Fall Foliage Report for Central Virginia State Parks

Fall foliage for Nov. 7, 2024.

Most of the parks in our central region are just past peak foliage, and many of the trees have started shedding their vibrant fall colors. However, the leaves that remain, are still muted shades of red, orange and yellow, creating a charming, late-autumn landscape. With the cooler temperatures, it’s the perfect time to attend an outdoor program, enjoy a peaceful picnic or stroll a leaf-covered trail.

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 - 11/12/2024

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.

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: Basic Archery - Nov. 17, 10-11 a.m.

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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 - 11/1/2024

As we enter November, the leaves have started falling. There is still plenty of color to be seen, though! Earlier in the season, the best place to view fall colors was near the water. Now, the rest of the park is brightly colored and the trees closest to the water are dropping leaves at a faster pace than the rest of the park.

Best place to view: Try our Beaver Pond Trail for lots of leaves on and off the trees.

Why visit this week: On Friday, Nov. 8, Archery 101 is happening from 2 to 3:30 p.m. by the visitor center. Registration is required. Please call 434-374-2210.
Also on Friday, Nov. 8, come learn about the Bats of Southern Virginia at 5:30 p.m. at the Posseclay Interpretive Shelter.

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Pocahontas State Park - 11/4/2024

We’re just past the peak color at the park, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to see. The once-vibrant reds, oranges and yellows have faded into softer, more muted tones—rusty oranges, earthy browns and shades of tan.

Best place to view: Park at the CCC Museum parking lot and take the paved Spillway Trail to the small sandy beach along Beaver Lake.

Why visit this week: Join us for our Haiku Hike, Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m., where we’ll slow down and connect with the natural world around us through poetry. Suitable for all ages, meets at the visitor center.

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Powhatan State Park - 11/3/2024

On sunny days at Powhatan State Park, the brilliant blue sky is the perfect backdrop for the fiery warmth of the autumn leaves. Oaks, maples, hickories, dogwoods and sweetgums display their kaleidoscope of colors in the cool breeze and decorate the forest floor with crunchy golden-browns and yellows. The meadows spread out under thin wispy clouds like a patchwork quilt of fall colors ranging from gold to warm browns to rich scarlet and pale yellow.

Best place to view: Driving along the park road and hiking on Cabin Trail through the meadows and mature hardwood forest.

Why visit this week: Fire-building 101 – Nov. 9, 3-4 p.m. What does it take to build a "one match" fire? Practice the basics of fire-building with a park ranger and bring those skills to your next camping trip. All ages are welcome. Registration is required due to limited supplies. To register, please visit or call the park office at 804-598-7128 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  or send an email to powhatan@dcr.virginia.gov.

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Smith Mountain Lake State Park - 11/4/2024

The sunny days and cooler fall temperatures are bringing out numerous visitors hopeful to catch a peek of the fall foliage before it reaches its peak, which appears to be happening this week. There is an increase in bronze, golds and scarlets as the oaks finally start to turn.

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. 9, in the campground from 12:30-1:30 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 2:30-4:30 p.m.

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