The Most Beautiful Places to See Fall Foliage Near DC

Fill the tank and get your road trip snacks ready, it’s time to take full advantage of the glorious fall colors you can admire throughout Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The Mid-Atlantic is a fantastic region for leaf peeping, so we’ve pulled together 13 of the best places to view our area’s stunning fall foliage. Along the way, you can also admire charming small towns, hike in state parks, and drive down winding roads to enjoy the dazzling technicolor display. So what are you waiting for? Peak foliage is expected between early and late October (make sure to watch the live foliage map for updates), so read on and get ready for a stunning display of reds, oranges, and yellows.

North East
Distance From DC: 1 hour and 50 minutes
This Cecil County gem often flies under the radar, but its prime attractions are fitting for nature lovers as fall foliage rolls out. Elk Neck State Parkis a great option for taking in the fall colors with its dense forests, as well as sandy beaches and white clay cliffs. Climb to the top of the 1833 Turkey Point Lighthouse for the best view of the foliage and the surrounding Chesapeake Bay and the Elk Neck River. Head to downtown Northeast to stroll along the historic Main Street, full of independent shops.

Cambridge
Distance from DC: 2 hours
You might think of Maryland’s Eastern Shore as being the ultimate summer destination, but with fewer crowds and brilliant colors, fall is a great time to visit the area. Head to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge which is a favorite of bird watchers, as it is home to more than 250 species of birds, including a sizable population of nesting bald eagles. The four-mile Wildlife Drive allows visitors to leisurely bask in the fall colors while birdwatching, while kayakers can take in the scenery via the water. Though the under two-hour trip can be easily done in a day, make a weekend out of it with a stay in nearby St. Michael’s. The historic town’s Wildset Hotel is a cozy spot to huddle around a bonfire after a day out in nature.

Swanton
Distance From DC: 3 hours
Garrett County’s Deep Creek Lake State Park affords a variety of ways to take in the autumn colors, whether you’re on foot, car, or boat. Hike or bike one of its many trails, which range from easy strolls to steep treks that traverse several miles. Several outfitters offer pontoon and power boat rentals at the lake’s six marinas so you can enjoy the brilliant colors from the water. Or you can simply take a scenic driving tour through the fallen leaves on the area’s main highway, Route 219, to the McHenry overlook for a view of the area’s hills. Take a quick detour to Accident where you can pick up premier goat cheese and other picnic essentials at Firefly Farms Market.

Leesburg
Distance from DC: 45 minutes
This Loudoun County nature preserve is a local favorite thanks to its 725-acres and 20 miles of family-friendly hiking trails. After a walk you’ll want to head into Leesburg which is full of charming stores like Crème de la Crème and Brick and Mortar Merchantile, as well as small cafes and craft breweries.

Linden
Distance from DC: 1 hour and 15 minutes
If taking in the fall colors with a glass of wine in hand is more your style than lacing up your hiking boots, drive out to Crimson Lane Vineyards, which has one of the most beautiful tasting rooms in the state. Perched high on a hill within a stone's-throw from the Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive, Crimson Lane offers breathtaking 360-degree mountain views, an airy modern tasting room complete with blankets and a large fireplace, and, most importantly, mouth-watering wines. Tastings start at $45 per person and allow you to sample four of their wines as well as a local Virginia bubbly.

Front Royal
Distance from DC: 1 hour and 20 minutes
There’s perhaps no better place to take in the fall colors than Shenandoah National Park. The closest entrance to the park from DC is at Front Royal. Stroll around the town’s main street before heading into the park’s Skyline Drive. The 105-mile scenic route stretched across the ridge of the mountains and offers perhaps the area’s most iconic foliage views from 75 overlooks, picnic areas, and trails. If you’re making a day trip of it, pick one of the 30-mile stretches, such as Front Royal to Thornton Gap, where you can stop at the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, or Thornton Gap to Swift Run Gap, which offers the highest elevation lookout points (packing a picnic is highly recommended). Hiking enthusiasts can head to Mary’s Rock for 360-degree views or enjoy a more leisurely lookout by driving to Pinnacles Overlook, perched at 3,320 feet.

Farmville
Distance from DC: 3 hours
This state park is 60 miles south of Charlottesville and offers over 30 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding across more than 1,000 acres. Located 125 feet above the Appomattox River, the High Bridge Trail delivers elevated views of multi-colored hues in the surrounding countryside. Stay overnight at the boutique Hotel Weyanoke and make sure to visit their rooftop bar which offers views of downtown Farmville.

Mill Run
Distance from DC: 3 hours and 20 minutes
This stunning Frank Lloyd Wright home is worth the trek from DC, especially in the autumn. Wright designed the home to blend into its natural forest surroundings and the home is perched upon a flowing creek. It’s breathtaking at any time of year but especially in the fall. Take a guided tour of the 1935 property, stopping in beforehand for lunch at the Fallingwater cafe. Pittsburgh is only an hour and a half away for those looking to make a weekend out of a Fallingwater visit.

Tannersville
Distance from DC: 4 hours and 15 minutes
The Pocono Mountains erupt in color in the fall and some of the best scenery is at Big Pocono State Park. Visitors can hike or drive to the summit of the park’s Camelback Mountain when panoramic views of the dazzling foliage across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York await. Make sure to check out some of the area’s quaint mountain towns like Stroudsburg, which contains colorful murals and art galleries, and Jim Thorpe, full of historic charm with cobblestone streets and historic buildings.

Wellsboro
Distance from DC: 4 hours and 15 minutes
Dubbed the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, the 47-milePine Creek Gorgein Wellsboro slices 165,000 acres of the Tioga State Forest in North Central Pennsylvania. Hike one of the overlook trails at Leonard Harrison State Park or Colton Point State Park, which take visitors from the panoramic vistas on top to the canyon floor and is particularly stunning in the fall. Those looking for even more adventure can bike the 62-milePine Creek Rail Trail, which runs along the canyon and connects small towns.

Harpers Ferry
Distance from DC: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Harpers Ferry boasts dramatic scenery that shines brightest in the fall, thanks to its location at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, with the Blue Ridge Mountains as the backdrop. There are several overlooks in town for foliage viewing—head to The Point for a view of the rivers and railway bridges or make the 15-minute hike from lower town to the natural rock formation, Jefferson Rock. More adventurous hikers can make the arduous but rewarding four-hour trek on the Maryland Heights Trail, which has an overlook that provides a bird’s eye view of the town, rivers, and mountains.

Davis
Distance from DC: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Located in the north of West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains, this state park is home to a nearly 60-foot waterfall. Dubbed Blackwater Falls for the color of the water which is tinted a blackish amber from the tannic acid in the needles of hemlock and red spruce trees that fall into the flow, the park has a small network of trails as well the longest sledding route on the East Coast. It’s also the state’s most photographed destination. Make the short but steep climb down to the falls where you can take in the views from well-maintained observation decks. Make a weekend out of it at the recently renovated Blackwater Falls Lodge which offers easy access to hiking trails. Make sure to explore the small town of Davis and nearby Thomas, home to The Purple Fiddle, a must visit local music venue.

Marlinton
Distance from DC: 4 hours and 45 minutes
The winding, two-lane Highland Scenic Highway passes through the Monongahela National Forest and reaches as high as 4,500 feet in elevation. The route offers several stunning overlooks, making it an ideal drive to gaze at the changing leaves in the fall. The most scenic section stretches 23 miles along West Virginia Route 150, where you’ll find several picnic areas and hiking trails. Fill up with gas and snacks before you hit the road in this remote area or stop in Cass (about an hour away) to hop on the steam locomotive for a relaxing train ride through the mountains.

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