Someone asked us the other day if you had to choose a Virginia State Park destination for a fall road trip, which would you choose? Our answer: all of them.

The simple reason is that we have parks dotting the Virginia landscape from the Coastal region to the far-flung mountainous Cumberland Gap, and the leaves just don't all fall at once, they spread the love across our great commonwealth in phases. This gives us more opportunities to leaf peep.

We've got some of the most breathtaking scenery in and out of our parks. Grayson Highlands State Park (Image credit: Rocky Wall Photography)

Of course, most of us can't just pack up and go for extended amounts of time, but if you could manage a few days off, you might want to high-tail it to what some of us consider the most beautiful autumn scenery around. Just make sure to hit a few stops along the way at key points to stretch, hike a little and take in Virginia in all her abundant leafy glory.

Whether you ride a motorcycle, drive a convertible with the top down, or big ol' rough riding pick-up truck, you're going to love this scenic route we've chosen for a spectacular fall road trip in Southwest Virginia. And you'll probably enjoy some fun park adventures along the way.

DAY ONE

Check in to a Hungry Mother State Park cabin, campsite or yurt.

If you happen to arrive before check-in time, then by all means take advantage of the trails, you won't be disappointed.

Hungry Mother State Park is a favorite fall camping destination.

Clyburn Ridge Trail will give you a really nice view of the lake with fall leaves.

ABOUT

Hungry Mother, one of the original six Virginia State Parks, has long been a favorite. It's known for beautiful woodlands and a placid 108-acre lake in the heart of the mountains. The park has a sandy beach with a bathhouse, seasonal boat rentals (fishing, canoe, kayak, paddle boats and paddleboards), a boat launch and a universally accessible fishing pier.

Guests also enjoy its campgrounds, cabins, yurts, gift shops, visitor center, six-bedroom family lodge, and hiking and biking trails. Make a cabin, campsite or yurt reservation as soon as possible as this is a popular place in the fall. You can check availability online here, or by calling 800-933-7275.

WHAT TO DO

Consider taking a pre-dinner leisurely hike on the Clyburn Ridge Trail to see the grandeur of these mountains at sunset, or maybe even paddle your way along the lake's edge to see the fall leaves reflecting on the water. Click here to view this park's trails.

Late afternoon or early morning is the best time to see the lake this calm.

HIGHLIGHTS: Molly's Knob Trail to Vista Trail overlook. There is also a cute little footbridge that leads to an island, you'll find it down past the boat rental kiosk area. Bring your fishing pole.

BONUS: Back of the Dragon Route 16

 

Back of the Dragon near Hungry Mother State Park  Photo Credit: Cameron Davidson / Virginia Tourism Corp.

Since this famous road, the Back of the Dragon cuts through the park, you may enjoy a little side trip. You can actually stay within the park by taking it up and over a few dozen curves to an amazing overlook at the top. Don't worry, you'll see a pull-out with the park sign.

Learn more about this epic route with 32 miles of curves here. 

Route 16 cuts right through the park, it's a no-brainer to just "sample" this famous road.

Knee-bending fun on Route 16 from Marion to Tazwell on The Dragon.

You may also enjoy Tin roofs, porch swings and apple trees.

DAY TWO

Wake up to birdsong and sunshine filtering through the trees, as colorful leaves tumble down on your tent. Enjoy your coffee near the lake. Then gear up and drive through the mountains to Grayson Highlands State Park.

You can't argue with mother nature, she wins every time. Morning reflection on Hungry Mother Lake

Some of the spectacular leaf-laden park roads are all part of the journey.

The mountains of southwest Virginia come to life with deep fall colors. Pioneer cabin area at Grayson Highlands

ABOUT

Near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia's two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. Facilities include a visitor center, campgrounds, and hiking trails leading to waterfalls and overlooks. Scenic horse trails and a horse camping area with electric and water hookups, stables and parking for trailers are available. The park provides year-round access to the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail. Learn about the park's camping amenities or call 800-933-7275.

