Fall Foliage Report for Central Virginia State Parks

Colors are popping this week at Bear Creek Lake State Park as most of the trees have started changing color as the chlorophyll cells continue to break down.

Best place to view:

• Anywhere within the park.

Why visit this week:

• Check out our events page to see upcoming programs and events.

Vibrant shades of red, yellow and orange can be seen throughout the park. It's a colorful and beautiful sight that you won't want to miss.

Best place to view:

• Anywhere within the park.

Why visit this week:

• 10/25/2025 – Basic Archery: 11 a.m. (requires registration)
• 10/25/2025 – Spectacular Snakes: 11 a.m.
• 10/25/2025 – Stargaze with the Crewe Astronomy Club: 7 p.m.
• 10/26/2025 – Archery Club: 1 p.m. (requires registration)

More trees are preparing for fall, enhancing the reds and yellows in the park.

Best place to view:

• Lakeside Trail

Why visit this week:

• 10/18/2025 – Basic Archery: 11 a.m. (requires registration)
• 10/18/2025 – Spectacular Snakes: 11 a.m.
• 10/18/2025 – S’more Caching: 1 p.m.
• 10/23/2025 – A Forested Meander: 10 a.m.
• 10/11/2025 – Basic Archery: 11 a.m. (requires registration)
• 10/23/2025 - Spectacular Snakes: 11 a.m.

Maples and hickories have begun their colorful transition to fall at Bear Creek Lake State Park, adding to the hints of red and yellow that are already visible throughout the forest.

Best place to view:

• Channel Cat Trail

Why visit this week:

• 10/11/2025 – Basic Archery: 10:30 a.m. (requires registration)
• 10/11/2025 – Spectacular Snakes: 10:30 a.m.
• 10/11/2025 – Ranger Station: 10 a.m.
• 10/12/2025 – Basic Archery: 10:30 a.m. (requires registration)
• 10/11/2025 – Archery Club: 1 p.m.
• 10/16/2025 - A Forested Meander: 10 a.m.

There hasn't been much change in the trees at Bear Creek Lake State Park since last week. Although many mushrooms have been appearing due to the rain, some asters have begun to bloom.

Best place to view:

• Down by the lake.

Why visit this week:

• 10/04/2025 – Basic Archery: 10:30 a.m. (requires registration)
• 10/04/2025 – S'more Caching: 1 p.m.
• 10/09/2025 – A Forested Meander: 10 a.m.
• 10/11/2025 – Basic Archery: 10:30 a.m. (requires registration)
• 10/11/2025 – Ranger Station: 10 a.m.

The landscape at High Bridge Trail State Park is primarily green, but some tree species are starting to change color. Sassafras is showing reds and oranges. Sweet gums are turning multiple colors on individual trees, and walnuts and hickories are showing patchy yellows and golds, respectively.

Best place to view:

• High Bridge is a great place to see the landscape from an elevated position, but anywhere in the park has beautiful things to see.li>

Why visit this week:

• We just had our 5K and Half Marathon, so the trail should be more tranquil for a while. Visit runsignup.com to join runs on High Bridge Trail. We have multiple opportunities through the year.

Tulip Poplars have started their transition to fall as hints of yellow can be seen throughout the forest and leaves begin to fall. Hints of red can also be seen as a few Dogwood trees begin to change color.

Best place to view:

• Channel Cat Trail is a wonderful way to see both the color change along the lake and within the forest.

Why visit this week:

• 09/25/2025 – Kayaks on the Lake: 10 a.m. (requires registration)
• 9/27/2025 - National Public Lands Day: Invasive removal at 10 a.m. & Ranger talk at 1 p.m.
• 9/28/2025 – Basic Archery: 10 a.m. (requires registration)
• 9/30/2025 – Scope It Out: 10 a.m.

Autumn colors have reached their peak, and even the oaks are beginning to display their muted fall hues. The best overall view of the landscape is from High Bridge. While the Cumberland side of the bridge still features vibrant colors, the Prince Edward side has already passed its peak.

Best place to view:

• Anywhere along our trail is a good place to see fall color.

Why visit this week:

• We are quickly running out of days to enjoy the fall colors, but the trees are still beautiful. We have a service project scheduled for the morning of November 8th around the main parking area, and there will be plenty of parking available. The long-range weather outlook looks favorable so far.

