Peak fall foliage is expected to begin in Northern Virginia around Friday, Oct. 30. From mountain overlooks to wooded trails, the region offers countless spots to enjoy the season’s beauty. Here are some of the best places to catch peak fall foliage.

George Washington Memorial Parkway

Distance from downtown Arlington: ~10 minutes
Accessibility: Easy
You don’t even need to leave your car to enjoy the breathtaking fall foliage along this parkway. As you drive, the road winds through a vibrant canopy of reds, oranges, and golds, with trees arching overhead to create a tunnel of color as you follow the Potomac River.

The Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in October. — We're counting down the days until NOVA looks like this. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Distance from downtown Arlington: ~25 minutes
Accessibility: Easy
These beloved gardens offer a peaceful escape that's perfect for a relaxing stroll — especially during the sparkling fall season. With a small admission fee of $4 to $8, visitors can enjoy the serene landscape and explore the full 1-mile perimeter trail that winds through the park’s natural beauty.

Great Falls Park with fall foliage. — This is one of my favorite places to see fall colors in NOVA. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Great Falls Park

Distance from downtown Arlington: ~30 minutes
Accessibility: Easy
Experience the glorious fall foliage set against the backdrop of stunning waterfalls at this scenic park. For those up for a walk, a variety of hiking trails offer beautiful views along the way. Prefer something low-key? Several lookout points near the parking areas make it easy to soak in the colors without a long trek.

A photo of Burke Lake in Fairfax. — This is a great spot in Fairfax to see the seasons change. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Burke Lake Park

Distance from downtown Arlington: ~30 minutes
Accessibility: Easy
Burke Lake is a popular spot in Fairfax County to take in the ever-changing fall foliage. The 4.7-mile trail that loops around the lake offers a scenic and accessible hike, perfect for soaking in the season’s beauty. If you’re looking for a more relaxed visit, you can still enjoy stunning views of the colorful trees reflected in the water without taking the full walk.

A view of rolling hills from Bears Den Overlook. — Stop at this overlook to catch some fall colors. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Bears Den Overlook

Distance from downtown Arlington: ~1 hour
Accessibility: Medium
At Bear Den Overlook, the Blue Ridge Mountains come alive in autumn. From the elevated perch pictured above, you can see rolling ridges blanketed in rich shades of orange, gold, yellow, and red stretching as far as the eye can see.

A scenic view in Shenandoah National Park. — The Old Rag hike is set in Shenandoah National Park. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Shenandoah National Park

Distance from downtown Arlington: ~1h 20 mins
Accessibility: Varies depending on where you go
Naturally, we have to highlight this iconic destination for fall colors. Spanning over 200,000 acres, it offers everything from easygoing hikes to challenging climbs — perfect for every kind of adventurer.

Did we miss your favorite spot to take in some autumnal views around NOVA? Drop us a line.