Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.


Fall Foliage Report for Central Virginia State Parks


Fall parks map

Fall foliage for Nov. 2, 2023.

Peak season is here, and beautiful colors can be seen at many of the parks in the central region. Cooler temperatures along with rain this week will cause the leaves to fall so be sure to visit the parks while the many colors are still visible.

Get outside and share your fall photos on social media using the hashtags #VaStateParks and #FallinVirginia to participate in the online conversation.

 

Bear Creek lake State Park  locator Bear Creek Lake State Park - 10/30/23

The leaves are continuing to turn to beautiful shades of red, yellow and orange, and many of them are starting to fall from the trees.

Best place to view: Walking around Lake Side trail or down on the pier.

Why visit this week: Don't miss the opportunity to see all the beautiful colors of the forest before all the leaves begin to fall!


2023 Fall Foliage at Bear Creek Lake State Park

High Bridge Trail locator High Bridge Trail State Park - 10/30/23

The world of High Bridge Trail is in full-blown autumn color now. The oaks are still a little behind but are catching up fast. There is no better time than the present to visit our park to enjoy fall.

Best place to view: Anywhere along our trail will fill your senses with the season, but a walk on our historic High Bridge should be part of your plans.

Why visit this week: The Old Time Music and Dinner Tribute to Veterans will take place on Saturday, November 4, at 6 p.m. in honor of our local veterans. Any visitors are welcome, and veterans and their families are especially welcome.

2023 Fall Foliage at High Bridge Trail State Park

James River State Park locator James River State Park - 10/30/23

Many leaves are starting to come down, but yellows can be seen amongst the boxwoods around the visitor center. The sourwoods and sweet gums are producing some deep reds along the waterways in the park.

Best place to view: The best place to view fall colors this week is Green Hill, Taylor and Branch Ponds.

Why visit this week: Saturday, November 4 and Sunday November 5, we’ll be offering several interpretive programs, including learning all about the park’s resident box turtle and snakes. On Saturday, visit with a park ranger and enjoy a cup of coffee to learn about what it takes to work in a state park.

Click the photo to view a slideshow.

2023 Fall Foliage at James River State Park

Pocahontas locator Pocahontas State Park - 10/30/23

The fading fall colors along Swift Creek evoke a sense of gentle transition and quiet beauty. As the vibrant hues of autumn start to wane, the landscape takes on a more subdued and nuanced appearance. The once vivid reds, oranges and yellows mellow into softer, earthy tones.

Best place to view: Pedestrian bridge over Swift Creek, by the boat launch.

Why visit this week: Join us Saturday at 10 a.m. to explore Bright Hope and Otter Lick Loop trails and learn more about Group Camp 7, the once segregated section of Pocahontas, and how the African American community used the area.

Click the photo to view a slideshow.

2023 Fall Foliage at Pocahontas State Park

Powhatan State Park locator Powhatan State Park - 10/30/23

Fall is in full effect – oaks have taken on a warm bronze to golden hue, while hickories still show their yellow-gold colors. Deep red and dark purples are sprinkled throughout the woods on dogwood and sweet gum trees. A drive or bike ride through the park is a wonderful way to view the myriad of autumn colors of both the forests and the meadows.

Best place to view: Cabin Trail, Big Woods Trail, River Launch Road and Canoe Launch A 

Why visit this week: Join in on our Nature Scavenger Hunt through the meadow and woods at 11 a.m. and create your own leaf prints using walnut dye at our Walnut Dye Print making workshop at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 4. Take a step back in time as we Time Travel to the Cemetery at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 5.

Click the photo to view a slideshow.

2023 Fall Foliage at Powhatan State Park

Smith Mountain Lake locator Smith Mountain Lake State Park - 10/30/23

This week we saw many trees that were holding on to their green leaves begin to turn. A good amount of the red maples lost most leaves this week as they were some of the first to change. Many of our flowering dogwoods, hickory and sourwood trees have also joined in on the fun and have turned different shades of yellow and red.

Best place to view: Turtle Island Trail, Chestnut Ridge Trail or Lakeview Trail.

Why visit this week: Join us for our Bear Aware program on November 4, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Discovery Center Pavilion. Learn what to do if you encounter a bear and how to prevent conflicts from escalating.


2023 Fall Foliage at Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Twin Lakes locator Twin Lakes State Park - 11/1/23

Bright yellow star-shaped sweet gum leaves are falling alongside orange and brown oak leaves as many trees begin to shed most of their leaves. Good atmospheric conditions lend the sky a hand in creating beautiful sunsets and sunrises to enjoy, especially over the waters of Goodwin and Prince Edward Lakes.

Best place to view: The boat dock at Goodwin Lake or the boat launch at Prince Edward Lake.

Why visit this week: There will be fun and educational programs, Friday to Sunday, November 3 to 5, including history, hiking and crafting programs, as well as meeting our reptile rangers.

Click the photo to view a slideshow.

2023 Fall Foliage at Twin Lakes State Park

View fall images from 2022.

View fall images from 2021.


See reports from other parks: Western | Coastal | Northern

 



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