Fall Foliage Report for Central Virginia State Parks
Fall foliage for Oct. 31, 2024.
Virginia's state parks in the central region are experiencing peak fall foliage. Bear Creek Lake features vibrant reds and oranges, while High Bridge Trail offers breathtaking views of gold and crimson leaves. Pocahontas State Park's Beaver Lake reflects brilliant foliage, and Powhatan State Park is vibrant with oaks and sweetgum trees. Occoneechee State Park has a striking mix of colors, and Smith Mountain Lake is reaching peak fall hues as greens fade. The vibrant colors and crisp autumn air make it a great time to explore scenic trails, paddle along tranquil waters or enjoy a peaceful picnic.
Get outside and share your fall photos on social media using the hashtags #VaStateParks and #FallinVirginia to participate in the online conversation.
Bear Creek Lake State Park - 10/29/2024
Lots of color can be seen throughout Bear Creek Lake State Park as more leaves put on shades of reds, yellowsand oranges. Maples, dogwoods and sumacs are just some of the trees that have started to show their colors.
Best place to view: Out on the lake is a great place to see trees that have begun to change colors for fall. Lakeside trail is also a wonderful way to see both the color change along the lake and within the forest.
Why visit this week: The Bear Creek Lake State Park Archery Club is open to beginner and intermediate level archers 18 years old and older. Join us on Sunday, Nov. 3 from 1-2:30 p.m. Join in by purchasing a $20 Archery Club card at the park office which is valid for five sessions.
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High Bridge Trail State Park - 10/29/24
Late October brought a spectacular fall color display to High Bridge Trail State Park. The leaves have transformed into vibrant shades of gold, crimson and fiery orange, creating a breathtaking autumn tapestry along the trail. High Bridge offers panoramic views of the Appomattox River Valley dressed in these rich hues, while trails between Farmville and High Bridge provide an immersive experience beneath the colorful canopy. For an excellent hike along the river, the Spur Line Trail offers a stunning view of High Bridge framed by the season's finest colors—making it an ideal time to explore the park and soak in the beauty of fall.
Best place to view: The High Bridge.
Why visit this week: High Bridge Trail State Park has several programs and events going into the fall season which will appeal to fall enthusiasts and history fans alike. See our events here.
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Occoneechee State Park - 10/29/2024
Over the last couple of weeks, the cold weather has led to an explosion of fall color in Occoneechee State Park. Beautiful hues of red, orange and gold can now be found everywhere you look, although there is still a lot of green, too.
Best place to view: Around the lake has the most fall colors, but you’ll see wonderful foliage everywhere you look. Try a hike on the Tutelo Birding Trail to see some birds along with the fall foliage.
Why visit this week: Join us on Saturday, Nov. 2, for an Autumn Canoeing Adventure! We will explore remote coves on Buggs Island Lake on this 3-mile paddle. Space is limited, so please call the office at 434-374-2210 to reserve your spot.
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Pocahontas State Park - 10/28/2024
There's a quiet stillness to Beaver Lake at Pocahontas State Park in the morning, as if the lake and the trees are savoring the calm before the day's or week's activities begin. Surrounding the lake are trees and shrubs in their peak autumn colors—brilliant shades of fiery red, burnt orange and golden yellow- and the lake's water is reflective, mirroring the bright foliage and sky, creating a near-perfect image.
Best place to view: The end of the Spillway Trail or the sandy beach along Beaver Lake.
Why visit this week: Fully immerse yourself in nature through art and movement by joining us for Nature Journaling, Nov. 2 at 11:30 a.m., and a hike along Beaver Lake trail at 2 p.m. Both events meet at the visitor center. All materials are provided for Nature Journaling, but email Rebecca.whalen@dcr.virginia.gov for reservations. The Beaver Lake trail hike is a 2.5-mile journey over rooty, hilly terrain. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.
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Powhatan State Park - 10/29/2024
It's prime time for fall colors at Powhatan State Park! All around the park, whether on a trail or from the road, one can marvel at the oaks, maples and hickories that light up the landscape with vibrant reds, oranges and golden yellow. The sweetgum trees display a rainbow of colors from violet-black to fiery red and orange to sunny yellow and light green.
Best place to view: Driving along the park road and hiking on Cabin Trail or Big Woods Trail.
Why visit this week: Botanical Dye Greeting Cards on Nov. 2, 3-4:30 p.m.
Join us to learn about Virginia's native plants that can be processed into beautiful natural dyes. Using the dyes as watercolors, you'll decorate greeting cards or postcards that you can share with others or keep for yourself.
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Smith Mountain Lake State Park - 10/28/2024
This week is just about peak season for the fall colors at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. We are seeing a lot more coverage of the park in the gorgeous reds, oranges and bright yellows, as the greens begin to fade. Late arrivals to the color party are sweetgum and oaks.
Best place to view: Along Interpretive Trail Rd. and State Park Rd. and in the coves near the Discovery Center.
Why visit this week: Join us Saturday, Nov. 2, in the campground from 1-2 p.m. for Camper Crafts . This program is fun for guests of all ages. Later that day stop by the Discovery Center to learn about our local wildlife and the history of the lake and the park. The Discovery Center will be open 3:30-5 p.m.
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