The foliage at High Bridge State Park is currently at its peak color, which, as expected, is a bit earlier than in previous years. Last Saturday, the colors appeared somewhat faded. Light rain has really brought the color out on our deciduous trees and vines, and it looks like we are now in peak color. We have had excellent weather, and the skies are predicted to clear up by this coming weekend. We are beginning to see more leaves falling to the ground. Now is the perfect time to enjoy the fall colors in our park.

Best place to view:

• Anywhere along our trail is a good place to see autumn leaves, but the view from High Bridge is hard to top.

Why visit this week:

• We have our last evening waxing full moon bike tour on Saturday, Nov. 1, starting at 6 p.m. in Farmville. It is promising to be a nice event.

Overall, the woods are now saturated with fall color, with hickories nearly completely gold. Even the oaks are starting to turn. Some trees are already barren for the Winter from the dry conditions and high winds. As predicted, we are entering peak color now, which is early for us. Usually, our peak color for most showy species in Southside Virginia coincides with the week of Halloween, followed by the oaks showing their muted color into November.

Best place to view:

• Anywhere along our trail is a good place to be on a nice, fall day, but you really must have a look from the High Bridge itself.

Why visit this week:

• With color peaking early and with mild, pleasant weather now, there is no better time to visit High Bridge Trail than as soon as you can.

About 50 percent of trees are showing fall color now. Dogwoods are now an attractive deep red, as well as all of the Virginia creeper vines. Hickories are about half gold and half green. Even the poison ivy leaves are changing to an attractive bright yellow. It might take an ocean of calamine lotion if you mess around with it, so look but don't touch.

Best place to view:

• Anywhere along our trail is a great place to see fall color, but High Bridge is an elevated view of a huge area of treetops.

Why visit this week:

• We have numerous opportunities to interact with park staff at our visitor center, with roving and point duty programming planned throughout the weekend. The weather is mild, clear, and cool now that we have come out from under a huge nor'easter.

The landscape at High Bridge Trail State Park is primarily green, but some tree species are starting to change color. Sassafras is showing reds and oranges. Sweet gums are turning multiple colors on individual trees, and walnuts and hickories are showing patchy yellows and golds, respectively.

Best place to view:

• High Bridge is a great place to see the landscape from an elevated position, but anywhere in the park has beautiful things to see.

Why visit this week:

• We just had our 5K and Half Marathon, so the trail should be more tranquil for a while. Visit runsignup.com to join runs on High Bridge Trail. We have multiple opportunities through the year.

The foliage in Holliday Lake State Park is shifting to deep reds, dusty gold and russet hues. More leaves are falling, creating a colorful carpet along the hiking trails.

Best place to view:

• Campgrounds, picnic area and Lakeshore Trail.

Why visit this week:

• Now is the perfect time to visit the park to enjoy the quiet and solitude of the lake and woods without summer crowds. No events are scheduled this week, but mark your calendar for Nov. 21 from 8:30 – 9:30 for Stargazing.

The reds are really popping right now, and the drive into the park on State Park Road is stunning.

Best place to view:

• Day use area, Northridge overlook and the campgrounds.

Why visit this week:

• Stargazing on Oct. 24, at 9 p.m. - come see the stars far from urban light pollution!

This week the foliage colors have really popped, with deep reds, pinks, and orange showing all along the lake shore and the roads.

Best place to view:

• The day use area, Redbud Campground and Dogwood Loop Trail.

Why visit this week:

• Owl Prowl, Oct. 18, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
• Stargazing, Oct. 18, 9 - 10 p.m.
• Wildlife Hike, Oct. 19, 1 - 2 p.m.

We're seeing a little more yellow along the lakeshore, and the dogwood trees are deepening to dark red.

Best place to view:

• The day use area, Redbud Campground and Dogwood Loop Trail.

Why visit this week:

• Owl Prowl, Oct. 18, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
• Stargazing, Oct. 18, 9 - 10 p.m.
• Wildlife Hike, Oct. 19, 1 - 2 p.m.

Most of the trees are still holding onto their green leaves, except for the nut trees that drop their leaves early at Holliday Lake State Park. The best foliage is still found in the dogwood, locust and maple trees. Fall wildflowers are still blooming near the water.

Best place to view:

• Dogwood Loop, day use area and the Lakeshore Trail.

Why visit this week:

• Owl Prowl, Oct. 10, 8 – 9 p.m.

The dogwoods, maples, sassafras and sumac trees are displaying colors, primarily shades of pink and red, with some hints of yellow at Holliday Lake State Park. Meanwhile, the walnut and hazelnut trees are shedding their leaves and nuts, offering an easy feast for the park's squirrels. On clear autumn days, the lake reflects the beautiful colors of the surrounding foliage like a mirror.

