Leaf Colors At Peak Or Close To It Across VA

VIRGINIA — Fall colors across most of Virginia — including much of the mountains and Northern Virginia — are at their peak or close to it this weekend, the Virginia Department of Forestry said.

The highest mountains are a bit past peak, but most of the mountain areas are at their peak display of red, orange, and yellow, with oak leaves beginning to take on their deep shades at last, the VDF said in its Oct. 25 fall foliage report.

"Despite this summer’s drought in northern and central Virginia, the woods are alive with color. These areas and the Shenandoah Valley are near peak, as well, but forests with abundant oaks promise good color for a couple more weeks," the department said. "In eastern Virginia, look for a predominately yellow palette mixed with the green of pines and bursts of flaming red maple."

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.

A map that helps leaf-peepers time their fall foliage tours suggests leaves in Northern Virginia and the mountains will be their most brilliant the week of Oct. 23, while the peak of color arrives Oct. 30 for the rest of the state.

The 2023 Fall Foliage Prediction Map, released from the travel group SmokyMountains.com, uses historical and forecast temperatures and precipitation, the types of trees prominent in specific geographic areas, and real-time user reports to forecast when fall colors will peak.

Related: Fall Foliage Peak 2023: When To Time Leaf-Peeping Tours In VA

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

More 2023 Fall Foliage Predictions

• The Farmer’s Almanac predicts that much of New England will be at or near peak fall color by October 11; a little further south in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it looks like mid-October is Maryland's best bet for peak fall color.
• According to the Washington Post, Maryland should see peak colors by mid-October with an ultimate peak arriving around Oct. 23. The northern half of Virginia should be past peak by then.