There’s no better time to explore Virginia than fall. That’s when the Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains blaze with color, historic villages and towns hum with celebration, and every trail, vineyard, and scenic drive feels like a postcard come to life.
From epic train rides through leaf-covered valleys to crisp vineyard tastings and mountaintop views, the season offers unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, perusing art in the crisp autumn air, or sipping wine under golden leaves, these must-visit places and events promise a fall getaway you won’t forget.
Riding the rails aboard the Shenandoah Valley Limited this fall is a nostalgic journey through fiery red, orange, and gold foliage spanning the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. Behind the mighty Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 steam locomotive, passengers relish 3.5‑hour weekend round trips from Victoria Station in Goshen, offering breathtaking views. This special train runs Fridays to Sundays for five consecutive weekends starting September 26 through October 26, 2025. The combination of historic engineering and peak autumn color makes it a must-do fall excursion.
Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611. Photo by Leslie W. Kipp.
Surrounded by manicured gardens, rolling hills, and native woodlands, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley offers a serene retreat in fall, one where red maples and golden ginkgo contrast with the museum’s Tudor-style architecture. Seasonal exhibitions and galleries often coincide with autumn themes or regional arts, making it a contemplative stop for both art lovers and leaf-peepers.
- Scraposaurs is on display through October 19
- September 14: Meet the Bees & Beekeepers
- September 23: Sculpture Celebration on the Trails:Â Guardian Quadrilogy sculptures
- October 12: Dino-Con – a day-long celebration of Scraposaurs
- October 14: Mindfulness Walk: Forest Trail
The Gingko Grove of more than 300 trees becomes a glowing golden canopy in mid-to-late fall before falling like confetti. A quiet and scenic spot, it’s ideal for photography, contemplative walks, and celebrating the season’s quieter beauty amidst Blandy’s arboretum and woodland gardens.
The last weekend of October and first weekend of November will feature special visitor services to include snack and coffee trucks and the addition of extra bathroom facilities. Be sure to stop at the Sponsor-A-Gingko-Tree booth.
Blandy Ginkgo Grove. Photo by Sarah Hauser and courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation.
Nestled in the foothills west of Lynchburg, Jefferson’s Poplar Forest is surrounded by woodlands that burst into warm fall tones. The historic retreat’s reflective interiors are even more astounding paired with colorful views.
- September 13: Roots and Reconnection Festival
- September 17: Naturalization Ceremony
- October 10: Archaeology Behind-the-Scenes Tour
- October 25: Fall Harvest Dinner
- November 8: Fall Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival
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This restored 18th-century Burwell-Morgan Mill sits on the banks of Mill Creek amid maples and oaks that shimmer in autumn. Inside, the mill’s historic charm is amplified with fall light streaming through old windows – an idyllic slice of Virginia history in color.
- September 20 – October 5: Fall Art at the Mill
- Mill is open Friday-Sunday through November 15, 2025
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Situated in the northern Shenandoah Valley overlooking the Rappahannock River, Belle Grove’s grounds truly shine in fall. As leaves shift into golden and amber hues, the historic manor and surrounding landscapes become even more picturesque—a perfect setting for quiet reflection or leisurely strolls.
- September 21: Make-and-Take Lavender Sachets
- October 5: Make-and-Take Corn Husk Dolls and Primitive Brooms
- October 11: Pub Whiskey Tasting
- October 18-19: Battle of Cedar Creek Commemoration
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A short and rewarding hike leads to panoramic views of Shenandoah Valley and foliage-draped ridgelines. In fall, the 1.8‑mile trail to Humpback Rocks rewards hikers with crisp air, rustling leaves, and sweeping mountain views. A perfect spot for an easy but stunning autumn outing.
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White Oak Canyon is a multi-tiered waterfall trail where vibrant fall colors cascade alongside rushing water. As leaves shift to fiery tones, the canyon becomes a photographer’s dream for capturing vivid autumn waterfalls and golden forest scenery.
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One of the region’s best-kept hiking secrets: a 1.75‑mile trek along the Tuscarora Trail to Eagle Rock overlooks a valley ablaze with autumn color. It’s a rewarding vantage point, with far-reaching westward panoramas that heighten the sense of fall’s grandeur.
Eagle Rock on the Tuscarora Trail. Photo by Robert Harris and courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation.
Bear’s Den offers sweeping overlooks with rugged rock formations framed by brilliant fall foliage. The short trail draws hikers seeking panoramic views of an autumn-colored Shenandoah Valley.
A quaint French-style inn and restaurant, L’Auberge Provençale nestles among wooded countryside that transitions into a tapestry of amber and crimson in fall. Dining here amid fall light and rustic décor enhances the ambiance—an ideal romantic or indulgent autumn escape.
- September 20: Old World Meets Virginia: Barboursville Wine Dinner
- November 27: Thanksgiving at the Inn
L’Auberge Provencale. Photo by Jumping Rocks Photography and courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation.
Perched above the Shenandoah Valley, Fort Lewis Lodge offers historic charm framed by fall foliage and glowing sunsets. Its grand porches and period décor pair beautifully with crisp air and leaf-strewn grounds, making it a cozy retreat for autumn travelers.
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High atop the Blue Ridge on Skyline Drive, Big Meadows Lodge enjoys peak fall color often in mid-to-late October. Leaves blaze across the valley as hikers retire to the cozy rustic lodge—complete with roaring fireplace—making for a quintessential fall mountain getaway.
- Big Meadows Lodge is open through November 9, 2025
- Thursdays through October 30: White Oak Basket Making
- September 26-27 and October 9-10: Art in the Park: Scenes from Shenandoah
- September 27: Free Entry to Shenandoah National Park for National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Free Entry to Shenandoah National Park for Veterans Day
A magical experience indeed, Queen City Mischief & Magic (September 27-28, 2025) is wonderfully timed to blend whimsical fantasy with Staunton’s enchanting autumn backdrop. It gives Halloween vibes without the fright.
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Held October 11–12, 2025, the Fall Foliage Art Festival transforms downtown Waynesboro with over 150 artists, gourmet food trucks, and live music. The vibrant visuals of fall art blend perfectly with nature’s palette – street art and tree-lined avenues alike.
Set for October 10–11, 2025, the 53rd annual Festival of Leaves celebrates autumn with a parade, bluegrass music, arts and crafts vendors – and living history at Belle Boyd Cottage and Balthis House, complete with apple butter making demos. It’s a lively and immersive festival for the whole family.
This small, charming vineyard – with star-themed décor – becomes atmospheric in fall, as vineyards and surrounding woodlands glow with autumn tones. The intimate tasting room and pastoral landscape of Star in the Valley offer a tranquil fall vineyard experience.
- October 11: 6th Annual Crust Fest
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Tucked in the foothills with vines turning ruddy reds and oranges, Muse Vineyard offers wine tasting amid fall hues. Harvest activities, seasonal tastings, and vineyard views reflect an intimate, vibrant part of Virginia’s wine country in autumn.
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Featuring panoramic vineyard views and wooded ridgelines that flare with seasonal color, Barren Ridge provides fall wine tasting under crisp skies. The scenic hilltop setting is especially striking with autumn vines and golden light.
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Header Image: Tuscarora Trail. Photo by Robert Harris and courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation.
