Fall Foliage in Virginia

Fall Foliage Report – Nov. 25, 2011

2011-11-23T11:57:00.002-05:00

Virginia is closing the curtain on its fall color show for this season. The southern Piedmont has some color, though this area is past peak. The Coastal Plain has patchy color; but, overall, this area is also past peak.

Fall Foliage Report – Nov. 18, 2011

2011-11-22T08:14:00.000-05:00

As the fall foliage show fades away, the forest takes on a different, but still beautiful, look. Now is the time to notice interesting bark on Virginia’s various hardwood trees, which looks striking against the deep green needles of pines and other evergreens. White oaks and some hickories have pale, shaggy bark that peels away from the trunk in strips. Sycamores show a mosaic of white, tan, and gray. Persimmon and black gum have dark bark divided into blocks. Beech bark is a smooth, even gray. Other trees have bark with furrows, deep ridges, or interlacing patterns. See how many different types of bark you can see on your next walk in the woods!

Here's the latest update on fall color in Virginia. The fall color season is drawing to a close in Virginia. Many areas of the Piedmont, especially the southern Piedmont, still have color, though this area is past peak. The Coastal Plain has significant color and areas will be peaking between now and Thanksgiving.

Fall Foliage Report – Nov. 11, 2011

2011-11-09T15:54:00.000-05:00

A deciduous tree’s beautiful autumn colors are a prelude to the loss of its leaves. Thin leaf tissue freezes easily, and trees constantly lose water through the leaves, so a tree must seal them off and drop its leaves to preserve its own health through the winter cold. Some trees tend to cling to their dead leaves for a while, but the water vessels are sealed off, so the trees are not harmed. For example, white oaks may wear a “skirt” of brown leaves on their lower branches well into winter. And beech trees may cling to their papery amber leaves until the new buds swell in spring.

Here's the latest update on fall color in Virginia. In the upper Piedmont, considerable color can still be seen, though colors are past peak. In the lower Piedmont, colors are at or just past peak. In the Coastal Plain of Virginia, significant color can be seen on the Peninsula. On the Eastern Shore, roughly fifty-percent of the trees have color.

Fall Foliage Report – Nov. 4, 2011

2011-11-02T12:04:00.001-04:00

Virginia is lucky to have many species of oaks, which produce abundant acorns in the fall, making them a favorite of wildlife. Most oaks hold their green color well into fall, then turn some shade of red, although the colors are not as bright as those of maples. As with all deciduous trees, the leaf color eventually changes to brown as the leaves die. Oak leaves often take on hues of burnished copper or rich honeyed brown that make even the dead leaves attractive.

Here’s the update on fall colors across the state. Significant color change can be seen in the Piedmont. Most tree species are at full color with some species of oaks lagging a little bit. Many areas are approaching peak color. East of Richmond in the Coastal Plain of Virginia, patchy color change can be seen, and fall color can be found on the Peninsula.

Fall Foliage Report – Oct. 28, 2011

2011-10-27T11:48:00.000-04:00

Some trees that are overlooked at other times of the year really begin to shine in mid-autumn. Hickories are scattered throughout Virginia’s forests, from the mountains to the sea. These rugged trees have compound leaves that turn a clear golden yellow. Sweet gum has truly amazing fall color. You may see deep red, orange, yellow, and even purple on the same tree.

Here’s the update on fall colors across the state. In the New River Valley, more than 75% of the trees have peak color. In the Shenandoah Valley, fall color is evident on between 65-75% of the trees. Plenty of color can still to be found in the mountains, especially among the oaks, although recent rain and wind brought down some of the early turners.

The Piedmont has approximately 50% color and is expected to peak in early November. The Coastal Plain is expected to peak in mid-November.

Fall Foliage Report – Oct.21, 2011

2011-10-20T09:40:00.000-04:00

No matter where you are in Virginia, maple trees are putting on their autumn finery. Red maple, a highly adaptable species, grows statewide. It shows its characteristic blaze of color in places as varied as eastern swamps, Piedmont hills, urban streets, and mountain ridges. In the mountains, sugar maples add a sunny, vibrant orange to the landscape.

