Take in the autumn sights of Shenandoah National Park on a car ride down Skyline Drive or go an adventurous hike up Old Rag Mountain. For an upgraded leaf-peeping experience, there's a train trip that travels from historic Staunton through the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tickets for Virginia Scenic Railway's ride and dine excursions are sold out, but reservations may become available when there's cancellations ($15-$30 for Shenandoah National Park, $120 for train ride).
If you missed the summer's blooming rose gardens and azaleas at the National Arboretum, don't fret: This DC oasis goes all out for fall, too. View hues of red and orange leaves across 451 acres of nature as the trees reach peak season. There's also massive porticos from the Capitol Building and indoor exhibits (free).
The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is easy to access from Georgetown, Southern Maryland, and Northern Virginia. You can bike through forest-filled pathways and vibrant wooded areas or paddle a kayak along the Potomac River to the Chesapeake Bay (free).
Along the trail you can also visit George Washington's Mount Vernon estate for additional glimpses of fall foliage. From November 1-5, guests can take a guided tractor trail ride through Mount Vernon's landscape and learn the process of forest regeneration ($28).
Collection
[
|
...
]