How to See the Best Fall Foliage in Virginia – 10/5/09

The brilliant display of colors known as the fall foliage is changing almost daily now in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.  Due to the different elevations and amazing varieties of trees, it is impossible to pick a date that will be “peak” for the entire area.  Even within a particular area, you’ll find pockets of color.  These pockets may be significantly ahead or behind, depending on the variety of tree that is predominant, and the particular location of the pocket.  Elevation, temperatures, which side of the ridge the trees are on, and many other factors combine to determine when that stand of trees makes its way from the greens of summer to the brilliant show of fall.

 

Since different trees make this transition at differing times, the best way to see great fall foliage is to cover lots of territory, making sure to cover areas that will involved changes in elevation.  This can be accomplished in a number of different ways:

  • Driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive
  • Driving through part of the Shenandoah Valley
  • Hiking one of the many trails of the area
  • Taking a jeep trail like Stoney Run or Shoe Creek
  • Bicycling on back roads
  • Horseback riding along mountain trails

Whichever method you choose, you can experience the myriad of fall colors all throughout the month of October by visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains.  We’d love to host you in one of our comfortable, fully-furnished vacation homes in Virginia.  See you in the mountains!