Enjoying Fall Foliage

The end of summer means cooler temperatures, trips to the apple orchard and the pumpkin patch, and of course, fall foliage. It’s what makes autumn the perfect time to get outside and explore your Chesapeake.

In October and November, the Chesapeake’s forests explode with brilliant colors. At places like Gettysburg National Military Park, Elk Neck State Park, and Green Ridge State Forest, you can enjoy a dazzling array of gold, red, and purple trees dressed in the fleeting hues of fall.

From the region’s farthest reaches to your own backyard, there are dozens of parks, forests, and trails where you can enjoy a colorful outdoor adventure in the crisp autumn air.

• Perhaps the most popular place to view fall foliage in the Chesapeake region is Shenandoah National Park. Cruise down Skyline Drive to take in miles of mountain vistas awash in vivid colors. Drive a little further and you’ll reach the Blue Ridge Parkway, considered one of the most scenic fall foliage drives in America.
• Whether in Maryland, Virginia, or Pennsylvania, state parks are a perfect destination to take in fall foliage with friends and family. State parks provide a picturesque autumn landscape that you can enjoy while hiking, canoeing, fly fishing, picnicking, and more. Patapsco Valley, Cunningham Falls, Seneca Creek, Sky Meadows, and Susquehannock are just a few state parks noted for their striking fall colors.
• You don’t have to go all the way to the mountains to see some spectacular fall colors. Nearby parks like Rock Creek Park, Great Falls Park, and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal are perfect places to hike, bike, jog, and appreciate autumn minutes from home.

Fall’s radiant colors won’t last long, so don’t wait! Pack your camera and hit the road for one of the top places for enjoying fall foliage.