foresters include:

• Charlottesville Area - Greene County
• Harrisonburg Area - Rockingham County
• Harrisonburg Area - Shenandoah County
• Lexington Area - Bath County
• Front Royal Area - Warren County
• Roanoke Area - Bedford County
• Roanoke Area - Craig County
• Roanoke Area - Franklin County
• Staunton Area - Highland County

Other top places to see fall leaves in Virginia to consider:

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park features beautiful fall scenery across its entire landscape. Bold autumn hues await your arrival in the wooded hollows, fields of wildflowers, and all around the scenic vistas. For the best fall views, visit Old Rag Mountain to see the tree canopies create a quilt of color. Don't miss the Big Meadows either to find fall blooms and watch the tall grasses change their hues.

Whitetop Mountain

With a trip up to the summit of Whitetop Mountain, you can gaze in wonder at the colorful grasses, shrubs, and trees. If you go early in the season, you can also enjoy the wondrous calls of songbirds, including black-throated green warbler and dark-eyed junco. All it takes to get there is a leisurely drive up the gravel road right off State Route 600, near the Tennessee border. Once you reach the top, there's nothing between you and the patchwork of reds, oranges, and golds as far as the eye can see.

Potomac Heritage Trail

Looking to stay closer to D.C., the Potomac Heritage Trail lets you meander along the riverside at your leisure. Whether you choose to hike or ride your bike, you can stay on the main trail to follow the Potomac River's journey. Or you can opt for the side trails to loop through the forests full of tulip poplars, sycamores, and oak trees. The views are perhaps even more impressive right on the Potomac River, so don't hesitate to bring down your canoe or kayak.

No predictive tool is 100 percent accurate, but using the interactive Fall Foliage Prediction Map can give you a pretty good shot at seeing autumn leaves when they turn their most striking colors.

To use the map, simply slide the scale to the right to see when leaves will peak in your state. Zero in on your county, and you'll be able to decide whether it's best to plan a northern, southern, eastern or western route.

Map courtesy of SmokyMountains.com

The tool has developed as a fall vacation planning essential. Last year alone, it received more than 5 million views on SmokyMountains.com and about 30 million more on the news websites, including Patch.

Here are the colors on different trees you can look for:

• Ash: yellow, maroon
• Beech: yellow to orange
• Dogwood: scarlet to purple
• Hickory: golden bronze
• Oak: red, brown or russet
• Poplar: golden yellow
• Red maple: brilliant scarlet

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