Fall Foliage Report for Western Virginia State Parks

Fall foliage report for Nov. 2, 2023.

Fall foliage isn’t as vibrant as it was last week for many of our parks in the western region, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to miss out on beautiful colors when you visit this week. The bright yellows and oranges have been replaced by deep reds, creating a gorgeous back drop for fall sunsets.

Enjoy bird watching, hiking, biking or have a camping adventure! Park programs are available to help connect you to nature. Be sure to share your fall photos from your adventures on social media using the hashtags #VaStateParks and #FallinVirginia to be part of the online conversation.

Douthat State Park - 10/29/23

We passed the peak color this past week and quickly began to see the early colors fall from the trees. Many of the brighter, more vibrant colors have fallen, and we are mostly left with the deep reds and browns of oaks and other late-changing species. Some brighter colors are still holding on in the areas that are sheltered from the wind, but those will likely be gone very soon.

Best place to view: Douthat Lodge, Tuscarora Overlook

Why visit this week: Come on out to go hiking, enjoy a picnic or take in the beautiful weather before all the leaves fall!

Click the photo to view a slideshow.

Fairy Stone State Park - 10/30/23

Fall colors in Patrick County reached their peak this week. Some days, high temperatures were in the 80s and lows were in the 50s. Much colder temperatures are on the way, some nights below freezing. Leaves fall fast and steady as the wind blows, covering the ground.

Best place to view: Colors are bursting throughout the park, yet the beach and the waterfront cabins have the best views.

Why visit this week: Meet at Shelter 4 at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 3, to learn about our Native Plants and Pollinators. Interpreters will give a brief lesson on fairy stones at the Visitor Center on Fridays, Saturdays and Tuesdays. After the lesson everyone will have the opportunity to go to the hunt site and look for the stones. Hit the Oak Hickory trail on Sunday, November 5, to identify birds by sight and song. Later visitors can build a Fairy House or Gnome Home from natural materials and learn about the fairies that inhabit Fairy Stone State Park

Hungry Mother State Park - 10/29/23

This week will probably be the last fall colors across the park. Trees scattered throughout the park will still display pockets of color. Many of the trees in the mountains have lost their leaves, and the remaining leaves are drying up and dropping off.

Best place to view: Hike to Molly’s Knob Vista or Clyburn Ridge Loop Trail Vista to see some color throughout the mountains.

Why visit this week: This week will provide cooler days to hike and enjoy the quiet of the forest as the leaves flutter to the ground around you.

Click the photo to view a slideshow.

Natural Bridge State Park - 10/30/23

We are at peak leaf change, a bit later than forecasted. You’ll see plenty of brilliant reds, yellows, and purples around the park, despite the drought we’ve been experiencing! Sunsets are also at their best this time of year.

Best place to view: Skyline Trail

Click the photo to view a slideshow.

Natural Tunnel State Park - 10/30/23

As the peak color change for the region leaves us and out of season weather has seemed to find us, foliage at Natural Tunnel State Park is now dull and fleeting. Unusually high temperatures with a dramatic drop and high winds have flushed leaves from trees and color from the remaining leaves. Although not many leaves remain, the ones that do are still beautiful. Even if they may seem dull, they are still worth viewing before they are gone.

Best place to view: Visitor Center

Why visit this week: Although most of our scheduled programming is done for the season, keep an eye out for our interpreters as they will be roaming the park or setting up display tables with interesting information to share with park guests. Our last fall hayride will run at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 3. Our annual Christmas Lighting of the Tunnel will begin on November 24 and happen every Friday and Saturday until December 23, so mark your calendars!

Southwest Virginia Museum State Park - 10/31/23

With the cool weather and rain that we had, the leaves are mostly gone from all the trees at the park. We do still have some yellow maples that have some color.

Best place to view: Wood Avenue looking back toward the mountain is still pretty. However, the leaves on the ground make for a nice back drop.

Click the photo to view a slideshow.

 

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