Visit Virginia By Rail This Fall

Fall in Prince William County

If your idea of fall foliage involves getting completely surrounded by trees, you need to start here! Prince William Forest Park is one of those places where you can forget you’re just a short drive from the Washington, D.C. area. The National Park Service maintains 37 miles of hiking trails throughout the park, with routes winding through wooded landscapes and along Quantico Creek. There’s also a scenic drive through the forest if you want to enjoy the fall colors without committing to a long hike.

For photographers, the combination of colorful leaves, wooded trails, streams, bridges and changing light gives you plenty to work with. And if you’re looking for that classic “I’m wandering through an autumn forest” photo? This is probably your new go-to place.

Leesylvania State Park

Fall foliage looks a little different when you add the Potomac River to the picture. And yes, this really is in Prince William, Virginia!

Leesylvania State Park sits along the tidal Potomac in Woodbridge and combines wooded trails with shoreline views, making it a particularly fun place to photograph fall color. Virginia State Parks specifically recommends the Lee’s Woods Trail and Potomac Trail for experiencing fall at the park. And there’s an added bonus for photographers: the water can provide beautiful reflections of the surrounding trees.

The Freestone Point area is another great viewpoint. We love this overlook for its views across Occoquan Bay and the Potomac River, with autumn color framing the water and surrounding landscape!

Lynchburg in the Fall

Crisp autumn air and vibrant foliage transform Lynchburg into a premier fall destination along the James River. From the moment you arrive, the Hill City delivers an ideal mix of mountain views, historic charm, and festive seasonal traditions.

First, head outdoors to take in the peak autumn colors. Walk or bike along the paved Blackwater Creek Trail, pause at Hollins Mill Park for views of the river framed by crimson and gold, or enjoy panoramic overlooks from Riverside Park.

Next, step into local history and culture surrounded by seasonal beauty. Explore the historic grounds of Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, experience the acclaimed Candlelight Walking Tours held exclusively every October at Old City Cemetery Museums and Arboretum, or take a short excursion nearby to celebrate local food and wine at the Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival.

Finally, embrace the hauntingly rich lore of the season as evening sets in. Uncover local legends and historic mysteries on a guided stroll with Lynchburg Ghost Tours or delve into spooky city history with Hill City After Dark for an unforgettable autumn night out.

Fall in Fredericksburg

Fall takes on a festive feel in Fredericksburg, where October brings a full calendar of seasonal events, family fun, and plenty of opportunities to explore downtown. The month-long Scarecrow Fest, returning October 1–31, is a local favorite, with creatively decorated scarecrows popping up at participating downtown businesses. Visitors can grab a map, stroll through the historic district to find the displays, and vote for their favorites. The festivities continue throughout the month with family-friendly events including the annual Downtown Costume Stroll, Treats on the Streets, and Halloween at the Farmers Market on October 31. 

There’s plenty to enjoy beyond the Halloween festivities, too. Quacktoberfest, a brand-new fall festival taking place October 17 at Riverfront Park, will feature live music, local vendors, carnival rides, fall-themed activities, food, and the return of Fredericksburg’s Rubber Ducky Derby, followed by Hocus Pocus at dusk.  For a more leisurely fall outing, the FXBG Pumpkin Spice Crawl on October 24 invites visitors to explore downtown shops while enjoying seasonal treats, gifts, and special experiences. Whether you’re looking for a classic fall festival, Halloween fun, local shopping, or a reason to spend an autumn day along the Rappahannock, Fredericksburg offers plenty of ways to embrace the season. 

And while you’re in Fredericksburg for the fall festivities, leave a little time to experience the city beyond the seasonal events. A Trolley Tour is an easy way to get acquainted with Fredericksburg’s historic streets and hear stories that bring the city’s past to life. Or explore one of the city’s historic sites, including the Mary Washington House, Rising Sun Tavern, or Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop. With history, local shops, restaurants, and the Rappahannock River all within easy reach of downtown, Fredericksburg makes it easy to turn a fall event into a full day of exploring.

Richmond in the Fall

Autumn brings the Richmond region to life with brilliant shades of gold, amber, and crimson. It is the perfect season to explore the city’s historic neighborhoods, scenic parks, and beautiful riverfront.

Wander through Maymont, stroll the trails along the James River, or enjoy the colorful gardens at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Historic streets, charming neighborhoods, and nearby countryside become even more inviting beneath the fall foliage.

Whether you are hiking, taking a scenic drive, exploring local history, or simply enjoying a crisp autumn afternoon, Richmond offers countless ways to experience the beauty of the season.

Your Norfolk, Virginia Fall Bucket List

Fall (aka sweater weather) has arrived, bringing with it a slew of fantastic events and activities, plus eats and drinks. Arguably one of the best times of year to visit Norfolk, fall brings weather that’s just right: sunny days, brisk, cozy evenings, and a ramped-up festival season. We’ve put together some local favorite activities and recommendations for your ultimate fall bucket list in Norfolk!

Fall Flowers and Foliage – Norfolk Botanical Garden is the perfect spot for a stroll with a hot latte to admire fall flowers, including the popular Chrysanthemum (mums), which you can find in the Matson Garden. Keep in mind that our fall foliage usually doesn’t start until November, so you can still see green leaves in September and October. Once those leaves start to turn, the experience is nothing short of magical.

Join a haunted tour in Norfolk – Journey through some of Downtown’s otherworldly histories, from ghost stories and real-life tragedies to experiments from another dimension. Norfolk Tour Company will guide you through Norfolk’s depths to explore all the spooky charm our city has to offer.

Explore the Elizabeth River Trail (ERT) – As cooler temperatures make their debut in Virginia, strolling the ERT is much more enjoyable. Whether you walk, bike, run, or picnic along the ERT, relax your day away by listening to the swaying of the fall leaves. For chillier days, don’t forget to treat yourself to a Mermaid City hoodie from our Mermaid Market, conveniently located Downtown.

Staunton in Autumn

When the leaves start falling, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy fall in and around Staunton. 

First, head somewhere with a view. From Staunton’s Amtrak station, you can walk across the Sears Hill Bridge for a quick urban hike with fall views of downtown, the train tracks and the surrounding mountains. 

Next, sip your way through Virginia-grown apples at Ciders From Mars, which sources varieties like Winesap and GoldRush from nearby orchards to craft its lineup of dry and off-dry ciders. Try a flight to taste the range, from single-varietal ciders to creative blends and seasonal fruit co-ferments.

Finally, finish out the day with a show at the American Shakespeare Center. Fall is a great time to settle into the Blackfriars Playhouse, where you can see shows ranging from The Tempest to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.