Fall is here faster than you think, and that means everything tastes like pumpkin, there’s a cool breeze in the air, and you can enjoy beautiful fall foliage all season long. Virginia offers some of the most beautiful fall views in the country, so here are six scenic road trips to take this fall.
Once fall arrives in the Commonwealth, the natural landscape explodes in a conglomeration of color, thanks to the numerous tree species in the area. Some species that give the season its kaleidoscope of colors include the loblolly pine, Virginia pine, oak, American beech, and others. One of the best ways to enjoy the autumnal palette is by driving along one of Virginia’s beautiful highways and byways. The western side of the state is especially beautiful in October. Here are some of the best scenic drives to see the extraordinary foliage this fall.
Blue Ridge Parkway (Blue Ridge Region)
What better way to enjoy fall foliage than by driving through the Blue Ridge Mountains? This scenic route through the mountains allows travelers to enjoy a variety of tree species at different elevations on this road. Because of the elevation changes, all of the fall colors can be seen from the back road. Fall foliage is at its best in this area in October, so don’t miss this road trip.
Skyline Drive (Shenandoah National Park)
The Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park is different from other scenic drives because most roads only have a speed limit of 35 miles per hour. While that speed may feel like a snail for conventional travel, this slow drive allows travelers to enjoy the stunning scenery of Virginia’s mountains in the fall.
Panoramic drive to Cumberland Mountain (Dickenson County)
Many say this dynamic 19-mile drive on Route 611 is worth the trip, especially in the fall. In addition to the beautiful foliage, there are also plenty of colorful wildflowers and wildlife along the drive. This route also has a lot of history, and travelers can see many old farms, barns, and other buildings from times gone by.
Mount Rogers Scenic Road (Troutdale)
The 60-mile (about a three-hour drive) Mount Rogers Scenic Byway is well worth the drive. This byway takes you through Shenandoah National Park, which offers a variety of breathtaking views. Hours is a long drive, but there are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the park’s amenities—we recommend packing a picnic. You’ll even have the opportunity to drive up Whitetop Mountain, the oldest mountain in the United States, during your drive.
Colonial Parkway (Yorktown)
The Colonial Parkway is a historic route that takes you through Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. This route is full of beautiful scenery and interesting architecture with its many tunnels. This scenic route becomes a kaleidoscope of colors in the fall, and many of the trees match the brick buildings of the parkway during the foliage change. Currently, the Colonial Parkway is undergoing rehabilitation, but some parts of this road are still open for road trips. Be sure to check in to see which parts of the Parkway are under construction this fall.
Snickersville Turnpike (Loudoun County)
The Snickersville Turnpike in Loudoun County is full of history and beautiful scenery. Locals have maintained this road despite attempts to modernize the route to preserve its historic aesthetic. The Snickersville Turnpike Association is in constant contact with state agencies to preserve the natural beauty of the turnpike. A drive down this road in mid-October would make anyone want to preserve the natural splendor of the route.
