Fall Foliage Report for Western Virginia State Parks
Fall foliage report for Oct. 31, 2024.
Peak fall foliage has arrived for many of the parks in our western region, offering a breathtaking display of colors. At Fairy Stone State Park, peak colors are visible with delightful autumn hues amidst pleasant weather. Meanwhile, Hungry Mother State Park showcases stunning reds, yellows, and oranges, with daytime temperatures in the low 70s and cooler nights. In contrast, at Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, many leaves remain green, and more are falling rather than changing colors. Last week marked the peak of fall foliage at Douthat State Park, although some colorful leaves remain. American beech trees are especially vibrant with bright yellow leaves. Now is the perfect time to explore leaf-strewn trails, kayak under colorful canopies or take in panoramic views from hilltop overlooks.
Enjoy bird watching, hiking, biking or have a camping adventure! Park programs are available to help connect you to nature. Be sure to share your fall photos from your adventures on social media using the hashtags #VaStateParks and #FallinVirginia to be part of the online conversation.
Douthat State Park - 10/28/2024
The fall foliage peak arrived last week at Douthat State Park, but some leaves still show off their colors. We have had frost-inducing temperatures and some wind, which has caused many leaves to fall off. The American beech trees are beautiful right now, with bright yellow leaves.
Best place to view: The boat launch is a great place to view the colors on the mountains while also seeing a great view of the lake. Our Enchroma-adapted viewfinder is also there for our color blind guests to be able to see the gorgeous fall foliage.
Why visit this week: Join us for Campfire Cookery, Autum Art Adventure and a Fall Foliage History Walk, all happening on Saturday, Nov. 2.
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Fairy Stone State Park - 10/29/2024
Peak colors have arrived this week at Fairy Stone State Park! As you’re driving through the park, you can see a kaleidoscope of vibrant shades of autumn hues. Weather conditions have been pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s at night to the mid-60s during the day. With windy and dry conditions, leaves have started to fall.
Best place to view: The cabin area and boat ramp.
Why visit this week:
Fairy Stone Hunt - Nov. 2 and 3, 12-1 p.m. Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations, and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own fairy stone . After the hike join the workshop to clean up your collection.
Turtle Time - Nov. 1 and 4-6, 1-2 p.m. Come out of your shell and spend some time getting to know the park’s new animal ambassador eastern box turtle.
Fungal Friends - Nov. 2, 3-4 p.m. When a tree falls in the forest, what happens next? It's probably not what you expect! Come find out why we love mushrooms, what fungus has to do with trees and how that friendship benefits Fairy Stone State Park.
Nature’s Invaders - Nov. 3, 3-4 p.m. Invaders are taking over Fairy Stone State Park and your own backyard. Come find out how you can help ensure that plants and bugs and birds and people benefit from native species
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Hungry Mother State Park - 10/27/2024
Peak season is upon us at Hungry Mother State Park. The leaves are gorgeous in all their fall dress colors! The reds are dark, the yellows are bright, and the oranges are stunning. The temperatures remain in the low 70s throughout the day and get into the 40s, sometimes even 30s in the evenings. Bring a favorite sweater and hot chocolate as you drive through the park and enjoy all the sights and smells of fall.
Best place to view: Many of the day-use areas are stunning right now. Driving anywhere in the mountains is also beautiful. Molly’s Knob and Clyburn Ridge will offer stunning views of the landscape.
Why visit this week: Check out the town of Marion with its many Halloween activities going on. Many of the local eateries have special drinks and lots of good food.
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Southwest Virginia Museum State Park - 10/28/2024
The weather at Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park has been cooling off at night. The leaves have mostly stayed the same this past week. There’s still a lot of green throughout the mountains. More leaves are just falling off instead of turning.
Best place to view: The view from the Victorian Garden this week has more changing colors. The 101 train car still has color and is a beautiful spot to see some of the more vibrant colors.
Why visit this week: On Thursday, Oct. 31, 5-9 p.m., the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park will present the annual Hoots ‘N’ Haints Family Festival . Children 12 and under, and their families, are invited to the park for a variety of activities and games.
Click the photo to view a slideshow.