Fall Foliage Report - Nov. 13

This is the last report for the season. Fall colors continue to unfold in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. The Piedmont has approximately 75% color and is at or approaching peak. The Coastal Plain is expected to peak in mid-to-late November. To learn about scenic driving tours, visit our Web site at www.dof.virginia.gov. Fall fire season is in effect from October 15th to November 30th, so remember to be careful with outdoor fire.

Fall Foliage Report - Nov. 6

Cooler days and longer nights are bringing out fall colors across the state. In the Shenandoah Valley, virtually all of the trees have color and many are past peak. The Piedmont has approximately 75% color and will peak soon. On the Coastal Plain, approximately 30% of trees have color and peak is expected in mid-November. To learn about scenic driving tours, visit our Web site at www.dof.virginia.gov. Fall fire season is in effect from October 15th to November 30th, so remember to be careful with outdoor fire.

Leaf Peeping in Northern Virginia

Laura Cohen of the National Park Service dropped me a note about fall foliage at Prince William Forest Park, located 35 miles south of Washington, DC. With hiking trails and miles of bicycle-accessible roads and trails, consider adding this park to your outdoor travel plans. Learn more and get directions online at http://www.nps.gov/prwi

Fall Foliage Report - Oct. 29

Overnight temperatures around freezing and frost in many areas will help fall colors continue to pop out across the state. In the New River Valley, more than 75% of the trees have changed and have peak color. In the Shenandoah Valley, between 65-75% of the trees have color. The Piedmont has approximately 50% color and is expected to peak in early November. The Coastal Plain is expected to peak in mid-November. To learn about scenic driving tours, visit our Web site at www.dof.virginia.gov. Fall fire season is in effect from October 15th to November 30th, so remember to be careful with outdoor fire.

Fall Foliage Report - Oct. 22

Fall colors are underway across the state. In Southwest Virginia, peak colors can still be seen in many areas. In the New River Valley, about 70% of the trees have changed and have peak color. In the Allegheny Mountains, peak colors can still be seen. In the Shenandoah Valley, between 50-70% of the trees have color and are at or approaching peak. Elsewhere in the state, the Piedmont has approximately 40-45% color and is expected to peak by the end of October. The Coastal Plain is expected to peak in early to mid-November. To learn about scenic driving tours, visit our Web site at www.dof.virginia.gov. Fall fire season is in effect from October 15th to November 30th, so remember to be careful with outdoor fire.

Fall Foliage Report - Oct. 16

This week, fall colors continue to reveal themselves across the state. In Southwest Virginia, colors are at peak or near peak. In the New River Valley, colors are approaching peak or at peak. In the Allegheny Mountains, colors are at or approaching peak. In the Shenandoah Valley, about one-third of the trees have color, and peak is anticipated within a week. Fall colors continue unfolding in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. The Piedmont is expected to peak in late October and the Coastal Plain is expected to peak in early to mid-November.

Fall fire season is in effect from October 15th to November 30th, so remember to be careful with outdoor fire.

Fall Foliage Report - Oct. 8

For the week of October 8, patchy color changes continue throughout the state. In southwest Virginia, color change is very evident in the higher elevations, particularly in the Alleghany Highlands. Small red and yellow patches of color change are now visible. Foliage viewing is underway and approximately 10-15% of trees have changed color. At this time, peak colors are expected in the mountains during mid to late October; the Piedmont and Coastal Plain are expected to peak between late October and mid-November. To learn about scenic driving tours, visit our Web site at www.dof.virginia.gov. As you enjoy the outdoors and Virginia's forests, remember to be careful with outdoor fire. A cigarette, campfire or cooking equipment can destroy the scenic wonders of Virginia.

Fall Foliage Report - Oct. 1

For the week of October 1, a gradual change in foliage conditions can be seen in the western part of the state, generally at higher elevations, with a lower percentage of fall color at the lower elevations. Patchy color changes exist among tree species such as poplars, sweet gum, dogwood and maple. At this time, peak colors are expected in the mountains during mid to late October; the Piedmont and Coastal Plain are expected to peak between late October and mid-November. To learn about scenic driving tours, visit our Web site at www.dof.virginia.gov. As you enjoy the outdoors and Virginia's forests, remember to be careful with outdoor fire. A cigarette, campfire or cooking equipment can destroy the scenic wonders of Virginia.

Fall Foliage Report - Sept. 24

Welcome to the Fall Foliage Report from the Virginia Department of Forestry - Shaping Virginia’s Forests. For the week of September 24, foliage conditions throughout the state are still predominantly green. Slight color changes among some tree species, such as poplars, sweet gum, dogwood and maple, can be seen in higher elevations and some rural areas. Peak colors are expected in the mountains during mid to late October; the Piedmont and Coastal Plain are expected to peak during late October. As you enjoy the outdoors and Virginia's forests, remember to be careful with outdoor fire. A cigarette, campfire or cooking equipment can destroy the scenic wonders of Virginia.

Highest Point Hikes from Blue Ridge Outdoors

A hike in the woods is a wonderful way to enjoy the fall colors of Virginia. The September issue of Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine features a half-dozen fall foliage hikes in the southern states. For Virginia, the issue details a hike on Mount Rogers in southwest Virginia. See this and other hikes at their Web site http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/

Welcome to Fall Foliage in Virginia!

Each season of the year is a great time to enjoy Virginia's outdoor beauty. As fall approaches, the bright greens of spring and summer yield to the rainbow of fall colors. This season, the colors red, yellow, orange and purple will decorate the Virginia forestscape. If you like to watch this beauty unfold across the state, then stay tuned to this blog.

We'll be posting here about fall color as it unfolds across the state. Join us! Comment about what you've seen and where. Who knows? Maybe we'll see you soaking up the sights of fall!