6 Top Leaf-Peeping Spots Near the Nation’s Capital

Nov 12, 2015

Autumn brings picturesque settings throughout the country, and Washington, D.C. is no exception. During this time, the impressive fall foliage changes to deep greens, bright reds and oranges, and sunny yellows that make any drive memorable. If you’re getting cabin fever or perhaps just need a break from city life, check out these spots for taking in some great natural beauty.

Great Falls Park

Situated on the banks of the Potomac River on the border of Maryland and Virginia, Great Falls National Park offers more than 800 acres of majestic beauty. Once you’re inside the park, you can marvel over seemingly endless forests, and even get out of your car to see the Great Falls of the Potomac River, which is nothing short of spectacular. Just remember that you’ll need $10 to cover your entry into the park.

Harper’s Ferry

Located at the confluence of the Potomac River and the Shenandoah River, the historic town of Harper’s Ferry is well-known for its significance in American history. However, a drive to the town puts you in the midst of the Appalachian Trail, lined with rolling hills, looming mountains, and more colorful trees than your brain can process. If you get a chance to stop in the town, you can take a guided tour or have some lunch. Either way, it’s well worth the drive.

Mount Vernon

Home to George Washington’s plantation estate, Mount Vernon is another historic site with loads of lovely scenery. Heading along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, you’ll encounter autumn at its finest. Once you reach your destination, you’ll still get great views and have the chance to walk around the Mount Vernon grounds, just like Washington himself once did.

Blue Ridge Parkway

This scenic byway winds its way nearly 500 miles through Virginia and North Carolina and provides some of the most spectacular leaf-peeping spots in the country. As the most visited park in the U.S. National Park system, the Blue Ridge Parkway gives panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which seem almost like something out of a movie. There are also numerous waterfalls and rock formations, which are breathtaking with the backdrop of fall foliage.

Skyline Drive

Located in the confines of Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive is the only public road in the park and goes an astounding 105 miles through protected wilderness. Here, you’ll get the chance to view all the flora and fauna the park has to offer, from endless forests to more than 50 species of animals, including black bears.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

This park, which starts near Georgetown, offers hiking, boating, and sightseeing in the form of lakes and color-changing trees. Because it’s so close to downtown, this park offers many of the same opportunities as places further away, without the long drive.

Fall is a beautiful time of year, with crisp weather and nature at its finest. Regardless of what your hobbies are, you’ll have to admit that the great outdoors is the best way to spend your time before the winter weather keeps you inside for a few months.

Photo by EDrost88 | Licensed under cc BY 2.0