Fall Foliage Report for Northern Virginia State Parks

There are increasing numbers of orange and yellow leaves in Leesylvania State Park. When the wind blows, the leaves fall like rain. It is a wonderful time to visit before it gets too cold.

Best place to view:

• Picnic area (Potomac Trail), Bushey Point Trail, and Lee's Wood Trail.

Why visit this week:

• There is a Homeschool Series event about Furs, Feathers, and Skulls on Oct. 31, from 10 to 11 a.m.

It looks like fall at Leesylvania State Park! Most of the trees have changed and are in full swing. The park is surrounded by fall colors everywhere you look this week.

Best place to view:

• Bushey Point Trail.

Why visit this week:

• Our Fall Festival is on Oct. 25, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the visitor center and throughout the park.

On certain trees, the colors are in full effect! Bright oranges, reds and yellows are visible in the boat launch parking lots. Many trees are still green, but should be changing colors within the next few weeks.

Best place to view:

• Boat launch parking lots and Bushey Point Trail.

Why visit this week:

• Our Fall Festival is on Oct. 25, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the visitor center and throughout the park.

It truly looks like fall is coming to Leesylvania State Park this week. While on any trail, you will be able to see the green leaves transitioning into reds, yellows and oranges. The air is also becoming cooler, and the water is calmer. Now is a great time to visit the park before the leaves turn to their final colors of the fall season.

Best place to view:

• Bushey Point Trail

Why visit this week:

• Senior Ranger Series: History Hike on Oct. 16, 2025. 10 - 11:15 a.m. on Lee's Wood Trail.

Hundreds of trees are slowly changing color near the boat launch docks at Leesylvania State Park. All around the park, you can see the tips of the trees shifting into vibrant fall hues. Leaves are falling, and the weather is getting colder. This is an excellent time to observe the subtle changes in the colors of the leaves in the park.

Best place to view:

• Boat Launch Dock or Bushey Point Trail.

Why visit this week:

• : The Homeschool Series will host a Fall Foliage Hike on Oct. 10 from 10-11a.m.

Leaves have already been falling at Leesylvania State Park, with the colors gradually changing from green to red, orange, and yellow.

Best place to view:

• Bushey Point Trail allows guests to best see the tree colors up close.

Why visit this week:

• Homeschool Series for 5-17 Year Olds on Sept. 26, 2025, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Visitor Center.
• Trash Cleanup on Sept. 27, 2025, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Visitor Center.

While the foliage may have passed its peak, it still offers a stunning display that is worth experiencing. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of this park!

Best place to view:

• At the end of Lupton Road and Hollingsworth Road are equally good places to see foliage.

Why visit this week:

• It is the last chance to see the fall foliage before the leaves drop for the season.

The leaves at Seven Bends State Park are at their peak. The trees display bright colors of red, orange and gold, creating a beautiful scene for visitors to enjoy.

Best place to view:

• Picnic area at the Hollingsworth Access.

Why visit this week:

• Now that the leaves are at their peak in Shenandoah County, it is the best time to visit the park.

Autumn has finally arrived in Shenandoah County. Although we haven't reached full peak yet, we've begun to see some reds and oranges, primarily due to the maple trees.

Best place to view:

• Bass Bight Trail.

Why visit this week:

• This Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., join Forest Therapy guide Kristine Villatoro for an opportunity to recharge your mind, body, and soul in the serene beauty of the forest.

Leaves are slowly changing colors. Yellow leaves are increasing, but we are still not seeing reds and oranges.

Best place to view:

• At the end of Gokotta Trail on the Lupton side of the park.

Why visit this week:

• Join beekeepers and mead makers on a short walking tour and visit the Shenandoah County Beekeepers working apiary for a chance to learn the basic process of fermenting honey into mead and then enjoy samples of local mead. Oct. 17 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

There are still no significant changes in color at Seven Bends State Park. Walnut trees are beginning to turn yellow, and the goldenrod is blooming throughout the park.

Best place to view:

• Along Lupton Road heading towards River Bend Rise Trail.

Why visit this week:

• This weekend it will be sunny and in the upper 60s, perfect weather for hiking our many trails.

Although there have been no significant changes in color at Seven Bends State Park yet, the recent rainfall is expected to trigger a color change in the leaves soon.

Best place to view:

• To start seeing hints of color change, hike out Lupton Road to the bench at the River Bend Rise Trailhead.

Why visit this week:

• Sit with local historian, Bill Wine, on Oct. 3, from 6 to 7 p.m. as he discusses the interesting history of Shenandoah County that dates back almost 300 years.

