decorative font style
    Travel >> Holiday Travel >  >> Travel Notes

Discover the Perfect Virginia State Park for Fall Foliage, Cabins, and Festivals

Experience the vibrant beauty of fall at Virginia State Parks. The autumn equinox typically arrives in late September, marking the start of colorful foliage season in the Northern Hemisphere.

Bundle up with a cozy cardigan, stock your hot cocoa, and plan a visit to Virginia's most picturesque parks teeming with autumn leaves. Enhance your trip with exciting festivals and family-friendly events.

 

Cozy Cabins for Fall Getaways

Discover the Perfect Virginia State Park for Fall Foliage, Cabins, and Festivals

Virginia State Parks offer more than 300 climate-controlled cabins and family lodges in various sizes statewide. Many are available year-round. If your preferred dates are unavailable, check the next two weeks or call for options. Escape the hustle and bustle for a relaxing fall retreat.

Opt for weekday stays during peak fall weekends for better availability.

Reserve online or call 800-933-7275 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.).

Join the Customer Loyalty Program to earn points toward future stays.

Festivals and Family Events

Virginia State Parks host a variety of engaging fall events. Bring the family to enjoy changing leaves, picnics, and memorable activities.

Fall Farm Days: The Nature of Sky Meadows

Sky Meadows State Park – October 5-6, 2019

Discover the Perfect Virginia State Park for Fall Foliage, Cabins, and Festivals

Connect with nature amid diverse landscapes. Enjoy Wooly Bear races, explore biodiversity at the Explorer Outpost, and learn from partners about bluebirds, conservation, and more. Savor pumpkin and corn treats at the Log Cabin.

Additional highlights include Mount Bleak House tours, kids' play area, live music, food, drinks, and pick-your-own pumpkins.

More Fall Farm Days weekends:

  • October 12 & 13: Life on the Farm
  • October 19 & 20: Rest and Rejuvenation
  • October 26 & 27: History of Sky Meadows

Campsite Cook-Off

Douthat State Park – October 11-12, 2019

Discover the Perfect Virginia State Park for Fall Foliage, Cabins, and Festivals

Join the 3rd Annual Campsite Cook-Off. Mystery meat provided; bring your secret seasonings. Prep Friday, tastings Saturday with live music. Pre-register: $150 (includes meat, 2 nights camping). Call 540-862-8114. Spectators: $10. Features artisans and vendors.

Other highlights:

  • Martin’s Station Fall Encampment – Wilderness Road State Park, October 11-13, 2019
  • Wilderness Road Heritage Festival – Wilderness Road State Park, October 12, 2019
  • Fall Star Party – Staunton River State Park, October 25, 2019
  • Crewe Astronomy – James River State Park, November 2, 2019
  • Caledon Art and Wine Festival – Caledon State Park, November 2-3, 2019

Explore more events in our database or contact parks directly. With over three dozen parks, find your fall favorite—view map.

 

Written by Shellie Anne for Virginia DCR. Featured image courtesy of Virginia State Parks.
Travel Notes
  • Discover 5 Iconic Fall Experiences in New Hampshire

    Fall in New Hampshire is so much more than just flannel shirts and leaf peeping. Autumn is when the state’s lush landscapes come to life with vivid color, illuminating a fiery passion for the season and all its traditions. Besides, it’s not fall until you’ve plucked a juicy red apple from a New Hampshire orchard, sipped on locally-made cider or gotten lost in a corn maze. Make the most of the season and appreciate the classic fall experiences memories are made of.  Pi

  • Curate Your Ideal Outfits for Orlando: Fashion Tips from a Top Influencer

    Instagram influencer Katrina Dandridge shares three perfect outfits from The Mall at Millenia (pictured) for the ultimate Orlando getaway. Planning a vacation often reveals a closet full of uncertainty—nothing feels right for the adventures ahead. A spontaneous shopping trip can rescue that dilemma. My recent visit to The Mall at Millenia was focused on finding three fresh looks for an Orlando getaway. With a blend of exclusive brands and a curated selection of apparel, the mall offers the perf

  • Minnesota’s Ultimate Dog‑Friendly Outdoor Getaway: Hiking, Scenic Views, and More

    Explore the best of Minnesota’s epic natural landscape with your best friend—that’s right, your pooch. There’s never been a better time to head into the woods for a hike. Following a summer of social distancing and ever-changing health and safety protocols, hiking remains a low-risk activity according to experts. With temperatures cooling off, leaves beginning to change color, and that familiar crispness in the air, fall in Minnesota is prime hiking season. What’s better than spending some regen