Landmarks
Autumn in Abingdon
Your guide to finding the best fall color in Southwest Virginia
Autumn is a particularly spectacular time in the Blue Ridge Mountains around Abingdon, with trees gradually turning shades of red, orange and gold. Take advantage of the crisp autumn air, delicious fall bounty and breathtaking scenery with a getaway to Abingdon, Virginia.
We've put together resources to help you find the best fall foliage in Virginia, and when to plan your visit for peak fall color. From the best drives for fall color, to fall festivals and events, you'll find it in Abingdon!
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Tips for finding peak fall color in Virginia
Peak fall color in Abingdon and the Blue Ridge Mountains varies year by year, depending on factors like temperature and yearly rainfall to date. Typical peak fall color for the Blue Ridge Mountains is mid-October, but higher elevations will see leaves change early, and valleys will be slightly delayed. We've collected the best online resources to help you predict peak fall color, from the Department of Forestry's Fall Foliage Report, to passionate fall color spotters on the ground in Abingdon.
- Visit Virginia.org for a comprehensive guide to fall in Virginia, from mountains to coast. Or call Virginia's official Fall Foliage Hotline, at 1-800-424-LOVE.
- Curious about how the experts predict peak color? Check out this New York Times article, "Why Does Fall Foliage Turn So Red and Fiery? It Depends."
- For real-time fall color updates from Southwest Virginia, follow The Virginia Creeper Trail on Facebook, starting in late September.
Top places to see fall color in Southwest Virginia
We've curated a list of the best places in Southwest Virginia to see fall color. Whether you like to enjoy the fall weather on foot, on a bike, from your car, or while dining al fresco, you'll find the perfect spot on one of our top lists.
Southwest Virginia’s natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities make it a prime destination for anyone seeking a break from the stresses of daily life. Fall is one of the best time to visit, with the autumn colors on full display. Take advantage of the incredible outdoor opportunities and enjoy the show. Top 10 Reasons to Visit Southwest Virginia in the Fall
You don't even have to leave your car to see the seasonal beauty of the mountains. Make Abingdon your home base for a perfect fall weekend getaway, then plan a day trip to check out one of these 5 Scenic Fall Drives in Southwest Virginia.
Fortunately for road trippers, all of Virginia is sprinkled with state parks, national forests, and vast wilderness areas, plus a staggering 554 miles of the Appalachian Trail—more than any other state. Go even further afield with our guide to Where to Find the Best Fall Colors in Virginia.
Fall events and attractions
The fall season brings perfect temperatures and unbelievable scenery on the Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34-mile long Hall of Fame trail. Afterwards, unwind at The Martha Washington Inn & Spa, a historic 4-star inn on Main Street. Take in a show at the drive-in, as the historic Barter Theatre goes outdoors for socially distant shows at the Moonlite Drive-In. Barter Theatre has a history of innovation: it was founded in 1933 during the Great Depression, when actors bartered an evening’s entertainment for food. Then make plans for a dinner full of local flavors at one of Abingdon’s independent restaurants, the reason Abingdon is the Best Small Town Food Scene in the Country (2019 and 2020).
Highlights of the fall season include Dracula and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at the Moonlite Drive-In, and Plein Air Abingdon, a festival of live plein air paintings, held throughout town.
Couples looking for a romantic getaway will find plenty of amenities for the perfect weekend, with plenty of options for fine dining, strolling the brick sidewalks of the historic district, and luxurious lodging. Read more in our guide to a Fall Romantic Getaway in Abingdon.