Fall color season is underway across the state. In Southwest Virginia, peak colors can still be seen in many areas. The Mount Rogers area is at or just past peak. Peak colors are expected within the next week at lower elevations. In the New River Valley, colors are near peak in the higher elevations, and approaching peak in the lower elevations. In the Allegheny Mountains, colors are past peak. In the Shenandoah Valley, approximately 50% of the trees have color and are at or approaching peak.

Elsewhere in the state, the Piedmont has approximately 25% color. The Coastal Plain is expected to peak in mid-November.

Fall fire season is in effect from October 15th to November 30th, so remember to be careful with outdoor fire. When burning leaves, the Virginia Department of Forestry recommends burning small piles, have water on hand and a cell phone nearby to dial 911 if it gets out of control.

Fall Foliage Report – Oct.14, 2011

2011-10-12T11:41:00.000-04:00

When the red maples flash their bright colors, you know that fall is really here. The red colors in leaves are produced when the nights grow longer and temperatures grow cooler. Trees begin to shut off the vessels that carry fluids in and out of the leaves, and sugars become trapped in the leaves. The trapped sugars form red pigments called anthocyanins. Bright sunny days and cool clear nights produce the best autumn reds. Some species of trees produce more of these pigments than others.

Fall colors are revealing themselves across the state. In Southwest Virginia, colors continue to transition away from green. In the higher elevations near Abingdon, colors are at peak. In the New River Valley, approximately one-quarter to one-third of the trees have color. In the Allegheny Mountains, significant color change can be seen in Highland County. In the Shenandoah Valley, the fall color change is underway. Fall colors continue unfolding in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. At this time, peak colors are expected in the mountains during late October and early November; the Piedmont and Coastal Plain are expected to peak during mid-to-late November.

Fall Fire Season begins October 15th. When burning leaves, the Virginia Department of Forestry recommends burning small piles, have water on hand and a cell phone nearby to dial 911 if it gets out of control.

Fall Foliage Report – Oct. 7, 2011

2011-10-06T10:55:00.000-04:00

Fall is the time for bright leaves, but colorful berries also add to the show. These are best viewed up close, on foot, rather than from a car. Dogwoods, hollies, and sumacs have brilliant red berries. Wild grapes turn black to bluish-black. Persimmon fruits ripen to a dull orange, while pawpaws turn the dull, bruised yellow of a ripe banana. Acorns, walnuts, hickory and beechnuts are also present in fall. Color changes continue throughout the state. In southwest Virginia, very little color change at this time. Color change can be seen in 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 during late October and early November. To learn about scenic driving tours or how you can help the Virginia Department of Forestry collect acorns to grow in its nurseries, visit our website at http://www.dof.virginia.gov/.

Fall Foliage Report – Sept. 30, 2011

2011-09-30T12:24:00.000-04:00

In Virginia’s woods, trees are not the only species changing color. Shrubs and vines also splash the forest understory with color. Look for the bright red leaves of sumacs along woodland edges. Poison ivy colors early, usually showing deep red leaves clinging to tree trunks. Virginia creeper’s 5-parted leaves turn a bright, clear red. The native wild grape usually sports yellow leaves, and the invasive Oriental bittersweet turns a bright golden yellow.

Fall Foliage Report – Sept. 23, 2011

2011-09-22T16:43:00.002-04:00

For the week of September 23, the calendar says fall, but Virginia’s forests are still mostly green. If you look closely, you’ll see a few species of trees that begin to change color early. These include black gum, which you may see waving bright red flags of color at the woods’ edge; yellow-poplar, a tall tree sporting yellow leaves scattered through its canopy; and dogwood, our State tree, which blushes to a dull red. Peak colors are expected in the mountains during mid to late October; the Piedmont and Coastal Plain are expected to peak during late October and early November.

Early Signs of Fall

2011-09-20T16:17:00.000-04:00

The calendar says fall, but Virginia’s forests are still mostly green. If you look closely, you’ll see a few species of trees that begin to change color early. These include black gum, which you may see waving bright red flags of color at the woods’ edge; yellow-poplar, a tall tree sporting yellow leaves scattered through its canopy; and dogwood, our State tree, which blushes to a dull red. If you’d like to brush up on your tree identification skills before the leaves fall, you can buy a copy of Common Native Trees of Virginia from our Web Store.

