Check out these places in Maryland and Virginia to see great 2013 fall foliage with the family! Includes fall foliage tours, fall foliage scenic drives and exquisite fall foliage on display in state parks.
Scenic Western Maryland Railroad Fall Foliage Tour
View the gorgeous fall colors from a scenic train! Ride 3 1/2 hours through the hills and mountains of Maryland with the Scenic Western Maryland Railroad Fall Foliage Rour. Be sure to make a reservation!
13 Canal St.
Cumberland, MD
(301) 759-4400
Seneca Creek State Park
Seneca Creek State Park is a 6,300 acre park in Montgomery County, Maryland. The park includes the 90-acre Clopper Lake, boat rental, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, hunting, picnicking, playgrounds, a disc golf course, a restored 19th century cabin, and cross-country skiing. A tire playground is local favorite for kids of all ages. The 16.5-mile Seneca Creek Greenway Trail follows the entire course of the creek and is available for hiking and biking.
11950 Clopper Rd.
Gaithersburg, MD
(301) 924-2127
Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive
Meandering 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia to the Greak Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, the Parkway follows the Appalachian Mountains and boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
2551 Mountain View Rd.
Vinton, VA
(828) 271-4779
http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/
GeorgeWashington’s Mount Vernon
In the fall, George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens is a colorfulkaleidoscope of mature oaks, red maples and poplars. While visiting themajestic estate in autumn, chances are you’ll be able to attend one of the manyall-day festivals and special events that have become some of NorthernVirginia’s favorite traditions.
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy.
Mount Vernon, VA
(703) 780-2000
GreatFalls National Park
Great Falls National Park is a meticulously maintained areain northern Fairfax County that draws visitors from all over the world. The scene you’llfind from the three main overlooks at the park include the roaring water of thefalls in the foreground while the burning reds and burnt oranges of the treespaint a picturesque background that will be in your memory’s museum forever.The town of Great Falls has great dining options after you have finishedviewing the falls and exploring the visitor’s center to learn more about thearea’s history.
9200 Old Dominion Dr.
McLean, VA
703-285-2965
http://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm
MeadowlarkBotanical Gardens
Visit one ofNorthern Virginia’s best-kept secrets in Fairfax County. Did you know that Meadowlark BotanicalGardens has three distinct native plant collections that showcase Virginiaplant life? In October see the Salvia, as well as other native Virginia trees,in their fall color peak while you hike along the mulched nature trails.Meadowlark is known regionally as an excellent place to photograph breathtakingfoliage.
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct.
Vienna, VA
703-255-3631
http://nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens
Saddle Up! Guided Horseback Riding Tours
There is no more genuine way to experience Shenandoah than on horseback. A guided ride through wooded trails on a mode of transportation yet to be improved upon by any technology offers an entirely new perspective. One hour and two and half hour guided horseback rides depart from Skyland stables throughout the day, weather permitting.
Skyline Drive, Mile 42.5
Luray, VA
(877) 847-1919
Skyline Drive Scenic Drive
The historic 105-mile Skyline Drive, a National Scenic byway, traverses Shenandoah National Park, a beautiful, historic national treasure. There are several overlooks that offer beautiful views of the countryside.
3655 Hwy. 221 East
Luray, VA
(540) 999-3500