Give yourself plenty of time to hike to your favorite overlook. Or if you just want to view the park from the winding roads, you will have some breathtaking stops, in fact, I highly recommend you go to the Park Visitor Center. 

Experience the autumn beauty this October from Grayson Highlands.

Twin Pinnacles is a 1.33-mile moderate hike that offers these gorgeous views.

WHAT TO DO

Breathe in the crisp mountain air and give yourself extra time to absorb nature in this magnificent place. Be sure to be prepared for fall in the Highlands, this means the weather can turn on a dime, and drop dramatically. Don't take on a longer or more strenuous hike than you can handle, as some of the hikes are not loops, be sure to thoroughly read the trail map before venturing out. Read this blog before heading out for important information. 

Click here to view this park's trails.

If you're looking for a more accessible hike, mostly flat, opt for: 

• Buzzard Rock Overlook
• Picnic area at Buzzard Rock Overlook

HIGHLIGHTS: Cabin Creek Falls, Wild Ponies, The Magic Tree. You can also section hike the Appalachian Trail from this park.

DAY THREE

After an early morning of bacon and eggs over a campfire, get ready to rumble as you go to one of the most spectacular parks in Virginia, Wilderness Road State Park. It's a great idea to pack a picnic or cooler for sandwich-making as you spend the day out exploring Daniel Boone's country. You might want to bring your bikes.

Historic Martin's Station with the Cumberland Mountain offers the perfect backdrop.

ABOUT

Wilderness Road offers picnicking, hiking, and nature and living history programs. Visitors can enjoy the visitor center, home to a theater showing an award-winning docudrama, "Wilderness Road, Spirit of a Nation." The center also has a frontier museum and a gift shop with unique regional gifts. The park features the reconstructed Martin's Station, an outdoor living history museum depicting life on Virginia's 1775 frontier. Guests also enjoy the park's picnic shelters, 100-seat amphitheater, nature play-scape, ADA-certified playground, sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits.

WHAT TO DO

Walk in the footsteps of history at the fort at Wilderness Road State Park.

After visitors enjoy the frontier museum, they can hike, bike or horseback ride on the 8.5-mile Wilderness Road (rail) Trail linking the park with more than 50 miles of trails in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Click here to view this park's trails.

This park is rich in American history and adventure. 

No bull, there are real buffalo at Wilderness Road State Park.

Immerse yourself in 18th-century Virginia as folks gather at Historic Martin's Station for a frontier harvest.

HIGHLIGHT: Live Buffalo. 

You may also enjoy: Why You'll Go Wild About Wilderness Road.

BONUS SIDE TRIP

On the road back to Hungry Mother State Park, make an interesting and worthwhile side trip to Natural Tunnel State Park.

You've got to see the leaves changing in the mountains at Natural Tunnel State Park. The view from the Cove Center back porch. 

ABOUT

More than 850 feet long and 10 stories high, Natural Tunnel was naturally carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years. William Jennings Bryan called it the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Other scenic features include a wide chasm between steep stone walls surrounded by several pinnacles, or "chimneys." Facilities include two campgrounds, cabins, picnic areas, an amphitheater, a visitor center, a camp store and a gift shop. For more information about the park's cabins, camping and yurts, click here or call 800-933-7275.

You'll also find the Wilderness Road historic area and a chairlift to the tunnel floor.  Guests enjoy cave tours and canoe trips on the Clinch River, as well as the Cove Ridge Center, which offers environmental education, conference facilities and overnight dorm accommodations. Also, visit The Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Center.

WHAT TO DO

Hike to the bottom and watch as the trains traverse the limestone tunnel. Hike on a little further to find the historic Carter Cabin. Click here to view this park's trails.

This is the view from Lover's Leap at Natural Tunnel State Park.

HIGHLIGHTS: Lover's Leap Trail. Cave tours. 

You may also enjoy: Is There Glamping at Virginia State Parks? How About a Yurt.

Discover what adventures are waiting for you on a fall road trip. It's time to plan and make it happen, the leaves wait for no one at Virginia State Parks.