Scenic Fall Foliage Drives
Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park – was constructed in the 1930’s as a scenic drive along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The drive goes the whole length of the park and is 469 miles long. There are several overlooks that offer beautiful views of the countryside.
If you visit this website http://www.gorp.com it lists the 5 best overlooks from the skyline drive.
Colonial National Parkway – This scenic drive is only 23 miles long and goes through Williamsburg connecting historic Jamestown and Yorktown, so not only is the drive beautiful but there are lots of attractions all along the way.
Visit http://www.myscenicdrives.com/drives/virginia/colonial-national-historical-parkway for more information.
Blue Ridge Parkway – The parkway connects Shenandoah National Park, near Waynesboro VA and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee in North Carolina. The drive is a long one, 469 miles with lots of breathtaking scenery. There are numerous exits along the drive so you can explore some of the local towns and villages.
Visit http://www.nps.gov/blri/index.htm for more information.
The Journey Through Hallowed Ground - This scenic drive is 180 miles long with lots of history intertwined. You will see battle fields, homes of nine US Presidents, historical inns, restaurants and marketplaces just to name a few. It will be like going back in time and of course the beautiful foliage can be viewed as well. It stretches from Charlottesville in VA (near Monticello) to Gettysburg PA. So if you are looking for a dose of American history this is your drive!
Visit http://www.hallowedground.org/ for more information.
The Crooked Road – This scenic drive is nestled in the Blue Ridge Highlands of SW Virginia home of the highest peaks in Virginia, Mt Rogers (5,729’) and Whitetop Mtn (5,520’). There is lots of Appalachian culture and music to be seen and heard in this part of Virginia. The rolling pastures and high mountain peaks offer some beautiful vistas especially during the fall foliage.
Visit http://www.graysoncountyva.com/home for more information.
Lexington, VA to Hot Springs, VA – This scenic drive is just a little shy of 50 miles, along VA route 39 between Lexington and Hot Springs. It goes through the Goshen Pass. If you choose to you can also take US 220 north from Hot Springs to a village called Monterey also known as ‘Virginia’s Switzerland.’ In Monterey you’ll find ‘The Hotel Monterey’ which was built in 1904 and is still in operation today. According to history Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone and John Burroughs are a few famous people that have visited the hotel. From there take US 250 back to Staunton and I-81.
For more information on ‘the Hotel Monterey’ please visit http://www.highland-inn.com/history.htm
And here are a few favorite places from our Facebook fans:
I love to watch the leaves change colors from the many beautiful vineyards we have in our county, but most of all I enjoy the fall colors from my deck overlooking the Blue Ridge out here in Waterford with family and friends.
- Michael M.
My favorite spot to see changing leaves is up near Cunningham Falls State Park. So many Trees. Way to beautiful!!
- Sam and Amanda P.
I do like going to Skyline Drive and stopping at the overlooks and admiring the beautiful views, however My absolute favorite place to see the leaves change is from my deck. I live on a couple of acres and we are surrounded by trees. There is no warmer feeling on a cool autumn day than being at home, surrounded by family, sitting outside and just admiring natures beauty of watching the leaves go thru their fall cycle.
-Lisa H.
My daughter and I moved to Virginia from Las Vegas, NV so watching the leaves turn and fall off the trees is such a wonderful experience for her. She loves the national mall in DC because she loves the space to do flips and the leaves to fall in!! In the meantime we can enjoy the sights, watch people walk by, and enjoy the atmosphere of the city!
-Jazmine S.
I love visiting Mt Vernon on Great Falls Park to see the leaves locally. If we're up for a drove, Skyline Parkway. Fall is my favorite season for sure, especially in this area.
-Erika P.
