Peak Leaf Color Arrives In VA Mountains This Weekend: VDF

VIRGINIA — Sunny days and cool nights brought peak fall colors to the mountains of Virginia this weekend, the Virginia Department of Forestry said.

The highest mountains are a bit past peak color, but most of the mountain areas are at their peak display of red, orange, and yellow. Oak leaves are beginning to take on their deep shades at last, the VDF said in its Oct. 23 fall foliage report.

Virginia's diverse landscape, from mountains to the Eastern Shore, provides a long fall foliage season, starting earliest in the higher elevations and moving eastward. Fall colors generally peak sometime between Oct. 10 and Oct. 31, the experts said. But, these dates vary from year to year, based on factors such as temperature and rainfall.

"Peak color arrived in all its glory throughout Virginia’s mountains this week. The Piedmont ranges from partial to near peak color as well. The highest mountain areas are a bit past peak, but still beautiful," VDF officials said. "It’s even looking a lot like fall in the Coastal Plain, where low-lying areas often show color first."

Leaves are still mostly green in the woods of eastern and central Virginia, where a prevalence of oaks change later in the season.

• Related: Fall Color Guide 2024: When Leaves Will Peak In VA

The USDA Forest Service says three primary factors influence autumn leaf color: leaf pigments, length of night, and weather.

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.