Fall in Virginia arrives in waves of kaleidoscopic color along the peaks, then the color drifts down into the Valley over several weeks. Some of the best ways to watch it are along the mountain roads themselves, by rail, or from a field during harvest.
The Blue Ridge Parkway begins in Virginia and winds along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains for 469 miles. Start near Waynesboro, where the Parkway meets Skyline Drive at Shenandoah National Park’s Rockfish Gap entrance. It’s a convenient place to grab coffee and fuel up before heading south. Continue toward Lexington, a short drive from the Parkway, where history is enhanced by a lively college-town atmosphere. Walk the historic downtown for great shopping and dining, or hop aboard a narrated carriage tour to get an expert local perspective.
Cyclist on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Photo by Steve Shires; courtesy of Lexington & Rockbridge Area Tourism
Skyline Drive runs 105 miles through beautiful Shenandoah National Park, with frequent overlooks and easy trailheads. The northern entrance is near Front Royal, but many visitors enter from the Page Valley side, where the scenery is especially pretty in October. Stop at Luray Caverns to explore the underground formations, then take a short walk to see the Shenandoah River winding through farmland below the mountains. Plan a few stops along the Drive, especially at Big Meadows where a hearty meal awaits. Don’t skip the overlooks. They are popular for their incredible views.
Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park
Route 42 rewards slow driving. Begin in Harrisonburg, a university town with a strong arts scene and a palate-pleasing food culture. From there, head south toward Dayton, home to a strong Mennonite and Brethren heritage, and then keep going through Bridgewater and into the rolling hills beyond. Stop at farm stands and small-town diners along the way. The road climbs into the Allegheny Highlands, where fields and forests blend together in shades of autumn.
No fall itinerary in this region is complete without a ride on the rails. Staunton is a charming, walkable city with brick sidewalks, Victorian architecture, and a thriving theater scene. Before boarding, spend time downtown and visit the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, or catch a performance at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse. Then head to the depot for a ride on the Virginia Scenic Railway, which carries passengers through the Blue Ridge foothills. The train ride is relaxed and social, and it gives you a view of the valley that is hard to get from a car. Check the schedule before you go, since fall excursions are popular and sell out quickly.
Fall is harvest season in the Shenandoah Valley, and the farms of Winchester and Augusta County are a great place for families to get involved.
The Winchester area is known for its orchards, and many of them welcome families for pick-your-own afternoons. Kids can fill a basket with apples, learn how the trees are grown, and bring home a bushel for pies, applesauce, or healthy snacks. Many orchards also have farm stands with donuts, cider, and pumpkins. One of our favorite apple destinations is Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market & Bakery.
Winchester, VA Apples. Photo courtesy of Winchester Convention & Visitors Bureau
Augusta County has a long agricultural tradition, and several farms offer tours. Sunrise Farms in Stuarts Draft is hosting their last farm tour of the season on October 16, which includes a 60-minute tractor-drawn wagon tour. Similarly, Polyface Farm also offers farm tours – either self-guided, a two-hour private walking tour, or a hay wagon tour, which will be last available in 2026 on October 17.
Daniel Salatin in foreground. Joel and Daniel Salatin and the eggmobile.
Photo by Beth Furgurson Photography and courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation.
Both areas have restaurants that source ingredients from nearby farms, and many menus change with the season. Look for dishes featuring squash, sweet potatoes, apples, and root vegetables. Many family-friendly spots offer kid-sized portions and outdoor seating, which makes an easy lunch between farm stops.
Chef Ian Boden of The Shack and Maude & The Bear. Photo by Sera Petras; courtesy of Visit Staunton.
Whether you spend the weekend winding along a mountain ridge, riding a train through the foothills, or picking apples with the kids, fall in the Shenandoah Valley offers a little of everything. Pack a thermos, bring a camera, and let the roads lead you wherever the color is best.
Header Image: Aerial view of Harrisonburg, VA in fall. Photo by Sam Dean and courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation.
