Fall Colors on the Blue Ridge Parkway (2024)

Fall Foliage on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia's Blue Ridge

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best places to see fall colors in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

With multiple access points, scenic overlooks, and a great network of trails for hiking and biking, the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is maintained by the National Park Service,offers amazing outdoor adventures and stunning views during the fall season.

As the temperatures get cooler and the leaves begin to change colors, the Blue Ridge Parkway becomes decorated with incredible landscapes full of gorgeous red, yellow, and orange trees and mountains.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is regularly named one of the best roads in the United States for a drive through the fall colors, and it’s also a world-class route for road cycling and motorcycle touring.

The Virginia’s Blue Ridge region typically reaches peak fall color season from mid-to-late October through early November, which is the best time to plan your visit to see gorgeous fall foliage. Due to the size of the region and changes in elevation, peak fall color will occur at various times in different locations, with higher elevations traditionally seeing peak color first.

View our Fall Color Schedule for more information >

As a 469 mile road that makes its way through Virginia & North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway passes through many towns and communities. Roanoke and Virginia’s Blue Ridge is the largest metropolitan area along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, offering over 1,000 miles of trails for outdoor recreation, as well as an exciting collection of local attractions, special events, things to do, and lots of options for overnight accommodations.

It’s the perfect destination to serve as the base for your fall getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Fall on the Blue Ridge Parkway - Outdoor Recreation

Blue Ridge Parkway - Scenic Overlooks

Spend time at the many scenic overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia’s Blue Ridge and have your camera ready to capture some incredible fall photos. Many of the designated overlooks offer parking lots and spaces where you can get out of your vehicle to take in the views and stretch your legs, as well as some that feature spaces for picnics and trail access.

The following are some of the best overlooks and viewing areas in Virginia’s Blue Ridge for great views of fall colors:

Milepost 75.3 - Arnold Valley Overlook
Milepost 76.5 - Apple Orchard Mountain Overlook
Milepost 81.9 - Headforemost Mountain View
Milepost 86 - Abbott Lake & Peaks of Otter
Milepost 89.4 - Upper Goose Creek Valley Overlook
Milepost 90.0 - Porter’s Mountain View
Milepost 91.8 - Mills Gap Overlook
Milepost 92.1 - Purgatory Mountain
Milepost 93.1 - Bobblet’s Gap Overlook
Milepost 95.2 - Pine Tree Overlook (pictured above)
Milepost 95.3 - Harvey’s Knob Overlook
Milepost 95.9 - Montvale View
Milepost 96.2 - Iron Mine Hollow View
Milepost 99.6 - The Great Valley Overlook
Milepost 100.9 - Quarry Overlook
Milepost 106.9 - N&W Railroad Overlook
Milepost 114 - Roanoke River Bridge & Gorge
Milepost 126.2 - Masons Knob Overlook
Milepost 129.6 - Roanoke Valley Overlook
Milepost 134.9 - Poor Mountain View
Milepost 139 - Cahas Knob Overlook
Milepost 143.9 - Devil’s Backbone Overlook
Milepost 154.1 - Smart View Overlook
Milepost 168 - The Saddle Overlook
Milepost 168.8 - Rock Castle Gorge Overlook

Blue Ridge Parkway - Hiking Trails

Many of the best hiking trails for seeing fall colors in Virginia’s Blue Ridge are located on or near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Lace up your boots and check out the following hiking trails & trail systems.

Peaks of Otter - a network of trails including Sharp Top Mountain, Flat Top Mountain, Fallingwater Cascades, Abbott Lake, Harkening Hill, and Johnson’s Farm Loop
Apple Orchard Falls - a moderately difficult hike leading to a beautiful waterfall
Explore Park(pictured above) - the park offers 14 miles of trails and features views of the Roanoke River, historical artifacts, and is known for birding & wildlife viewing
Chestnut Ridge Trail - for a relaxing walk through the woods and large forest canopies, this 1.75 mile loop is a great, moderately difficult hike
Roanoke Mountain Loop Road - with this loop road currently closed to vehicles, the 4-mile paved route makes for a steep, challenging walk that offers beautiful views
Smart View Loop Trail - a 2.6 loop hike through the Smart View Recreation Area, which is also a great spot for a picnic
Rock Castle Gorge - a challenging 10.8 mile hike that leads you into the gorge
Appalachian Trail - The iconic Appalachian Trail intersects with the Blue Ridge Parkway multiple times as both travel through Botetourt County in Virginia’s Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Parkway - Mountain Biking & Cycling

As America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital and home to Virginia’s Blue Ridge Twenty24 Pro Cycling Team, a visit to Virginia’s Blue Ridge should always include some exploring on two wheels, particularly when looking for fall colors on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which you can see in the following locations:

Glenwood Horse Trail(pictured above) - Located in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, there are multiple entry points from the Parkway where you can access the Glenwood Horse Trail in the Arcadia area, an incredible trail system for backcountry mountain biking.
Explore Park - the park features 14 miles of trails for riding and the Blue Ridge Bike Center, a progressive skills park designed for beginner and intermediate level riders where they can practice mountain biking techniques and skills
Mill Mountain Park - this popular parkin the City of Roanoke is only 3 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway access point at Milepost 120 and it offers one of the best urban trail systems in the country; showcasing 8+ miles of trails, access to the iconic Roanoke Star, and gorgeous views of Downtown Roanoke and surrounding mountains
Lithia - Nace - Blue Ridge Parkway - this special road cycling loop was created by the team at Cardinal Bicycle shop in Roanoke and begins & ends at the shop, the perfect spot for a post-ride meal & beer. Note - this is a 60+ mile ride with over 5,000 feet of elevation change

Blue Ridge Parkway - Camping & Overnight Lodging

Be surrounded by fall colors when you go camping or stay at the overnight accommodations along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The following campgrounds and lodging options are located near the Parkway.

Peaks of Otter Lodge - Milepost 86
Peaks of Otter Campground - Milepost 86
Explore Park(pictured above) - cabins, campsites, and RV camping - Milepost 114
Rocky Knob Campground - Milepost 167.1

When you're not checking out the fall colors along the Blue Ridge Parkway, take advantage of the many charming small towns and vibrant cities located within close proximity of America's Favorite Drive.

Experience the scenic beauty and history of the Town of Buchanan in Botetourt County, explore the local museums and shopsin Downtown Roanoke, the unique restaurant and craft beverage scene in the Town of Vinton, and the classic traditions of live music in the Town of Floyd.

Start planning your next metro mountain adventure in Virginia's Blue Ridge.

{{/}}{{:url}}{{/url}}{{:image.resource}}{{~setVar("resource", helpers.plugins.cloudinary.createResource(data.image.resource))}}{{/image.resource}}{{:url}}{{/url}}

{{/description}}{{:url}}{{:linktext}}{{linktext}}{{?}}read more{{/}}{{/url}}