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Fall Foliage Peak Is Here in Virginia’s Highest Elevations and Nearing Peak in NoVA

It’s time to get out and soak in the changing colors — and weather conditions are perfect for red leaves.

Channels State Forest in Southwest Virginia (Courtesy Virginia Department of Forestry)

How colorful are Virginia’s trees? The fall foliage is at its peak with vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges across the state’s highest elevations, according to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia Department of Forestry.

“Peak color arrived in all its glory throughout Virginia’s mountains this week,” the forestry department said on its website Wednesday. “The Piedmont ranges from partial to near peak color as well.” 

The Virginia Department of Forestry said conditions have been ideal for the reds to turn out, with sunny days and clear, cool nights.

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On Thursday, Virginia State Parks posted: “Parks in the western and northern regions are very near peak. The full display of colors is expected to emerge in the next week or so in the central and coastal regions.”

In its fall foliage report for the coming weekend, the Virginia Tourism Corporation said, “Central and Northern Virginia are nearing peak, and east of Richmond is beautifully autumnal. In the eastern and central regions, green oaks stand out against golden hickories and fiery red maples, creating a striking contrast across the landscape.”

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Fall foliage on October 21 in Leesylvania State Park
Fall foliage on October 21 in Leesylvania State Park (Courtesy Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation)

At Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge, where there is a tree identification hike on Saturday, more leaves are turning bright orange and red.

“More wildlife, such as raccoons and deer, have been spotted in the park and can be seen walking through the fall leaves on our trails. As soon as you drive into the park, you can see the beautiful colors of the trees anywhere you go,” the October 24 Fall Foliage Report for Northern Virginia State Parks said.

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Feature image of Channels State Forest in Washington County courtesy Virginia Department of Forestry

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