When the leaves change, the fall festivals ramp up, the overnight temperatures begin to drop and many of us begin our search for the perfect leaf-peeping day trip.

A drive along a country road will give us plenty of fall foliage, especially if it's on the super scenic Blue Ridge Parkway or the fabulous Skyline Drive, but the views in the coastal/tidewater region of Virginia should not be overlooked. Whether you're local to the region or looking for a new experience, here are a few of our favorite parks' autumn destinations. 

Park roads offer some of the prettiest drives around.

 

1. LEESYLVANIA STATE PARK

Lone sentinel at Leesylvania State Park.

Leesylvania State Park is nestled along the tidal shores of the historic Potomac River. Native Americans lived on this land for thousands of years before Capt. John Smith visited the area in 1608. It's also the ancestral home of Virginia's Lee and Fairfax families. Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, Leesylvania offers many land and water activities, including hiking, picnicking, fishing and boating.

The park is open from 6 a.m. to a half-hour after sunset Monday through Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, it's open from 5 a.m. to a half-hour after sunset. This is perfect if you are an early bird and want to catch a sunrise with a hot thermos of coffee or if you prefer the magical sunsets over the Potomac.

Learn about the recreational opportunities at Leesylvania State Park. See park events for this fall.

 

2. YORK RIVER STATE PARK

Beautiful Taskinas Creek from the shoreline at York River State Park.

York River State Park is known for its rare and delicate estuarine environment, where freshwater and saltwater meet to create a rich habitat for marine and plant life. The pristine environment offers clues to a rich natural and cultural history and hosts fossil beds and Colonial and Native American artifacts. More than 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails allow visitors to explore the marsh, river shoreline and forests. A boat ramp, fresh and saltwater fishing spots, a fishing pier, playgrounds and picnic shelters are available to enjoy.

The park is open from 8 a.m. to dusk. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy, as there are many locations that overlook the water, like benches or a lovely gazebo.

Learn about the recreational opportunities at York River State Park. See park events for this fall.

 

3. CHIPPOKES STATE PARK

Gentle curves lead you through the fall leaves at Chippokes State Park.

Chippokes State Park is just across the James River from historic Jamestown in beautiful Surry County and is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country. A working farm since 1619, the park offers modern recreational activities and a glimpse of life in a bygone era. Visitors tour the historic area with its antebellum mansion and outbuildings, stroll through formal gardens, and view antique equipment at the Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum.

Open from dawn to dusk, there are many fun opportunities to meander along the river searching for fossils, to bike, hike or picnic.

Learn about the recreational opportunities at Chippokes State Park. See park events for this fall.

 

4. BELLE ISLE STATE PARK

Nature therapy at Belle Isle State Park (BYO hammock).

Belle Isle State Park has seven miles of shoreline on the Northern Neck's Rappahannock River and provides access to Mulberry and Deep Creeks. The park allows visitors to explore a wide variety of tidal wetlands interspersed with farmland and upland forests. It has a campground, three picnic shelters, hiking, biking and bridle trails, and motorboat and car-top launches.

The diverse habitats found in the park provide homes to many predator birds, such as blue herons, osprey, hawks and bald eagles. White-tailed deer, turkeys, groundhogs, rabbits, squirrels, moles, reptiles and amphibians are also common. There are eight distinct types of wetlands within the park.

The park is open from dawn to dusk. While not a coastal Virginia location, it is part of the Tidewater area and just a couple of hours' drive from it. The park is also just two hours from Richmond and Northern Virginia.

Learn about the recreational opportunities at Belle Isle State Park. See park events for this fall.

 

SPEND A FEW NIGHTS

It's hard to deny that Coastal Virginia offers some incredible leaf-peeping destinations. That's just the start of it though--you can see the leaves fall from Tidewater all the way to the Cumberland Gap. It just depends on how far you want to drive. Also, be aware that fall doesn't end on October 31 when most of the leaf peepers go home; many parks will still have brilliant colorful fall foliage halfway into November. 

You can click the links above to learn more about that specific Virginia State Park or see a map of all Virginia State Parks. For overnight accommodations,  check availability online or call 800-933-7275 during regular business hours. Rates are lower in the off-peak season; see the cabin fees schedule.

Stay alert, as last-minute cancellations might allow for a fantastic unexpected cabin getaway. Any available cabin for that upcoming weekend will be 25% off if you mention the "last-minute cabin discount" on Thursday or Friday when you call, and this also applies to family lodges.