Fall Foliage in Staunton and the Shenandoah Valley

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The Shenandoah Valley pops with fall color, even after the summer droughts. The trees are still mostly green, and though you can see flashes of orange, you’ll have to wait a few weeks before the big finale. Colors come to the trees first in the mountains and the western part of the state. After that, the colors spread east and down the mountain slopes. The Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Prediction Map predicts that leaves near Staunton will peak in mid-October. Plan ahead for hikes through falling leaves and the brightest fall portraits.

Fall hikes

The Virginia Department of Forestry suggests looking for black gum (red), dogwood (scarlet to purple), sumacs (red-orange), and even poison ivy (red) for the earliest hints of color. Many wildflowers are still blooming, so make sure you’re looking along the sides of trails while you’re out exploring.

The trails at Montgomery Hall Park provide hikers with peaceful solitude to enjoy the leaves and maybe catch a glimpse of a deer or elusive bird species. Looping trails add up to several miles of hiking, but can be shortened. Betsy Bell Wilderness Area is another lesser-visited hiking spot within Staunton City limits. Hike up the gravel road to the top to score views of Staunton from above at two different overlooks. 

Shenandoah National Park is a goldmine for hikes showcasing rich autumn colors. A short stroll up Little Calf Mountain nets nice views from an open meadow. 3.4-mile Calvary and Chimney Rock has two impressive overlooks and large, interesting rock formations.

Hikes in George Washington and Jefferson National Forest offer fine opportunities to view those magical shades, especially from places with great viewpoints like Humpback Rocks or Crabtree Falls. The trail at Augusta Springs Wetlands treats visitors to an easy stroll and a chance to spot migrating bird species. If you’re looking for a serious challenge that pays off with top-of-the-world views, put the Elliot Knob hike on your fall bucket list.

Natural Bridge State Park is a stunning natural wonder where families can hike up to seven miles of trails and take photos of the giant limestone arch against a backdrop of fall color. Explore the discovery play areas and check out the light show at night. 

Natural Chimneys Regional Park is another local example of limestone doing something amazing. This small park features hiking trails, camping, and a natural “castle” made of impressive limestone towers

Fall drives

Hit the Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway for incredible views of forests and the Valley from above. Stop at one of the many scenic overlooks to picnic and take photographs of leaves and migrating hawks. Many wonderful hikes also start at the overlooks. Truly adventurous fall color seekers might want to take a detour to swoop through the trees at Bear Mountain Ziplines, which is only 1.9 miles off Skyline Drive near Luray.

Route 608 and Route 42 explore parts of rural Augusta County that visitors miss when they’re diving on the highway. You’ll see abundant autumn color, mountains in the distance undulating hills and pastureland. Make sure to take your time and stop in small communities like Churchville, Bridgewater, and Dayton and sample the wares at Stable Craft Brewing, The Cheese Shop, and Bluestone Vineyard.

Take Route 250 east toward Afton Mountain for pretty views, the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail, and a chance to buy fresh apples at Chiles Peach Orchard. Head west on the same road, and you’ll wind through the national forest, eventually reaching the Confederate Breastworks at Ft. Edward Johnson for some views, hiking, and history.

Quick flashes of color

You might normally visit Trinity Episcopal Church for the services, music, or Tiffany windows, but the beautiful and historic grounds are also worth a look, especially in fall when the large trees are in full color. 

The area around the bandstand in Gypsy Hill Park doesn’t go dark after the summer concert series ends. In fact, this is a perfect spot to park your car, kick through a few piles of drifting leaves, and watch squirrels gathering nuts for the winter. Nearby, the duck pond is full of ducks and fish who would love a few handfuls of feed!

The Sears Hill Footbridge is closed for repairs, but you can still visit Woodrow Park for a postcard-worthy view of Staunton from above. Nearby, the Staunton Farmers’ Market showcases the colors of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and plants in the historic Wharf area.

You might normally drive right past tiny Landes Park, but it’s worth a stop to admire the changing leaves, the creek, and the interesting architecture of the railroad trestle.

Fall foliage events 

Don’t miss your favorite fall festivals!

• September 28: North Ridge Café & Coffee’s Fall Festival will feature live music, delicious barbecue and coffee, games, and a bounce house.
• The Fall Foliage Art Festival takes over Waynesboro on October 12-13. Talented artists display and sell paintings, prints, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, and more at this outdoor festival. The festival features juried art, food, music, and 5 and 10K races.
• The Shenandoah Fall Foliage Bike Festival (October 18-20) attracts hundreds of cyclists of all abilities for a weekend of cycle-centric fun and guided rides in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. 
• Wade’s Mill will host its annual Apple Butter Festival on October 19. See traditional apple butter creation, listen to The Late Night Stumblers, watch the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit in action, enjoy tasty food and drink including Hogback Mtn BBQ, Jump Mountain Vineyard, Halcyon Days Cider Company, and Rockbridge Brewery. Get a jump on your holiday shopping with local crafts from over 40 vendors.
• October 29: Penmerryl Farm and the SPCA are hosting a pet-friendly Leaves N’ Leashes Fall Fest to benefit the SPCA. Look for live music from The Loya Brothers and The Goodson Band, beer, and North Mountain Barbecue and Daddy Mack’s Grub Shack food trucks.

The changing leaves only last a short time, but you can make them last with memories of your visit to Staunton.