Viewing Virginia’s autumn colors from an overlook is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the season. There is nothing quite like marveling at peak fall foliage from a mountain peak, and several trails at Virginia State Parks offer unforgettable vantage points to survey miles of scenery. Plus, these hikes are a fun way to take advantage of the crisp, cool air.
From the majestic mountains of Natural Tunnel State Park to the rolling pastoral hills of Sky Meadows State Park, check out these eight trails for an epic hike this fall.
1. Natural Tunnel State Park: Lover’s Leap Trail
From either the visitor center or the campgrounds, take the Gorge Ridge Trail to the Lover’s Leap Trail and then to the Lover’s Leap Overlook. This short loop or out-and-back hike boasts colorful views of the tunnel from two sides.
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Bonus: For those with limited mobility, the gazebo — which normally requires a 0.37-mile walk — can be accessed by contacting the park for permission to drive to the gazebo. Plus, enjoying a ride on the chairlift to and from the tunnel offers a unique way to view the fall foliage.
2. Hungry Mother State Park: Molly’s Knob Trail
This 3.7-mile out-and-back trail packs a punch, both in challenging ascent and in rewarding views. After hiking Molly’s Knob Trail to the vista, choose between two thoughtfully placed benches to rest and soak in the autumn colors blanketing the surrounding mountains.
3. Grayson Highlands State Park: Rhododendron Trail
Sweeping, open-air views of the balds cloaked in color and sprinkled with wild ponies can be found on the short Rhododendron Trail. This 1.3-mile out-and-back hike can be extended by connecting with the Appalachian Trail. Be sure to dress for the wind and weather and keep your distance from the ponies.
4. Douthat State Park: Tuscarora Overlook Trail
Access this epic overlook via Blue Suck Falls Trail or the slightly longer Stony Run Trail for 7-plus miles of round-trip beauty. Either way, the moderately strenuous effort will be rewarded with a panoramic fall vista complete with a CCC-era cabin.
5. Natural Bridge State Park: Skyline Trail
While the Natural Bridge is the centerpiece of this park, the additional trails are not to be missed. Skyline Trail offers a short, easy loop hike with open views of rolling hills and mountains, showcasing the colors of the season.
6. Shenandoah River State Park: Wildcat Ledge Trail
Short yet strenuous, Wildcat Ledge Trail gets right to the point. This out-and-back hike provides views through the colorful overhead canopy of the vivid mountains reflecting off the winding Shenandoah River below.
Bonus: For those with limited mobility, a parking lot provides direct access to Cullers Overlook, a large platform with breathtaking views of the river against the mountain backdrop.
7. High Bridge Trail State Park: High Bridge from High Bridge Station
Hikers may not gain any elevation on this easy trek to the half-mile-long bridge from the visitor center, but they certainly gain spectacular autumn scenery as far as the eye can see. The High Bridge stands 125 feet above the Appomattox River, providing grand views in both directions.
Bonus: After crossing over the bridge, take the new half-mile Reusch-Sanford Trail on the right of High Bridge Trail, which leads down under the bridge and offers a unique glimpse of the bridge surrounded by the fall foliage.
8. Sky Meadows State Park: Piedmont Overlook Trail
Combining Piedmont Overlook Trail and North Ridge Trail forms a loop that travels a little more than a mile, passing Upper Piedmont Overlook. From this vantage point, the rolling farmland stretches out like a rumpled patchwork quilt of fall colors. Additional trails, including the Appalachian Trail, offer various ways to extend this rewarding fall hike.
The anticipated transition to fall will soon be making its way across Virginia. Start planning your fall hikes now. Learn more about the best ways to take advantage of all that the season has to offer at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/fall and stay tuned to the fall foliage reports as they are updated.
