When Virginia's leaves will peak this fall
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Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Photo: Karen Bleier/AFP via Getty Images
Don't let those early brown leaves fool you — Virginia's peak foliage is still ahead.
The big picture: The fall color change starts in the North and high elevations in the U.S., before making its way South, according to travel brand SmokyMountains.com.
- SmokyMountains.com uses historical weather reports, tree species info and user data to put together 2025 foliage prediction maps of the U.S.
- They say the leaves in Virginia will reach near peak around Oct. 6, with the ultimate peak taking place in mid-October around the 13th-20th.
- The Richmond area will hit peak closer to the end of the month.
The intrigue: Warmer-than-average temperatures could delay foliage in much of the country, particularly in the South and West, including Georgia, Alabama and northern Florida.
- Yes, but: Mountainous regions and areas with cooler-than-usual forecasts — like northern New England, the Adirondacks and the Poconos — could see peak colors on the early side, according to forecasts.
Zoom in: Some of the best fall colors in state are can be found in Shenandoah National Park, Whitetop Mountain and Potomac Heritage Trail, but we also love:
- Pocahontas State Park — 20 miles south of Richmond;
- James River State Park — 95 miles west;
- Natural Bridge State Park — 150 miles west.
The bottom line: Even with warmer weather shifting timelines, there will still be plenty of reds, yellows, oranges and purples to see across the country.