The Shenandoah Valley of Virginia is about 150 miles long and 25 miles wide, bound by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Alleghany Mountains to the west. During the first half of October more than 3.8 million acres transition from lush emerald and basil to passionate burgundy, ochre, and goldenrod. It’s the required ending for a new beginning.
The team at USA Today have nominated the Shenandoah Valley for the title of Best Destination for Fall Foliage, and we’re sold on that idea as well. Without a doubt, the Shenandoah Valley is the best destination for fall foliage, and we’d argue that much of the appeal comes from the variety of viewing opportunities.
From the Air
Yes! You can absolutely enjoy the sweeping Valley views from the air. Choose your adventure!
- Glide from the Woodstock Hang Gliding Site on Massanutten Mountain with the Capitol Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association
- Jump from an airplane to skydive for foliage with Shenandoah Skydive in New Market
- A serene hot air balloon ride floating just above the foliage is possible, too, with Valley Ballooning in Woodstock
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From the Mountaintops
You need not be a hiker to enjoy a mountaintop view of the Shenandoah Valley, but there are certainly excellent views from rock outcrops that require the extra effort.
- Hawksbill Mountain is the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park (4,050 feet). The trail to reach the summit requires a moderate hike from Hawksbill Gap Parking Area (mile 45.5 on Skyline Drive).
- Blackrock Summit is an easy one-mile circuit hike that’s family friendly. A Kids in Parks TRACK Trail, Blackrock sets off from the Blackrock Parking Area at mile 84.4 on Skyline Drive and picks up the white-blazed Appalachian Trail.
- Devil’s Marbleyard is a quartzite boulder field strewn across the James River Face Wilderness Area in Glasgow. Approach from the bottom via the Belfast Trail and get ready to climb boulders up to the size of cars. The view is way worth the effort.
- You’ll have to work for it, but the views you’ll experience from the Orkney Springs and North Mountain Trail Loop in Basye are sweeping and spectacular in fall. This is a tough 7.2-mile excursion; bring plenty of water.
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Also See: Best Things to Do in the Shenandoah Valley in the Great Outdoors
From the Ground
The view through your windshield will certainly leave you breathless, but park the car and get out at these spots to really soak in the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley wearing her fall colors.
- The way the Peaks of Otter reflect on Abbott Lake … well, it’s nothing short of amazing. Walk the easy trail around the lake to see the view from every angle. Morning or evening, neither is better than the other for the way the light reflects and refracts.
- Pro Tip: Ask for a window seat when you dine at Peaks of Otter. It’s one of the best waterside views Virginia has to offer.
- The Natural Bridge framed in the fiery colors of autumn is a must see. Be sure to walk Cedar Creek to appreciate the view from either side of the natural limestone bridge.
- Kayak your way along foliage-lined streams like the Shenandoah River, South River in Waynesboro, and Maury River in Lexington for serene views and solitude.
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With Someone Else at the Helm
So often the driver misses some of the best views. Let someone else do the driving and whatnot.
- Virginia Scenic Railway departs from Staunton and travels both east and west for scenic dinner train excursions. The fall trips have already sold out, but check the availability anyway in case there has been a cancellation.
- Foliage from a boat? You betcha! The Virginia Dare cruises Smith Mountain Lake and much like the aforementioned Lake Abbott, those fall colors reflect brilliantly upon the water. Dinner cruises and sightseeing cruises are available.
- Fall chairlift rides at Massanutten Resort are a low impact experience that shuttles visitors above off-season ski slopes for a unique fall foliage experience.
- Sharp Top Shuttle at Peaks of Otter knocks a big dent in getting sightseers from the Blue Ridge Parkway to the peak of Sharp Top Mountain (3,875 feet). For $15 round trip you can ride about 1,500 feet instead of hiking it.
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Don’t forget to vote the Shenandoah Valley as the Best Fall Destination at 10Best.USAToday.com.
Header Image: Little Stony Man Cliffs in Shenandoah National Park. Photo by N. Lewis and Courtesy of National Park Service.