The beauty of autumn is especially arresting on fall drives through the woods or in the countryside. Within the commonwealth are miles of breathtaking forests that transform from green to gold to crimson. To fully relish this colorful time of the year, we’ve made a list of five Virginia roadways with spectacular fall foliage. So, hop in the car and let’s drive.
George Washington Memorial Parkway
Stay close to home for a leisurely drive down the rolling lanes of George Washington Memorial Parkway. This National Park–managed byway borders the shoreline of the Potomac River, where tall trees create a tunnel of colorful beauty. Begin at George Washington Memorial Bridge at the north end and drive south past the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to Mount Vernon. Detour at one of the scenic overlooks or hike down to the river at Turkey Run Park. The National Park Service has documented 99 different species of trees in this area. Tip: Stop at Cedar Knoll in Fort Hunt for a meal.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Everyone is familiar with the legendary beauty of Skyline Drive, but beyond the overly popular National Park’s scenery is the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hundreds of winding miles cross through the Appalachian Mountains beginning in Afton. The road meanders south past Roanoke, crossing into North Carolina after the Meadows of Dan. Renowned for its biodiversity, the Blue Ridge Parkway’s most notable colors are the bronze leaves of the American beech and scarlet leaves on the maple trees. The speed limit is 35 to 45 mph, so you’ll have plenty of time to admire the landscape or stop for a walk in the woods. Stay at The Hotel Roanoke and dine at Six & Skytop Grille. (The Blue Ridge Parkway was closed after suffering storm damage but is now open in Virginia from Mileposts 0 to 198.)
Colonial Parkway
It took 23 years to build the Colonial Parkway in southeastern Virginia. The 25-mile roadway links together significant cultural sites dating back to Virginia’s colonial era. When construction began, the National Park Service focused on linking these historic monuments and preserving the natural beauty of the landscape. Success! This gently curving roadway is bordered by stands of trees and groundcover that transforms into a palette of amber, scarlet, and bright orange. It passes under stone bridges, skirts along the James and York rivers, with departures leading to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. Pick up a map at any of these visitor centers. Stay at the Williamsburg Lodge. Dine at Yorktown Pub.
George Washington National Forest
George Washington National Forest is simply awe-inspiring, and driving through is like becoming enveloped in a wonderland of tall timber. To enter an especially scenic section, exit Interstate 81 at Edinburg, over the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, taking Edinburg Gap Road to enter the tree canopy on Fort Valley Road. Head north on this narrow thoroughfare that passes between two ranges of the Massanutten Mountains. Fort Valley Road got its name when Gen. George Washington proposed hiding his troops in the area during the Revolutionary War. On your way, take a hike up to Buzzard Rock. Stop for a meal at Woodstock Brewhouse.
Scenic Roads Leading to Wine and Beer
Northern Loudoun and Fauquier counties have a collection of scenic roads leading to vineyards, breweries, and even a Christmas tree farm. Exit Interstate 66 near Markham onto Route 688. First stop is Hartland Orchard and Farm, a Best of NoVA winner, to stock up on autumn’s bountiful apple harvest. Then, travel north on Leeds Manor Road. Slender and winding, the road feels like a roller coaster at times but the foliage is verdant and lush. You can take a short stroll at Thompson Lake before resuming your drive toward Paris on Route 17 and Sky Meadows State Park. Dine at The Whole Ox in Marshall. Have some wine at Arterra Wines.
Mason Neck State Park
Hop off Route 1 heading south toward Woodbridge onto Gunston Road. This peaceful road is bordered by woodsy stands, as it cuts through Fairfax County, ultimately ending at Mason Neck State Park and Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge. The forested landscape fits between Gunston Cove and Belmont Bay, beckoning you to stretch your legs out on the trails. The leafy tree cover has become an important habitat for bald eagles, consisting mostly of hardwood forests of oaks and hickory trees. Make a detour to visit Gunston Hall, George Mason’s home and farm with its majestic stand of magnolia trees. Have a meal at Harbour Grille Restaurant at Occoquan Harbour Marina.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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