Here Are the Best Times and Places to View Virginia’s Fall Foliage in 2025

Ah, fall in Virginia. Is there any season more charming? The crisp air, the promise of cooler weather—after all of that humidity—and festivities galore. If you're anything like us, you've probably been wondering, "When do leaves change color in Virginia?" The answer changes from year to year, but fortunately, we've got the Virginia fall foliage map for 2025, an in-depth guide for leaf-peeping in the Old Dominion.

Here in the U.S., the fall season seems to unofficially begin after Labor Day, with the start of school and the arrival of September. By the end of September, much of the country has started seeing fall colors. Here in Virginia, however, we won't see much color change until the end of September, when those first signs of fall foliage will appear in the mountains.

The real change is forecasted for October. The second and third weeks of October will be pivotal for leaf peeping in the Virginia mountains and Shenandoah Valley. According to the fall foliage map, the week of October 13th will be peak fall foliage in Virginia. By the end of the month, the entire state should be alive with color, even the southeastern portion, which is the last to experience fall foliage in Virginia.

This would be a great time to plan some outings, perhaps a hike or two in Shenandoah National Park or a trip to a small town. This year, I'd like to check a few of these bucket list Virginia hikes off my list, or spend some time in Staunton, a charming Shenandoah Valley town that's absolutely gorgeous this time of year. If you'd like to avoid the crowds, it's a great time of year to check out a lesser-known Virginia state park.

One of my favorite activities from last fall was taking a guided tour of the James River on an 18th-century-style batteau. It was a totally unique outing that furthered my appreciation for our beautiful state and its fascinating history.

Or maybe you prefer to hunker down in a cozy cabin. If so, you'll want to check out this stunning Airbnb in Virginia that's peak fall vibes.

When will your hometown experience peak fall foliage? Check out the Smoky Mountains Fall foliage Map for 2025 and begin planning your colorful fall adventure. As you well know, fall in Virginia is an ephemeral season—by Halloween, most of Virginia will be past peak fall foliage, with signs of winter well on their way.

We hope this article helped answer your question: "When do leaves change color in Virginia?" What are some of your favorite places to see the fall foliage in Virginia? There's really no wrong answer here! Plan your own trip to see fall foliage in Virginia with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.

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