Best place to view:

• The day use area, Dogwood Loop, and Northridge Overlook provide nice views of the changing colors.

Why visit this week:

• Weekdays are quieter in the fall, as hikers and anglers take advantage of the cooler weather. Fall is the perfect time to bring your dog to the park. They won't get overheated on the trail, and they love to track scents in the damp leaves.

Best place to view:

• Along Interpretive Trail Rd. and State Park Rd. and in the coves near the Discovery Center.

Why visit this week:

• Holliday Lake Fall Festival September 27.

We have reached peak fall foliage at James River State Park! The park is filled with a beautiful array of reds, oranges and yellows.

Best place to view:

• Along the trails and roadways.

Why visit this week:

• Coffee with a Ranger at 10 a.m. on Nov. 1.

We are nearing peak fall foliage, showcasing a stunning array of yellows, oranges and reds on both the trees and along the trails, where fallen leaves lie scattered.

Best place to view:

• Along Cabell Trail heading to Tye River Overlook and along the road to Branch Pond Campground

Why visit this week:

• Join us for our Tye at Twilight program on Friday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. This is a sunset hike to James River's most photogenic location, the Tye River Overlook.

James River continues to see more tree foliage shift to orange, yellow and red. The dogwood trees around the park are particularly stunning this week with orange-red leaves and bright red berries.

Best place to view:

• Along the road to Brand Pond Campground. You will pass some dazzling red maples.

Why visit this week:

• The Roof Top Tent Rally is happening this weekend.

Muted colors are popping up in the hills and along the trails at James River State Park.You can see trees of various species, such as tulip poplar and red maple, which have started to change color.

Best place to view:

• Along the road to Brand Pond Campground.

Why visit this week:

• Join us for our Tye at Twilight program on Friday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. This is a sunset hike to James River's most photogenic location, the Tye River Overlook.

We have not yet observed a significant increase in the red, orange and yellow hues of leaves at James River State Park. However, the leaves are starting to fade from their deep green summer color. In the park, we are noticing more fallen leaves as we experience the earliest signs of color change.

Best place to view:

• Along the Cabell Trail heading to the Tye River Overlook.

Why visit this week:

• Join us for our Tye at Twilight program on Friday, Oct. 3 at 6:15 p.m. This is a sunset hike to James River's most photogenic location, the Tye River Overlook.

We are just beginning to see hints of color in the hills. There are scattered trees that have reached a dusty red color.

Best place to view:

• Tye River Overlook

Why visit this week:

• We are hosting a leaf art program for visitors of all ages on Friday, Sept. 26, at 1 p.m. This will be a great opportunity to get into the spirit of fall.

We’re just past peak color, but the park has never looked more beautiful. From the Beaver Lake bench, shades of gold and brown from the oaks mingle with the deep burgundy leaves still holding fast to the dogwoods. Along the Spillway Trail, beech trees glow with hues of lemon, lime, and bronze, leading you toward the lake where every color of fall gathers in quiet reflection on the water. A walk up Old Mill Trail offers a final flourish of endless autumn color.

Best place to view:

• Beaver Lake Trail, State Park Rd. and Beaver Lake spillway.

Why visit this week:

• Naturally November - Nature Notebooks: Saturday, Nov. 8, at 10 a.m.
  As the seasons shift and the landscape quiets, November offers a perfect time to slow down and notice the subtle beauty of nature. Each week we'll have new activities and hands-on crafts inspired by autumn textures and colors, and we'll spend time journaling our observations of falling leaves, migrating birds, and changing light. We’ll use natural materials and creative prompts to celebrate the final notes of fall before winter’s arrival. Bring your own journal, make one at the beginning of the program, or gather materials to paste in your journal at home. All materials are provided, and the program is suitable for all ages.

Although the weather at Pocahontas State Park has been somewhat dull, the leaves are starting to change. Most of the leaves in our pictures are brown; however, visitors will also find bright yellow and orange hues among the park's maple and poplar trees. While the colors may not be as vibrant as in previous years, the leaves will still provide good camouflage for the park's eastern copperheads, which can be difficult to spot among the leaf litter. Please remember to stay on the trails!

Best place to view:

• The Swift Creek Bridge.

