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 Coastal Virginia State Parks

Foliage report for Nov. 2, 2023.

Peak season is here, but with cooler temperatures this week, many leaves are beginning to fall from the trees. The coastal region is the last to see peak season so now is a great time to visit one of the parks along the coast. Oaks are showing off shades of golden yellow and orange so be sure to visit the parks before all the colors turn to brown.

Enjoy hiking, biking, bird watching or water adventures and experience the fall season along the coast while capturing some amazing photos. Don’t forget to share your fall photos using the hashtags #VaStateParks and #FallinVirginia to be part of the online conversation.

Belle Isle locator Belle Isle State Park - 10/29/23

Reds, oranges and yellows are vibrant this week all around the park this week. There has been a noticeable difference in the number of trees changing color.

Best place to view: Distant views all around the park, from your vehicle or while hiking, are fantastic this week. The leaves located along the road between the campground and canoe/kayak launch are still in color and the rest of the park is equally stunning. Maples are changing now, and redbuds are yellow.

Why visit this week: Join us on November 9 for A Walk on the Wild Side nature hike at 9 a.m.

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2023 Fall Foliage at Belle Isle State Park

Leesylvania State Park locator Leesylvania State Park - 10/31/23

The grounds at the park are almost completely covered in fallen leaves. When it is windy you can see hundreds of fall leaves floating down like snow. Some of the trees have lost almost all their leaves, while others are just getting started on their fall colors.

Best place to view: Trees near the Boat launch, Freestone Point and Bushey Point Trail.

Why visit this week: This fall and winter, Leesylvania State Park is bringing a free Coffee Talks Lecture Series to Northern Virginia with various topics about the park and surrounding areas. Join us on Saturday, November 4, at 10 a.m. Then, at 1 p.m., join us for a guided hike with our rangers.

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2023 Fall Foliage at Leesylvania State Park

York River State Park locator York River State Park - 10/23/23

We are approaching peak autumn colors in Eastern Virginia. Maples dominate the palate. But the hickories and oaks are starting to turn. Canoe and Kayak rentals are closed for the season but go down to the launch area to enjoy fall colors on the creek. The light brown seed heads on the Spartina grasses blend well with the hardwoods in the background. Take note of the American beautyberry and fruiting wax myrtle while walking the paved switchback.

Best place to view: Find any trail near the water for dramatic views and intriguing reflections. Taskinas Creek Trail, with its overlooks, is perfect for photographers and wildlife viewers who want a good fall hike. Don’t have time for a long excursion? Take the Bluebird Loop around the Visitor Center. An expensive camera with all the bells and whistles isn’t necessary to capture fall colors. Use your cell phone at the gazebo and the bluff at the picnic table and grill to view the Taskinas/York River Confluence.

Why visit this week: On a Dabble in Discovery program on November 4, meet with our naturalist/ranger who will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal and plant life in the park’s ecosystems. Also, on Saturday, November 4, join us in discovering relics of these very old creatures as we hike to a fossil beach on our Fossil Frenzy Hike.

Click the photo to view a slideshow.