Where to Find the Most Stunning Virginia Fall Foliage

Autumn is a favorite season in the Mother of States. The stunning hardwood trees mixed with pine and cedar create a beautiful backdrop and memorable getaways with some of the best fall foliage in Virginia. Whether you’re looking for scenic drives and picturesque hiking trails or wine tasting and culinary experiences, this area of the Shenandoah Valley is the perfect place to explore. 

Here are our favorite things to do in Virginia this fall: 

1. No list of Virginia fall foliage destinations is complete without Skyline Drive. While the park spans over 100 miles, some of the most stunning sections are within an easy drive from our B&B. This iconic route winds along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering panoramic views of the valleys and forests ablaze in autumn color.
2. The Blue Ridge Parkway, often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” is another must for Virginia fall foliage lovers. The northern entrance, just outside Waynesboro, is less than half an hour from our Virginia Bed and Breakfast. Here, the parkway hugs the ridgeline, revealing endless vistas of rolling hills painted in fall colors.
3. Fall in Virginia wine country isn’t just about the scenery; it’s also about the flavors. The Nelson 151 Trail is home to some of the region’s top wineries, breweries, and cideries, each with stunning backdrops of Virginia fall foliage. Sip a glass of Cabernet Franc at Veritas Vineyard, enjoy a cider flight at Bold Rock, or relax with a seasonal ale at Blue Mountain Brewery. Many of these spots feature outdoor seating, perfect for soaking in the crisp autumn air and fiery leaf colors.
4. Just a few minutes from our B&B in Virginia, Lovingston Winery offers an unbeatable combination of fine wine and unbeatable views of Virginia fall foliage. This vineyard sits high on a hill, overlooking rows of vines framed by the changing trees of the Blue Ridge. It’s a quintessential fall afternoon in Virginia wine country.
5. For those who prefer to get closer to nature, James River State Park is an excellent spot to immerse yourself in the peak of Virginia foliage. Located about 25 minutes from our B&B, the park offers hiking trails, river access, and picnic areas. Stroll along the River Trail for serene water views framed by bright bursts of autumn leaves, or hike up to Tye River Overlook for a more elevated perspective.
6. In Charlottesville, Monticello offers both history and nature in one stop. Thomas Jefferson’s estate is surrounded by gardens, orchards, and woodlands that glow with Virginia fall foliage each October. For an added dose of scenery, walk the Saunders-Monticello Trail, a well-maintained path that winds through the forest and offers glimpses of the mountains beyond.
7. Crabtree Falls, the tallest vertical-drop waterfall east of the Mississippi, is an awe-inspiring destination any time of year, but in autumn, the surrounding mountainside bursts into brilliant color. The cascading water framed by fiery leaves is one of the most photogenic Virginia fall foliage scenes you’ll find. The hike offers several overlooks, so you can choose a short walk or tackle the full climb to the top.
8. If you’d like to combine your leaf-peeping with shopping and dining, head to downtown Charlottesville. The pedestrian mall is lined with trees in warm shades each autumn, providing a charming canopy for al fresco dining or strolling between boutiques. In the distance, the Blue Ridge Mountains create a colorful backdrop, reminding you that Virginia fall foliage is never far away. There are so many great things to do in Charlottesville!