Why visit this week:

• There will be trunk or treating at the campground on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Cooler temperatures with drier air have resulted in some changes around the park. Walking down the Spillway trail, visitors will notice our Hickory trees turning bronze as the chill autumn winds finally find their way to Chesterfield County. Sitting behind the CCC Museum or at one of our benches overlooking Beaver Lake provides an enchanting view of the Oak leaves making their way down to the soil on the chill breeze. Box Turtles will be happy for this new leaf litter, which will provide cover for them as they brumate in the Winter.

Best place to view:

• The overlook on Big Poplar Trail.

Why visit this week:

• Join us on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 12 p.m. for a ranger-led BARK Ranger hike! Costumes encouraged.

This fall, the colors have been slow to arrive. Mild temperatures and frequent rain have kept many trees green longer than usual, delaying the vibrant reds and golds we typically see this time of year. If you're checking out the color from the bench at the Overlook, you'll have better views if you turn around. Although most of us enjoy the typical oranges and yellows of fall, don't miss the greens and purples of the American beautyberry, a vital fall food source for deer and birds.

Best place to view:

• Swift Creek Bridge, Overlooks, Beaver Lake Spillway, entrance into the park.

Why visit this week:

• CaveSim Experience on Oct. 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

At Pocahontas State Park, the continued warm weather has kept many green leaves on the trees; however, park staff and visitors are still seeing a lot of wildlife, especially snakes and turtles. Closer to Beaver Lake, you'll notice a change in color as the aquatic vegetation dies back (scientists call this process "senescence").

Best place to view:

• Beaver Lake, Swift Creek Overlook and Swift Creek Dam (accessible via Powerline Trail).

Why visit this week:

• Enjoy Tweet and Treats on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 12 p.m. Enjoy a light snack while learning more about birds as you take part in the October Big Day, a worldwide birdwatching event.
• Beaver Lake was built by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) and the park is home to the CCC Museum. It's open Friday 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by then or arrange a group tour to learn more about the park and to see the colors change in person.

As we enter the first full week of fall, it still looks (and feels) like we're in the tail end of summer. High temperatures and rainy days mean not much has changed for most of our trees at Pocahontas State Park, particularly along the Beaver Lake Overlook. Soon, the oaks will turn a deep red, but for now, a few yellowed leaves from the tulip poplar litter the ground, while the anthocyanins found in the leaves of the black gum display a brilliant shade of red.

Best place to view:

• Beaver Lake Overlook, along East State Park Rd, Swift Creek Pedestrian Bridge, CCC Museum parking lot (Black Gum).

Why visit this week:

• Enjoy Coffee with a Ranger on Saturday, Oct. 4. Bring your own brew and learn more about the park.
• Pocahontas Premieres: Brooke McBride with Jimmy Fitch, Saturday, Oct. 4, from 7 to 10 p.m.

Looking out from the Beaver Lake overlook, you'll notice not much has changed since yesterday (autumnal equinox) but that won't last long. Soon the oaks, beeches, and other hardwoods will frame the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built lake with vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows. As you make your way back to the parking lot, you'll notice similar colors around the CCC Museum. Watch your step along the way. Tiny, camouflaged consumers (toads) and decomposers (slugs) are helping Mother Nature transition from one season to the next, serving as a good reminder to leave the leaves and let them do their work.

Best place to view:

• Beaver Lake Overlook, Beaver Lake Spillway, Pedestrian bridge over Swift Creek Lake.

Why visit this week:

• Find out who's been along the lake at Makin' Tracks at noon on Saturday, Sept. 27.
• And then stay for the Richmond Symphony at 7 p.m. (free event, parking fee applies, gates open at 6 p.m.).

Peak autumn colors have arrived at Powhatan State Park: reds, oranges and yellows dominate the landscape. The sweetgums, oaks and hickories maintain their stunning hues, while the maples are beginning to stand out as well.

Best place to view:

• Entry Trail and River Launch Road.

Why visit this week:

• Cemetery Night Hike - 10/30
• Twilight Owl Prowl - 10/31
• Ice Age Spear Throwing - 11/1

The fall colors may not be the most spectacular we've ever seen, but some trees are certainly putting on a great show. The bright yellows of the hickories are particularly striking, and the sweetgums are a delightful shade of purple. Oaks and maples are just beginning to show hints of color at the tips of their branches, and they should look lovely in a few days.