Fall color change hasn't begun yet in Shenandoah County. A few leaves have started to drop, but there's no significant shift in foliage color just yet.

Best place to view:

• This week’s best view is along Hollingsworth Road, where the cornfield is beginning to shift in color just before harvest time.

Why visit this week:

• Join us on Sept. 27, 10-11 a.m., for a children's garden activity on seeds. We’ll discuss what you can do with plants after they’re done growing for the season and how to safely store seeds.

More orange and yellow colors are starting to show up, especially on the maples and sycamores. The trees are changing for fall, making everything look bright and cheerful.

Best place to view:

• Cullers Overlook

Why visit this week:

• We’re offering Discovery Hours at the River Bend Discovery Center and Fall Foliage Wagon Rides on Oct. 17-19.

The leaves are still mostly green, but some yellows have started popping up. Black tupelo and sumac trees are showing vibrant reds.

Best place to view:

• Cullers Overlook

Why visit this week:

• We’re offering Discovery Hours at the River Bend Discovery Center and Fall Foliage Wagon Rides on Oct. 17-19.

Leaves are primarily still green, but maples are starting to yellow.

Best place to view:

• Cullers Overlook

Why visit this week:

• Fall Foliage Wagon Rides Oct. 4 & 5, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Our River Bend Discovery Center will be open throughout the week for discovery hours. Stop by to see what hands-on activities our park rangers are offering. Hours vary, so check the website for more information.
• B.A.R.K Ranger hikeon Oct. 4, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
• Mushroom ID hike on Oct. 5, 1-3 p.m.

The colors of Sky Meadows State Park are shifting this season, with trees throughout the park displaying the full spectrum of fall colors.

Best place to view:

• This week, North Ridge Trail provides views of the broadest range of colors.

Why visit this week:

• Astronomy for Everyone on Nov. 15 is sure to draw in many visitors.

Sky Meadows has yet to experience any significant shifts in leaf color this season, with most changes occurring from green to yellow. 

Best place to view:

• Viewing the whole park from our Piedmont Scenic Overlook will give guests the best chance to see our emerging spectrum of autumn colors.

Why visit this week:

• Sky Meadows is abuzz while we prepare for the upcoming Fall Foliage Festival.

As the Crooked Run Valley enters the autumn season, glimpses of yellow and red leaves are just beginning to pop across the rolling hills of deciduous forests at Sky Meadows State Park. The grounds of the Historic Area are gathering crunchy leaves that complement the fall decor adorning our historic buildings and Visitor Center. The park has been experiencing comfortable early fall temperatures, hovering around 65-70 degrees, making it the perfect weather for an autumn foliage hike, a tour around the Historic Area or a day of play at the Children's Discovery Area.

Best place to view:

• The Historic Area and highest elevation trails, like the Piedmont Overlook Trail, Ambassador Whitehouse Trail and Old Trail.

Why visit this week:

• Sky Meadows is proud to participate in the annual Fauquier County Fall Farm Tour, Saturday, Oct. 4. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features enjoyable guided hikes, hayrides, agricultural demonstrations, apple-themed hearth cooking, food trucks and historic crafts including corn-husk dolls.

There's still plenty of color to see at Sweet Run this week! While the trees are passing peak vibrancy, there is still plenty of fall foliage to see along the trails. The weather this weekend will be perfect for visiting. Rain is expected later in the week, bringing colder fall temperatures.

Best place to view:

• Farmstead Loop and Upper Sweet Run Trail.

Why visit this week:

• Nov. 8 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.) - Park Tales & Tails
• Nov. 8 (5 - 7:30 p.m.) - Twilight Hike & Campfire
• Nov. 9 (12:30-2:30 p.m.) - Park Tales & Tails: Winter Preparations
• Nov. 9 (2:30-5:30 p.m.) - Sunset Fire & Water: A Sensory Journey in Nature (Registration required)
• Nov. 15 (4:50 – 7:30 p.m.) - Earth & Sky Adventures (Sweet Run's final astronomy night of 2025)

The trees at Sweet Run State Park have reached their peak color! Now is the perfect time to enjoy the vibrant hues of red, yellow, orange and green scattered throughout the trails and trees. This week, temperatures are expected to remain cool, averaging in the high 50s.

Best place to view:

• Farmstead Loop and Upper Sweet Run Trail.

