Fall Foliage Report for Northern Virginia State Parks

Fall foliage report for Nov. 7, 2024. 

Foliage may be just past its peak at most of our parks in the northern region, with leaves beginning to fall to the ground, but these parks are still well worth a visit. The remaining leaves that are shades of muted yellows, reds and oranges combined with bare branches create a picturesque, late-fall setting. Now is a great time to hit the trail, enjoy a peaceful picnic or pitch a tent under the stars.

Get outside and share your fall photos on social media using the hashtags #VaStateParks and #FallinVirginia to participate in the online conversation.

Leesylvania State Park - 11/5/2024

This week, the trees are showing off their full fall colors. The weather has been getting colder, and days are shorter with a nice fall breeze coming through. If you have yet to make your way to Leesylvania State Park this fall season, now would be a great time to see the fall landscape in full swing before the leaves begin to drop!

Best place to view: The best places to view the fall foliage are Potomac Trail, Bushey Point Trail, Lee’s Wood Trail, Powell's Creek Trail and the boat launch docks.

Why visit this week: Science in the Park: Homeschool Series on Oct. 31

Click the photo to view a slideshow.

Seven Bends State Park - 11/3/2024

Although our peak fall colors have passed, the views remain breathtaking. Along the riverbed, many sycamores are turning a warm orange, while this weekend’s warmer weather has drawn visitors eager to enjoy the final days of fall in the Shenandoah Valley. Massanutten Mountain still boasts vibrant yellows and reds, and for those exploring the ridge, they’ll find pawpaw saplings holding onto their green leaves, a last hint of summer amid the autumn landscape.

Best place to view: Lupton Road and Stonecrop Trail

Why visit this week: Even as peak colors fade, the Shenandoah Valley offers views of late-autumn beauty. The ridges of Massanutten Mountain are still alive with patches of bright yellow and red. This blend of lingering autumn colors and mild weather creates an ideal environment for hiking, photography or soaking in nature's last burst of fall.

Click the photo to view a slideshow.

Sky Meadows State Park - 11/5/2024

The weather at Sky Meadows State Park has been mostly sunny and warm this past week. The temperatures have ranged from the 40s to the 70s and the days are shortening. The fall foliage has passed its peak of color, as many leaves have turned and fallen, there remain bright spots of color here and there. The Historic Area and Lost Mountain are prime spots for surveying the fall foliage. Turner Pond is another great spot for viewing fall foliage, with the bonus of viewing swans and geese.

Best place to view: The Historic Area, Lost Mountain and Turner Pond 

Why visit this week:
Critter Chow - Nov. 8
A Walk Through Geologic Time: A guided hike on the Sensory Explorers’ Trail and the Hands-On Hearth Cooking Workshop - Nov. 9
Run Like A Duke! 5K event - Nov. 10

Click the photo to view a slideshow.

Sweet Run State Park - 11/4/2024

Many more trees have started to shed their leaves at Sweet Run, with heavy assistance from the strong wind gusts seen this week. The temperatures have cooled off, dipping into the 40s at night. During the day, temperatures have ranged from the low 60s to the low 70s. Most trees have reached their peak, further evident by all the leaves now blanketing the ground. While most trees have peaked, there are still plenty of vibrant colors to be found within the trails.

Best place to view: For landscape views, check out the colors from East Meadow Trail (most easily accessible from the Sawmill Parking Lot). For a more up close and personal look at the changing trees, explore Piney Run Trail.

*Please use extra caution when accessing the Sawmill Parking Lot, as this entrance also serves as the trailer access for park visitors. Be on the lookout for horse trailers as you drive down Sawmill Ln.

Why visit this week:
Park Tales and Tails - Nov. 9, 10:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m.
Learn to Geocache - Nov. 10, 1-2:30 p.m. Meet at the Interpretive Center, where the park interpreter will dive into the basics, terminology and etiquette of geocaching. Then, embark on a journey into the trails to discover hidden geocaches at Sweet Run.

Click the photo to view a slideshow.

Widewater State Park - 10/29/2024

Little has changed in the leaf cover at Widewater beyond a shade more yellows and reds. Leaves are beginning to cover the ground and the days have sharp, chill nip in the air.

Best place to view: Aquia Creek Paddle Launch, Holly Marsh Trail 

Click the photo to view a slideshow.

 

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