Best place to view:

• Turkey Trail

Why visit this week:

• Ranger Led Hike - 10/25
• Cemetery Driving Tour - 10/25

Leaves have finally hit their tipping point, and noticeable color is starting to pepper the tree banks. Hickories provide a backdrop of crunchy yellow, while sassafras and dogwoods bring lovely reds to the understory. The maples have yet to get their best, but by next week, they should be show-stoppers.

Best place to view:

• Entry Trail, Cabin Trail, Turkey Trail

Why visit this week:

• Fall Colors Tree ID Hike - 10/18
• Botanical Ink Greeting Cards - 10/18

The yellow haze of goldenrod is beginning to fade in the fields, and while most of the trees have yet to display their most ostentatious hues, a few are beginning to put on a show. The sweetgums have brought out their deep purples; the dogwoods and sumacs are taking the hint as well, showing off a bit of scarlet. Greens and browns are still the most abundant colors, but there are definite signs that that won't be true for long.

Best place to view:

• Near the playground.

Why visit this week:

• Fall into Birding - 10/11
• Nature Journaling - 10/11
• Fungus Among Us 10/11
• Saturday Under the Stars - 10/11
• Fall Colors Tree ID Hike - 10/12

The meadows around the park are seas of bright yellow from the blooms of goldenrod, crown beard and wingstem. The canopy of tall oaks along the forest edge are beginning to turn coppery amongst the still-vibrant green foliage.

Best place to view:

• Near the playground and office, near River Bend Campground Overflow Lot.

Why visit this week:

• Fungus Among Us program on Oct. 4 at 10 a.m.
• Fall Colors Tree ID Hike on Oct. 4 at 1 p.m.
• Secret Lives of Bats program on Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m.
• Wild Edibles Walk on Oct. 5 at 1 p.m.

The meadows around the park are seas of bright yellow from the blooms of goldenrod, crown beard and wingstem. The canopy of tall oaks along the forest edge are beginning to turn coppery amongst the still-vibrant green foliage.

Best place to view:

• The meadow trails accessed from the Equestrian/Trailhead parking lot.

Why visit this week:

• Walk in the cool evening woods during our Twilight Owl Prowl on Friday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m.
• Come explore while helping us beautify the park for National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 10 a.m.

Color changes are beginning to emerge along the Dan River side of Staunton River State Park, while the greens of late summer still cling to the Staunton River side of the park.

Best place to view:

• Picnic Area 2

Why visit this week:

• Come enjoy the cooler weather of the fall season.

Color changes are accelerating around the park, and more trees are entirely bare of leaves as we progress into November.

Best place to view:

• Around our lakes continue to be the best places to see fall color. Hike the Goodwin Lake Trail to see the changes from different vantage points around the lake.

Why visit this week:

• Nov. 8:
  10 a.m.: Hot Off The Press
  12 p.m.: You Were "Mis-Snaken"
  2 p.m.: Backyard Bingo Nature Walk

The color changes around Twin Lakes State Park are intensifying! While there is still much green visible, it is diminishing day by day.

Best place to view:

• The trees around Goodwin Lake continue to develop their color nicely. Try hiking Goodwin Lake Trail to get great views all the way around the lake.

Why visit this week:

• October 31:
  1 p.m.: Spooktacular Nature Scavenger Hunt
  3 p.m.: Crafting Hour
• November 1:
  11 a.m.: Build a Bug
  1 p.m.: Masters of Disguise
  3 p.m.: History Hour
• November 2:
  1 p.m.: Fabricate a Flower

The leaves are beginning to turn vibrant colors this week at Twin Lakes State Park. Around the lakes, you can see splashes of red, yellow, and orange mixed with the greenery.

Best place to view:

• The best places to view the leaves changing at Twin Lakes are around our two lakes. Take a walk down by Goodwin Lake after visiting our Discovery Center, or drive down the boat ramp to see Prince Edward Lake's trees.

Why visit this week:

• October 24:
  1 p.m.: You Were "Mis-Snaken"
  3 p.m.: History Hour
• October 25:
  11 a.m.: B.A.R.K. Rangers Hike
  1 p.m.: Reptile Rangers
  3 p.m.: Owl Pellet Dissection
• October 26:
  1 p.m.: Fall in Love with Hiking

Vibrant red and yellow colors are peaking through the park, offering the early signs of fall.

Best place to view:

• The best place to view the changes would be behind Cedar Crest Conference Center, Prince Edward and Goodwin Lake Boat Ramps, and at the EnChroma viewer.

Why visit this week:

• National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 27.
• B.A.R.K. Ranger Guided Hike on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 11 a.m.