Why visit this week:

• Nov. 1 (9 – 10:30 a.m.) - Party in the Pollinator Garden
• Nov. 8 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.) - Park Tales & Tails
• Nov. 8 (5 - 7:30 p.m.) - Twilight Hike & Campfire - Spooktacular
• Nov. 15 (4:50 – 7:30 p.m.) - Earth & Sky Adventures (Sweet Run's final astronomy night of 2025)

A few days of strong wind gusts resulted in more leaves on the ground, but Sweet Run is certainly seeing more vibrant colors on the trees. Fall has settled in, with temperatures barely reaching 60 during the day and dipping into the low 40s at night. However, the sunshine and beautiful colors promise an enjoyable time for those looking to get outdoors, hit the trails, and explore what the park has to offer.

Best place to view:

• Gordon Pond (Legacy Loop Trail) and Upper Sweet Run Trail.

Why visit this week:

• Oct. 25 (8-11 a.m.): Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Bird Walk
• Oct. 25 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.): Park Tales & Tails - Spooktacular
• Oct. 25 (5:30-8:30 p.m.): Twilight Hike & Campfire - Spooktacular
• Oct. 26 (12:30-2:30 p.m.): Park Tales & Tails - Spooktacular
• Oct. 26 (3-6 p.m.): Senses & Soup: A Day of Retreat, Nature, Nourishment, & Sound

The trees are beginning to show pops of color here at Sweet Run. The forests are a vibrant blend of green, red, yellow and orange hues. Recent rain clouds have dispersed, giving way to the sunshine. Fall temperatures are settling in, with highs for the week reported in the low 60s-70s. Perfect weather for an outdoor adventure!

Best place to view:

• Farmstead Loop Trail and Lower Sweet Run Trail

Why visit this week:

• Saturday, Oct. 18 - Intro to Birding (8 - 10 a.m.)
Saturday, Oct.18 - Earth & Sky Adventures (6 – 9 p.m.)
• Wednesday, Oct. 22 - Young Naturalists: Spooktacular (10:30 -11:30 a.m.)

As leaves begin to cover the trails throughout Sweet Run State Park, only a few trees have started to show pops of color. The meadows remain bright with goldenrod and asters, despite the cooler temperatures forecasted for this week.

Best place to view:

• Mountain View Trail and Gordon Pond (via Legacy Loop Trail)

Why visit this week:

• Park Tales and Tails: Fall Fruits program - Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., or Sunday, October 12, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Come discover how the fall abundance of native and cultivated fruits supported the agriculture community long ago.

The woods at Sweet Run State Park are still mostly green, but hints of color are starting to appear - sassafras, black walnut and Virginia creeper - while the meadows remain busy, and so do the pollinators. As some flowers fade, the birds come in to feed on the seeds. The weather remains welcoming, with highs in the 70s most days.

Best place to view:

• Meadow trails that wander through the wildflowers are your best choice for viewing color this week, and if you choose the East Meadow Trail, you also get a chance to monitor the color changes on Short Hill Mountain.

Why visit this week:

• Join park volunteers for a Party in the Pollinator Garden to help care for pollinator, fern and shade gardens on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
• Get an up-close look at birds of prey at our Raptors Revealed program on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• Get ready for leaf peeping with a TREE-mendous Hike on Sunday, Oct. 5 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
• Add a park visit before or after your trip to the Waterford Fair, stop by one of the area’s many wineries, or stroll through nearby Harpers Ferry.

While only the very tips of some trees have started to reveal the coming season, the meadows and fields around Sweet Run's trails have certainly embraced fall. The weather looks to remain in the mid-70s, with a slight chance of rain during most days of the week.

Best place to view:

• The best places to view the fall colors would be along trails that include the vibrant meadows teeming with goldenrod, thistle, and more. These trails include Lower Sweet Run Trail and Mountain View Trail.

Why visit this week:

• Saturday, September 27 is the day to visit Sweet Run Come join in for some (or all!) of the programs the park has to offer:
  • 8 -11 a.m. - Bird Walk with Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy
  • 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Park Tales and Tails
  • 3:30 - 5 p.m. - National Public Lands Day Community Invasive Pull
  • 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. - Earth and Sky Adventures

The sweetgum trees have transformed into golden honey watercolor paintings overnight, while the maple trees have gone up in flames with scarlet hues.

Best place to view:

• Aquia Paddle Launch

Why visit this week:

• Our Trek n' Treat Trail will be set up this Friday, Oct. 24. Pick up the trail pamphlet in the Visitor Center to complete while walking the trail to learn about plant and animal life at Widewater State Park, as well as some of the local history, before turning in the completed pamphlet for a sweet treat.