Taking a fall foliage road trip in Virginia may seem like a tall order. After all, there are so many road-trip-worthy destinations to see in the autumn. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered.

With a bounty of beautiful foliage, fall is perhaps the season where Virginia shines the brightest. The crisp autumn air is an invitation to get outside, hop in the car, and meander down roads where the trees are beginning to explode into their colors. Luckily for us in Virginia, these leaves can be enjoyed in nearly every corner of the state. This particular trip centers around the Blue Ridge Mountains, whose altitude produces some of the best fall colors in Virginia. Here’s a road trip for you to make the most of the season. The duration of the trip — here’s the customizable Google Map — is approximately nine hours, so be sure to schedule plenty of time to make the most out of each stop.

Google Maps
1. Crabtree Falls (Montebello)
Erin Julius / 500px / Getty Images
Crabtree Falls Highway, Crabtree Falls Hwy, Virginia, USA
Karen Blaha/flickr
Beautiful all year round, Crabtree Falls is especially breathtaking during the fall. Whether you have time to hike up the falls or simply want to admire from the base, you'll be in for an incredible array of fall colors in Virginia. The waterfall itself is considered to be the largest of its kind east of the Mississippi River, and the well-marked trail will take you approximately three miles.
2. Lexington
Lexington, VA 24450, USA
Cavan Images / Getty Images
After your trek to Crabtree, you'll love taking a breather in Lexington, the quintessential autumn small town with exquisite tree-lined roads. Here, you can explore the breathtaking campuses of Washington & Lee and the Virginia Military Institute. You'll find plenty of things to do in the fall in Virginia, especially in Lexington. Be sure to grab a warm drink at one of the nearby coffee shops or bakeries on Main Street. Stroll through the quaint shops, or take in a double-feature at Hull's Drive-In.
3. Mountain Lake (Blacksburg)
Van Corey/flickr

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Blacksburg, VA, USA
Van Corey/flickr
The third stop along this trip to see the best fall colors in Virginia will take you to another college town, although the destination here is the drive itself. Mountain Lake Road, as photographed above, offers incredible vistas of the mountains and changing leaves. This road will continue to Mountain Lake Resort, a beautiful mountain lodge which is actually where Dirty Dancing was filmed. If you're looking for a place to stay the night, it doesn't get much cozier than here.
4. Mabry Mill (Meadows of Dan)
Mabry Mill, VA 24120, USA
Matthew Paulson/Flickr
It's no secret why Mabry Mill is one of the most photographed sites in Virginia. It's the very picture of the gentle and pastoral landscape, and it just so happens to transform into one of the best places to see the fall foliage in Virginia. While you're here, you can learn about the fascinating history behind the Mill and enjoy a meal from the fine gristmill restaurant. For a fascinating historic overview of Mabry Mill, be sure to watch the brief video below:

5. High Bridge Trail State Park (near Farmville)
Virginia State Parks/flickr
1466 Camp Paradise Rd, Rice, VA 23966, USA
Virginia State Parks/flickr
High Bridge Trail State Park is another natural area that explodes into color in autumn. One of the best advantages of this trail is the height. For miles, you can peer out to the beautiful yellows and oranges of the trees below as they surround the Potomac River. The bridge itself is 2,400 feet long and is part of an extensive 31-mile trail. It'll be the perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air after the drive. Catch a glimpse of what makes High Bridge Trail State Park such a spectacular destination:

6. The Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Roanoke, VA, USA
Jim Mckinley / Getty Images
Last but not least, we arrive at the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. For miles, these backroads wind through the mountains and offer some of the loveliest views in the entire state. One of the most wonderful things about the Parkway is the opportunity to pull off at an overlook and truly take in the panoramas of the best fall foliage in Virginia. Also nearby is Shenandoah National Park, offering plenty of hiking excursions perfect for the fall season. Catch a glimpse of some Blue Ridge Parkway magic in the stunning drone footage below:

With plenty of bed & breakfasts along the way, this road trip to the best fall foliage in Virginia could make a wonderful weekend trip. There’s truly no wrong way to enjoy all that this fall season has to offer, so even if you can only make a few stops, the drive will provide plenty of memorable foliage. Enjoy the drive, and let us know what you think!

Before hitting the road, be sure to check out our ultimate road trip packing list for all the essentials you’ll need along the way!

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More to Explore

Best Fall Foliage In Virginia

Beth Price-Williams | August 16, 2019

What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Virginia?

The best time to see peak fall foliage in Virginia is typically around early to mid-October.

Rejoice, Virginians! We’ve got plenty of time to see the peak fall foliage in Virginia. If you want to see the first leaves changing color in Virginia, visit the central part of the state where the peak fall foliage usually occurs around mid-October. Set off on a leisurely drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Shenandoah National Park for some of the earliest peak colors. (Think of it this way: The higher the elevation, the earlier the colors will peak in Virginia.) The rest of the state, however, usually sees peak fall foliage toward the end of October, sometimes even spilling into early November.

Where are the best places in Virginia to see fall foliage?

Some of the best places to see fall foliage in Virginia include:

  • Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Roanoke Valley
  • Grassy Hill Nature Preserve

 

We can see the fall colors in Virginia in just about every corner of the state – from our own neighborhoods to spectacular spots like Shenandoah National Park. Not sure where to see the fall colors in Virginia? Start with a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, heading toward the Roanoke Valley. Admire the leaves changing color in Virginia at Grassy Hill Nature Preserve in Rocky Mount, Natural Bridge Park in Natural Bridge, and Swinging Bridge in Buchanan.

What are the best Virginia hikes to take in the fall?

Some of the best fall hikes in Virginia include:

  • Stony Man Mountain Trail
  • Kane's Creek Trail
  • The Potomac Trail

 

Looking for things to do in the fall in Virginia? You’ll find a ton! If you like hiking, for example, set off on the Stony Man Mountain Trail that will lead you through Shenandoah National Park, which offers spectacular fall foliage. Other popular fall hikes in Virginia include Kane’s Creek Trail in Mason Neck State Park and The Potomac Trail in Leesylvania State Park.

If you’re not up for a hike, you’ll still find a ton to do during the autumn. For the perfect autumn day trip in Virginia, for example, visit Abington. The small Virginia town is home to the Virginia Creeper Trail, bursting with fall foliage, and to an assortment of quaint restaurants and shops.

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