11 of the Best Places to See Fall Foliage in RVA
Image Source: @jordanhchilds
Fall-elujah! The best season of the year is here. I’m such a fan of cooler weather, changing leaves, cinnamon-flavored everything, pumpkin treats, and spending all my time outside this time of year.
It’s such an Instagrammable season, and we’re here to hook you up with the best spots to find fall foliage on display.
By the way: It’s looking like the peak timeframe for fiery fall colors around the area will be between October 10 and October 31, but check here for updates over the coming weeks for all zones throughout Virginia.
— by Rachel Dawson, Contributing Writer
Three Lakes Park
About 15 minutes from the city, Three Lakes Park offers, yep, you guessed it: three lakes! If you walked around all three lakes, you would cover about a mile and a half of trail. The 6,500-square-foot Nature Center is a great place for kids and families to explore, too.
Address: 400 Sausiluta Dr (Chamberlayne)
Maymont
Maymont is your one-stop-spot for 100 acres of nature’s best — sprawling hills and grass, themed gardens (the Japanese Garden is especially picturesque in the fall), native wildlife habitats (try to spot the bear!), as well as a Nature Center and a historic mansion open for tours.
Address: 1700 Hampton St (Maymont)
T. Tyler Potterfield Bridge (aka the T. Pott)
Getting out over the James River will give you amazing views of the city skyline, the rocky river, and the trees changing colors along the riverbanks. It’s also a perfect spot to catch a sunrise or sunset, to watch for birds, and to walk or bike.
Address: Brown’s Island access at S 7th St (Downtown)
Libby Hill Park
This park in Church Hill is known for amazing views of the city and river, but it gets even better when the leaves turn yellow, fall, and cover the grassy hills. It’s picture-perfect!
Address: 2801 E Franklin St (Church Hill)
Pocahontas State Park
The largest state park in Virginia, Pocahontas is 30 minutes from the City of Richmond but well worth the drive, with 64+ miles of trails, three lakes, and tons of amazing scenery.
Location: 10301 State Park Rd (Chesterfield)
University of Richmond
There’s just something about being on a college campus in the fall that is so nostalgic, and University of Richmond is the perfect spot to explore for all those autumnal vibes with beautiful brick buildings as your backdrop. Check out the one-mile loop around Westhampton Lake on campus!
Address: 410 Westhampton Way (West End)
Hollywood Cemetery
If you like your pretty with a side of spooky, this is the spot for you! You can explore the cemetery on your own, take a historical walking tour, or take a tour via car, Segway, electric GEM Car, TukTuk, or trolley. It’s not personally my idea of a good time to wander around a cemetery that’s been around since 1847, but the photos I’ve seen of this historic landmark in the fall just might have me reconsidering.
Location: 412 S Cherry St (Maymont)
Pipeline Trail
This hidden trail takes you along the Pipeline Rapids walkway — it’s one of Richmond’s best-kept secrets and perfect for photos! But be warned: If water levels are high, the path will disappear, so do your research before heading out to explore. BTW, there’s a parking lot for seven cars at the end of S 12th St.
Location: End of South 12th St
Note: The Pipeline Trail is closed to the public for the time-being. Learn more here.
Byrd Park
Can you believe this park is over 250 acres?! If you’ve lived in the city for an extended period of time, then you’ve probably been here before, but it’s so big, there is plenty to explore! It’s a great spot for a picnic since you can spread out and enjoy the large, mature trees all around you.
Location: 600 S Arthur Ashe Boulevard (Byrd Park)
Forest Hill Park
Forest Hill Park is home to almost three miles of trail south of the river. Trails offer adventures for everyone — hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and, of course, Instagramming.
Location: 4021 Forest Hill Ave (Southside)
Monument Avenue
This historic (and controversial) street was originally named for the series of monuments along its way, but many have been removed since the summer of 2020 (read more in the National Geographic here). Even without the now-gone statues of Confederate men, the street is a showstopper with beautiful homes and massive trees. It’s worth taking a walk down Monument this fall both to see the foliage and to witness signs of the city’s past, present, and future.
Location: Monument Ave (runs from the Near West End to the Fan)
Need more fall fun?
Thanks to Cirrus Vodka for sponsoring this City Guide!