Posted Oct. 10, 2018 | Updated Sept. 18, 2020

There is no place like Virginia in the fall. If you love leaves, you'll want to check out my favorite leaf peeping road trip that even includes a spectacular waterfall and stops at some unique historic sites. And yes, it is epic, so I am about to let the cat out of the bag. 

While there are many gorgeous roads and drives to see the beautiful fall leaves in splendor across Virginia, I have a route with just four stops that in my opinion tops them all.

Head to the mountains this fall, you're in for a treat.

My chosen route is surprisingly not on "America's Favorite Drive" i.e. the Blue Ridge Parkway, which may shock some of you, but it's not too far from it, so if you have time, it is always a good recommendation.

But if I had one section of Virginia's beautiful scenery to ride, this would be it. We'll start just off I-81 at Natural Bridge State Park and then meander along under the leafy canopy, stopping at a few places until we reach our check-in destination of Douthat State Park. 

This scenic route is popular during the fall for motorcycle touring and anyone eager for a crisp mountain road trip. There are plenty of twists and turns to make it exciting. If you go midweek expect to have an open road and a more pleasurable riding experience.

1. | NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK FOR A LOOK

A visit to the Natural Bridge is a must on your Epic Fall Road Trip in Virginia.

Take a long look, then wander under the bridge to see it from the other side. If you are eager to check out more of the park, then head on down the accessible trail which is less than a mile to Lace Falls. Along the way, you can visit the entrance to the Saltpeter Cave, the Lost River, the Monacan Indian Village and experience nature along the Cedar Creek Trail.

When you're ready just catch the handy free shuttle back up to the visitor center, or on to your car.

2. | FALLING SPRING FALLS FOR A LINGER

Falling Spring Falls is managed by Douthat State Park, and is easy to view from the road.

Known as one of the most scenic waterfalls in the entire state of Virginia, you can experience this breathtaking 80-foot fall quite easily Highway 220 near Covington Virginia when you're enroute to Douthat State Park. While not situated on state park property proper it was donated along with 19 surrounding acres to Virginia State Parks back in 2004 from Mead Westvaco. 

Electricity was generated from the falls to run the lime crushing plant and to operate an electric railway hauling travertine from the mine. It is now managed by Douthat State Park, and I guarantee Falling Spring Falls will knock your socks off. Spend a few moments lingering and listening to the falls.

3. | OMNI HOMESTEAD RESORT FOR LUNCH

A stop at the Omni Homestead is worthwhile on your Epic Fall Road Trip.

Quite possibly one of the prettiest resort settings on the entire East Coast and was built way back in 1766. You can spend countless hours or even days at the Omni Homestead playing golf, skeet shooting, swimming, hiking, segway, spa treatments etc etc, but stopping here for a nice lunch is well worth it, and you can even sit outside. Twenty-two sitting presidents including Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Woodrow Wilson, Dwight Eisenhower, William Taft, James Madison, and James McKinley, various dignitaries, captains of commerce, and royalty have all visited the Homestead, so you should too. 

The entire town of Hot Springs is delightful. Learn more about Bath County and neat things to see and do there.

LEAF PEEPING ROUTE

If you begin the day early you will get the most bang for your buck. This map shows the start point from Douthat State Park as the homebase. A visit to Falling Spring Falls then a stop at Omni Homestead Resort for lunch. Maybe the next day spend some time at Natural Bridge State Park, and a few hours North at James River State Park, or choose this park for a few nights stay after Douthat State Park. Click the map above to see the details.

You will encounter some beautiful winding roads and the mountains in their fall glory.

4. | DOUTHAT STATE PARK FOR LODGING

Enjoy a cabin in the woods this fall (cabin 3).

CCC-built cabin 14 is a 2-bedroom cabin at Douthat State Park.

Douthat State Park is a leafy destination all its own and one of my all time favorite places on earth. Perfect for paddling the lake, fishing, hiking, mountain biking or just snuggling close by a campfire while roasting marshmallows.

The park has 35 cabins/lodges from one room efficiencies to 3 bedroom and include rocking chairs, porches or decks and even the first bundle of firewood. The lodges vary from the newer style to rustic log Douthat Lodge which is perched atop a mountain.

Learn more about the cabins, lodges and campground at Douthat State Park or call 800-933-7275. 

Ahhhh, discover Douthat State Park in the fall.

I recommend using Douthat State Park as your home base for exploring the majesty of these mountains, while seeing some of Virginia's most attractive fall scenery.

5. | SPECIAL ADD-ON

If you want to make it a park to park visit, then you'll want to check out James River State Park after Natural Bridge.

Tye River Overlook at James River State Park.

It's a fantastic park that's tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains with 3 miles of James River shoreline to access, also cabins, trails and scenic overlooks like the Tye River Overlook for breathtaking views. You can stay here a few nights, or a day visit. Learn more about this park.