Fall Foliage Report – Nov. 24, 2010

2010-11-24T11:19:00.000-05:00

The fall color season is winding down in Virginia. Many areas of the Piedmont have isolated areas of color, though this area is past peak. The Coastal Plain has significant color, most areas are at peak or just past peak color.

This the last Fall Foliage Report for the season. Thanks for supporting us!! These posts will resume in October 2011.

Fall Foliage Report – Nov. 18, 2010

2010-11-18T12:15:00.002-05:00

Fall Foliage Report – Nov. 12, 2010

2010-11-12T10:07:00.002-05:00

The fall color show continues to roll across Virginia. In the upper Piedmont, considerable color can still be seen, though colors are past peak. In the lower Piedmont, colors are at or just past peak. In the Coastal Plain of Virginia, significant color can be seen on the Peninsula. On the Eastern Shore, roughly fifty-percent of the trees have color.

Fall Foliage Report – Nov. 4, 2010

2010-11-04T11:35:00.000-04:00

Significant color change can be seen in the Piedmont. Most tree species are at full color with some species of oaks lagging a little bit. Many areas are approaching peak color. East of Richmond in the Coastal Plain of Virginia, patchy color change can be seen, and fall color can be found on the Peninsula.

Fall Foliage Report - Oct. 28, 2010

2010-10-28T12:10:00.002-04:00

Fall colors are in full view across the state. In the New River Valley, more than 75% of the trees have peak color. In the Shenandoah Valley, fall color is evident on between 65-75% of the trees. The Piedmont has approximately 50% color and is expected to peak in early November. The Coastal Plain is expected to peak in mid-November.

Fall Foliage Report - Oct. 21, 2010

2010-10-21T10:45:00.000-04:00

Fall color season is underway across the state. In Southwest Virginia, peak colors can still be seen in many areas. The Mount Rogers area is at or just past peak. Peak colors are expected within the next ten days at lower elevations. In the New River Valley, colors are near peak in the higher elevations, and approaching peak in the lower elevations. In the Allegheny Mountains, colors are past peak. In the Shenandoah Valley, approximately 50% of the trees have color and are at or approaching peak. Elsewhere in the state, the Piedmont has approximately 25% color. The Coastal Plain is expected to peak in mid-November.

Fall fire season is in effect from October 15th to November 30th, so remember to be careful with outdoor fire. When burning leaves, the Virginia Department of Forestry recommends burning small piles, have water on hand and a cell phone nearby to dial 911 if it gets out of control. To learn about scenic driving tours or to pick up a copy of our tree identification book, visit our website at http://www.dof.virginia.gov/.

Fall Foliage Report - Oct. 14, 2010

2010-10-14T12:03:00.000-04:00

Fall colors are revealing themselves across the state. In Southwest Virginia, colors continue to transition away from green. In the New River Valley, approximately one-quarter to one-third of the trees have color. In the Allegheny Mountains, significant color change can be seen in western Highland County as well as the eastern part of the county. In the Shenandoah Valley, the fall color change is underway. Fall colors continue unfolding in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. At this time, peak colors are expected in the mountains during late October; the Piedmont and Coastal Plain are expected to peak during mid-to-late November.

Fall Fire Season begins on October 15th. When burning leaves, the Virginia Department of Forestry recommends burning small piles, have water on hand and a cell phone nearby to dial 911 if it gets out of control.

To learn about scenic driving tours or to pick up a copy of our tree identification book, visit our website at www.dof.virginia.gov.

Fall Foliage Report - Oct. 7, 2010

2010-10-07T12:39:00.000-04:00

Color changes continue throughout the state. In southwest Virginia, very little color change can be seen at this time. Color change can be seen in 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 during late October and early November. To learn about scenic driving tours or to pick up a copy of our tree identification book, visit our website at www.dof.virginia.gov.

Waynesboro Apple Days

2010-10-01T09:10:00.000-04:00

The Apple Days Festival Craft Show is this weekend in Waynesboro.

This week - Sept. 30

2010-09-30T14:36:00.001-04:00

Green is still the dominant color on Virginia trees. Some color change can be seen in tree species such as poplars, sweet gum, dogwood and maple. Peak colors are expected in the mountains during mid to late October; the Piedmont and Coastal Plain are expected to peak during late October and early November.

