Fall Foliage Report for Western Virginia State Parks

Fall foliage report for Nov. 7, 2024.

Although peak fall foliage has passed at the parks in our western region, they’re still beautiful destinations this time of year. While not as vibrant, the leaves that remain on trees are warm shades of red and orange, creating a peaceful, late-autumn atmosphere. The mild temperatures make it a great time to hike or bike along leaf-covered trails.

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 - 11/4/2024

There are now more leaves on the ground than in the trees. There are still some red-hued leaves hanging on. When looking at the mountains, the trees seem bare at higher elevations with more leaves on trees at lower elevations. Some of the beech trees still have bright yellow leaves while some maples are still orange and red.

Best place to view: When hiking to the top of the dam by taking Heron Run Trail, you will be able to see the mountains reflecting off the lake and see how the coloration changes on the mountains based on elevation.

Why visit this week: Join us at one of our Autumn-themed programs on Saturday, Nov. 9.

Click the photo to view a slideshow.

Fairy Stone State Park - 11/5/2024

Autumn colors are on full display throughout the park. Persistent dry and windy conditions have created a blanket of colorful leaves on the trails. The weather has been pleasant and sunny, with highs in the low 70s and lows in the low 50s.

Best place to view: Views of the stunning foliage can be found throughout the park.

Why visit this week:
Join us at Fairy Stone State Park for an iNaturalist BioBlitz event! During a BioBlitz, students, rangers, citizens and scientists work together to observe and identify as many species as they can.
  Oak Hickory Trail Guided Hike - Friday, Nov. 8, 12-2 p.m.
  What's Living in the Stream? - Saturday, Nov. 9, 12-2 p.m.
  Little Mountain Falls Guided Hike - Sunday, Nov. 10 - 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  Salamander Search with Dr. Arianna Kuhn - Monday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Join us every second Saturday at the Mayo River Trails to explore the future Mayo River State Park. You will also discover some interesting facts about local wildlife, the history of the Native Americans who inhabited the area and  the exploration of the area by William Byrd. - Nov. 9, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Click the photo to view a slideshow.

Hungry Mother State Park - 11/3/2024

Even though peak season has passed for 2024, it doesn’t mean there still aren’t beautiful landscapes to see. The leaves are starting to turn brown and drop off the trees. But not all trees have lost their leaves yet. There are still maples, oaks, beeches and the various greens of evergreens that still support their leaves for a while longer. Now is the time to still see a little color, but through the bare branches you can really see the shape and size of the mountains. The temperatures remain in the low 70s during the day and dropping into the 40s in the evenings. Hang out and watch as the sun goes down as we have had some very nice sunsets.         

Best place to view: The beach still has a lot of color surrounding it and the adjoining mountains.

Why visit this week: Crafting with Friends - Nov. 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The park is working to get all the trails free of downed trees along with favorite day use areas. The staff has made great strides in cleaning up the park this week.

Click the photo to view a slideshow.

Southwest Virginia Museum State Park - 11/4/2024

This week, with some rain and all the dry weather, most of the leaves are now off the trees at the park. We still have a few leaves left around the 101 Train Car and a small amount of color in the Victorian Garden, but that is about it. While, there’s not much to see as far as the fall color, the park is still beautiful even without the fall leaves. We would love to have you visit us.

Best place to view: As you can see in the pictures of the museum, most of the leaves are now gone from the park. We do still have a very small amount of color in the Victorian Garden.

Why visit this week: Birding in the Gap - Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
29th Annual Festival of Trees opens to the public for the 2024 season. - Sunday, Nov. 10, 1-5 p.m.

Click the photo to view a slideshow.

 

---