Great Ways to Enjoy Fall Foliage in Charlottesville
Typical Charlottesville Fall Weather & Peak Fall Foliage Timing
Fall in Charlottesville is known for its crisp, cool air and beautiful autumnal landscapes. The season generally begins in late September and lasts through November, with Charlottesville weather temperatures ranging from the high 70s°F in the early fall to the low 50s°F later in the season. Wondering when the fall colors peak in Virginia? The timing can vary slightly depending on the weather patterns, travelers seeking the most vivid fall colors of red, orange, and yellow should aim to visit in mid-October. The peak fall foliage in Charlottesville, VA is expected to be mid-to-late October this year (2024).
Time of day is also important to consider when planning your trip, early mornings as well as late afternoons are typically the best for viewing the fall colors. During these times, the sunlight is softer and casts a golden hue on the leaves, enhancing the colors of the foliage. The midday sun can wash out the vibrant reds and oranges, making the colors appear less striking. Early morning also tends to be less crowded, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility of nature. For photographers, the "golden hour" just after sunrise or before sunset provides the perfect light for capturing the vibrant fall scenery.
Walking & Hiking Trails with the Best Fall Foliage
- Shenandoah National Park Trails: home to hundreds of miles of hiking trails, some of the top trails for leaf peeping include Old Rag Mountain, Dark Hollow Falls, and Hawksbill Mountain. Insider tip - buy your entrance pass online before coming to the park to save on wait times when getting into the park!
- Humpback Rocks Trail: moderately challenging 2-mile round-trip hike close to Blue Ridge Parkway and I-64 near Afton Mountain.
- Monticello Trail: an easy-to-moderate and family-friendly hike that leads up to Thomas Jefferson's famous estate, with stunning views of the surrounding forested area as you hike.
- Montpelier Trails: 8+ miles of well-marked trails half an hour north of Charlottesville. Walk through wildflower meadows, horse pastures, and color-changing forests.
- Mint Springs Valley Park: 520-acre park with hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing, volleyball courts, and reservable shelters.
- Rivanna River Trail: 4.3-mile out-and-back trail near Charlottesville. Dogs are welcome and off-least in specific areas.
Not a hiker? Check out Skyline Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and other Popular Driving Tours (Greene County, Highland County, Rockingham County, Shenandoah County). If you're looking to photograph the Virginia Fall Carter Mountain Orchard, Ivy Creek Natural Area, and the Historic Downtown Mall are also great places to visit.
Wineries with the Best Fall Views
Monticello Wine Trail is located in and around Charlottesville with over 30 wineries and was voted the 2023 Wine Region of the Year. The following wineries have the best mountain views to enjoy along with a glass of wine:
- Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery
- Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
- Trump Winery & Cidery
- King Family Vineyards
- Afton Mountain Vineyards
- Eastwood Farm & Winery
- Jefferson Vineyards
If wine isn't your thing Ragged Branch Distillery, Bald Top, and Blue Mountain Brewery also have beautiful views!
Fall Resorts & Inns
- Boar's Head Resort: located just outside downtown Charlottesville, it's an ideal spot close to leaf-peeping hotspots.
- Keswick Hall Resort: a luxurious fall getaway with sweeping views of the Virginia countryside.
- Clifton Inn: a boutique hotel that combines Southern charm and modern luxury.
- Massanutten Resort: a four-season resort located in the Shenandoah Valley.
- Wintergreen Resort: a great place to enjoy hiking, golf, and a scenic chairlift ride! It's close to Devil's Backbone and the Nelson 151 Craft Beverage Trail.
- The Inn at Willow Grove: is known for award-winning service, gourmet dining, and luxurious spa. Great for a romantic getaway.
From scenic driving tours along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway to hiking trails and cozy vineyard visits, there are endless ways to enjoy the vibrant autumn colors. Make sure to check out our Charlottesville Fall Bucket List for more ideas on planning your trip to Charlottesville.
Skyline Drive
The world-renowned scenic route has entry points just outside Charlottesville and offers panoramic vistas of autumn’s glorious fall foliage. Start on Afton Mountain, stop at overlooks along the way, and you’ll be just a hop, skip and jump from some of the area’s best wineries and breweries along Nelson 151. Not a bad way to spend a fall day, we’d say!
Fall Wine Tours
The Monticello Wine Tour and Coach Company has all the bases covered when it comes to fall winery tours. Travel along scenic routes taking in the fall foliage, stop at wineries where you can sit by a cozy fire or near an outdoor fire pit and revel in the season a bit longer.
Stay a while
Summer gets all the attention when it comes to romantic weekend getaways in Charlottesville, but fall should not be overlooked when it comes to romance or family time. Stay Charlottesville offers overnight accommodations for couples, families or larger groups that will position you perfectly for enjoying fall foliage, touring wineries and enjoying all the other experiences the Charlottesville area has to offer in autumn.
