There are few people who are not dazzled by the brilliant displays of the leaves changing color as the summer season fades into fall. While many states have excellent viewing of the autumn foliage, few can rival Virginia's vivid offerings. The following are some of the best Virginia drives to view the fall foliage.
Blue Ridge Parkway
From the Shenandoah Valley and Shenandoah National Park at its northern end to the beginning of The Great Smokey Mountains National Park and the North Carolina border in the south, the 495 mile long Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia is one location where nearly every lover of natural beauty is guaranteed to be left breathless at the sight of the Appalachian mountains seemingly "catching on fire" during the changing of the seasons.
Skyland Drive
While there are many scenic drives along The Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyland Drive is perhaps the most well-known. Stretching for over 100 miles from Front Royal to Waynesboro, this drive has over four entrances: Front Royal accessible via I-66 and Route 340, Thornton Gap accessible via Route 211, Swift Run Gap accessible via Route 33, and Rockfish Gap accessible via I-64 and Route 250.
The Nelson Loop is also part of The Blue Ridge Parkway, and encompasses a wide variety of terrain with 50 miles of piedmont valleys, mountain tops and scenic towns from which to enjoy the sights and sounds of fall. Most visitors start their journey at the Spruce Creek Park Visitor Center on Route 151 in Wintergreen, Virginia. The Nelson Loop follows three scenic roads in addition to The Parkway: Patrick Henry Highway (VA Route 151), Beech Grove Road (County Route 664) and Crabtree Falls Highway (VA Route 56) and this drive is perfect for automobiles as well as bicycles.
This byway is about 16 miles long and is located near the historic town of Wytheville, Virginia. One can gain access to this scenic road by taking Exit 52 on I-77 and traveling South, or by taking Exit 47 on I-77 and traveling to Route 717 to US-52 and then heading North towards Wytheville. Along the way you can enjoy historic farms and enchanting forest filled valleys as you reach the 100 foot tower at Big Walker lookout where you can stop to enjoy the views of the mountains.
Highlands Parkway Abingdon to White Top
While many are familiar with the hiking and biking trail known as the Virginia Creeper Trail that travels from Abingdon to Damascus to White Top along abandoned railway lines and beaten paths along the forest floor, many are unaware that the nearby US Route 58 Highlands Parkway from Abingdon to Damascus to White Top also provides stunning views of the fall foliage. Near Abingdon, take exit 19 ontoUS-11/US-58 and turn right onto Lee Highway and continue on Route 58 E. This route will take you through the historic towns of Abingdon and Damascus and across the Holston River and Taylor's Valley until you reach the top of White Top Mountain, about 34 miles later.
While there are many other locations and trips one can take in Virginia and elsewhere to enjoy the beauty of autumn, these drives are some of my personal favorites for stunning views and interesting towns to stop and investigate along the way. As such, these drives are some of the best fall drives in Virginia and should not be missed when traveling in Virginia.
