Virginia fall foliage update

In the mountains of Virginia, fall’s colors have mellowed to shades of brown, and in many areas, leaves have already dropped.  This is the time of year to really appreciate the deep greens of our native conifers against the gray trunks of our deciduous trees.

Piedmont areas range from peak leaf season in the south to past peak in the north, with the landscape resembling a rich brocade fabric in tones of gold, rust and deep red.  

A drive east into the Coastal Plain still reveals a surprising intensity of color.  Shades of gold are broken by occasional oranges and subdued reds for a nice contrast.  

Fall foliage update

Fall colors are fading fast in the mountains of Virginia, with almost all areas past peak and many leaves turning brown and dropping. Lower elevations and those sheltered from wind still provide pockets of color.

This week, the Piedmont and Coastal Plain are ablaze with color, so it's a good time for a colorful drive east. Most of central Virginia is at or close to peak color, with gold to orange tones predominating. Oaks, which turn deep red to rust, vary from mostly green to fully colored.

In the Coastal Plain, the colors are more muted golds and yellows, but they are still lovely. Bright red sumacs and deep red dogwoods provide an especially pretty contrast along forest edges. Sweetgums provide an interesting palette of orange, red, purple, and gold, often on the same tree. Oaks in the east are still predominately green, but their deep jewel tones will be evident soon.