Early Changers

2010-09-15T16:18:00.000-04:00

How well can you identify trees? If you don't know what a yellow poplar looks like, now is a good time to learn! Yellow poplars are "early changers" each year, the first ones to remind you that school has started, and that pumpkins will soon be for sale everywhere. So, when you see tall, straight trees along the roadside, notice if their leaves are turning yellow. It probably is a yellow poplar.

You can see more characteristics of the yellow poplar on our website at http://www.dof.virginia.gov/trees/poplar-yellow.htm

Fall Foliage Report - Nov. 18, 2009

2009-11-18T16:31:00.001-05:00

The fall color season is drawing to a close in Virginia. Many areas of the Piedmont, especially the southern Piedmont, still have color, though this area is past peak. The Coastal Plain has significant color and areas will be peaking between now and Thanksgiving. This the last Fall Foliage Report for the 2009 season. Thanks for supporting our blog and scenic driving tours. These reports will resume in late September, 2010.

Fall Foliage Report - Nov. 12, 2009

2009-11-12T09:36:00.000-05:00

The season is winding down! Fall colors on oak trees are providing patches of color throughout the state. In Southwest Virginia, the Roanoke Valley, and the Shenandoah Valley, colors are past peak. In the lower Piedmont, colors are at or just past peak. In the Coastal Plain of Virginia, beautiful color is still evident on the Peninsula. On the Eastern Shore, approximately two-thirds of the trees have color.

Fall Foliage Report - Nov. 4, 2009

2009-11-05T14:03:00.000-05:00

This week, significant color changes are occurring in the Piedmont with many areas approaching peak color. In the Coastal Plain of Virginia, patchy colors can be found on the Peninsula.

Fall Foliage Report - Oct. 28, 2009

2009-10-28T10:49:00.000-04:00

Fall colors are in full view across most of 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. Fall fire season is in effect from October 15th to November 30th, so remember to be careful with outdoor fire.

Fall Color Scenic Drive - NEW!!!!

2009-10-23T15:16:00.000-04:00

Heading out to see some fall color this weekend? Don't forget Greene County. Jack Kauffman, our forester for Madison and Greene counties, sent directions for a scenic drive between Stanardsville and Sperryville. Find it at http://www.dof.virginia.gov/fall/index.htm If you give it a spin, "comment" about it here.

Fall Foliage Report - Oct. 21, 2009

2009-10-21T11:38:00.000-04:00

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, approximately 50% of the trees have color and are at or approaching peak. Elsewhere in the state, the Piedmont has approximately 25% color. 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 Foliage Report - Oct. 14, 2009

2009-10-14T12:31:00.000-04:00

Don't let a wet forecast keep you from seeing Virginia's fall colors! They continue to reveal themselves across the state. In Southwest Virginia, colors are approaching peak or are at peak in the higher elevations. In the New River Valley, approximately one-quarter to one-third of the trees have color. In the Allegheny Mountains, colors are at peak in western Highland County and approaching peak in the eastern part of the county. In the Shenandoah Valley, the fall color change is underway. 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 Foliage Report - Oct. 8

2009-10-08T08:14:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Fall Foliage Report from the Virginia Department of Forestry - Shaping Virginia’s Forests. For the week of October 7, 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 Season Has Begun!

2009-10-02T14:51:00.000-04:00

This is our first report of the season! Cooler weather means it's time to get out and see all Virginia has to offer at this time of year. Not much is going on so far - a gradual change in foliage conditions can be seen across the state. In western Virginia, color change is noticeable 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 - Nov. 13

2008-11-13T10:49:00.000-05:00

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

2008-11-05T10:53:00.000-05:00

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

2008-11-03T08:58:00.000-05:00

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

2008-10-29T08:30:00.000-04:00

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

2008-10-22T11:44:00.000-04:00

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

2008-10-16T10:22:00.000-04:00

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

2008-10-08T12:12:00.000-04:00

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

2008-10-01T11:25:00.000-04:00

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

2008-09-24T11:12:00.000-04:00

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

2008-09-19T14:40:00.000-04:00

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!

2008-08-27T12:40:00.000-04:00

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!