CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — We're nearing the end of October, and after damage from Hurricane Helene had shut down the entire Blue Ridge Parkway for nearly two weeks, you might be wondering if you've missed the best time to head west and go leaf-peeping.
The good news is, you haven't missed peak foliage juts yet, at least in most places, according to the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF). They're using historical data and staff reports across the state to track when the leaves will be at their most colorful, posting weekly updates on their website and on their Facebook, Instagram and X pages.
"The highest elevations of southwest Virginia and the counties bordering West Virginia moved rapidly toward peak this week, thanks to last week’s sunny days and chilly nights," DOF wrote on their website on Oct. 17. "Throughout central and eastern Virginia, outer branches and tops of maples are beginning to redden."
Despite the fact that peak foliage in most of the state has yet to occur, DOF wrote in their Sept. 25 report that this year has been atypical when it comes to fall colors forming.
"This year’s especially dry and hot summer has taken a toll on Virginia’s forests and urban trees alike," DOF said. "This stress will bring fall color early to much of the state. Trees growing in harsh conditions, such as urban areas, high elevation ridgetops, and poor soils, as well as species less adapted to dry conditions, are often the first to hint at fall. Many will go straight to brown or lose their leaves before showing much color."
Nevertheless, there's probably still time for you to check out Shenandoah National Park or the Blue Ridge Parkway if you're looking to take an autumnal visit, or you can follow one of DOF's recommended driving tours.
However, remember that the Blue Ridge Parkway segment in North Carolina remains closed for damage assessments after Hurricane Helene. In Virginia, the first 200 miles of the parkway are open.
And if you're curious about which trees produce certain colored leaves, or why leaves change color in the first place, the DOF has resources to check out on their website as well!
