The Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the Mid-Atlantic USA

Though New England is frequently heralded as the home of the best fall foliage, we would argue that the mid-Atlantic region is just as beautiful! It typically peeks a bit later – around mid to late October – most years. Here are a few of the best destinations to see fall color.

Fall Foliage in the Skylands Region of New Jersey

There are a multitude of beautiful overlooks in this mountainous region of New Jersey where you can find exceptional leaf-peeping. A few of our favorites are Goat Hill Overlook in Hunterdon County, which is a short and gentle hike to a spectacular view. A more challenging hike that we loved is the Highland Overlook Trail in Allamuchy Mountain State Park in Sussex County. Mount Tammany in the Delaware Water Gap area is another great one. We have a few more ideas for beautiful fall foliage in Northern New Jersey at this post.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Southern Pennsylvania

You can find amazing views of the fall foliage at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in October. It’s also likely you will encounter raptors and other birds undertaking their fall migration, along with chipmunks which are abundant.

Access to the sanctuary costs about $11 per person, which includes parking, admission to the Visitor’s Center, and access to the gorgeous trails. There are several overlooks with stunning fall foliage views, including the South and North Overlooks if you hike directly up the mountain. To make it more challenging and see more of the sanctuary, you can instead turn right to hike the River of Rocks trail and outer loop or try the Golden Eagle Trail, to the Skyline trail across the ridge of the mountain, which is quite steep. Any of these choices lead to beautiful views.

Nearby, you’ll also find Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle Loop hike, a part of the Appalachian trail that is well-known for its breathtaking views. Just note, this hike is challenging and long – 9 miles – so not recommended for beginner hikers.

Fall foliage in the Brandywine Valley

This beautiful area in northern Delaware and Southeastern PA has some of the best fall foliage in the mid-Atlantic region (although, yes, we’re probably biased since we live here)! Visit Bellevue State Park and take a walk around the lake to see the beautifully reflected trees, or see the mansion framed in golden leaves. Brandywine Creek State Park offers views of rolling hills and the silver winding creek, all framed by miles of colorful forest.

The views around Winterthur are also quite lovely – the enchanted children’s garden glows with magical autumn tones, and the views from the hillsides are magnificent. Nemours is immaculately landscaped in brilliant shades, and Mt. Cuba Center offers a more purposefully wild display of native autumn colors.

At Longwood Gardens, you’ll find a plethora of pumpkins among the trees, as well as gorgeously colorful displays in the conservatory. The miniature trains are also set up in the fall, which our kids have always enjoyed.

Fall Destinations in Maryland

A few places where you can take in excellent views of the foliage are Weverton Cliffs, Washington Monument State Park, or Rocks State Park. The former is a more strenuous hike, though still doable for young families. The latter is a very easy hike and includes a tower with a view to look out on the beauty of the mountains dressed in fall colors.

Rocks State Park also has a gorgeous view of forest from the “King and Queen’s Seat,” accessible by a short, easy hike. There is also a lovely waterfall hike there. If you are farther East, Patapsco State Park just outside of Baltimore is a lovely place to see the changing leaves. Try the Cascade Falls Loop trail for waterfall views.

There are many local farms and Farmer’s Markets worth visiting for fun and shopping. We love to go to Milburn Orchards to play and get our pumpkins.

Fall Foliage in Shenandoah National Park

A stunning place in any season, Shenandoah offers especially colorful vistas in the fall. The park is quite large and is broken into three sections, each with it’s own entrance – the Northern District with the Front Royal entrance; the Central District with the Thornton Gap (northern side) or Swift Run Gap (southern side) entrances; and the Southern District with the Rockfish Gap entrance.

Any of thee areas has much to offer in terms of leaf peeping, and even just driving between them provides many opportunities to gaze out in wonder along numerous overlooks. You can easily spend a day in each district (and trying for more than one a day may well be too much!) A few easy and gorgeous hikes in each district are: The Fox Hollow Trail or Fort Windham Rocks in the Northern district; Stony Man or Dark Hollow Falls in the Central District; or Blackrock Summit or Bearfence Viewpoint in the Southern District.

One last tip – be sure to watch the sunset at one of the many west facing overlooks. You won’t regret it.

Fall Destinations in West Virginia

Wild and wonderful West Virginia is one of our favorite destinations for getting outside and walking some place beautiful, and our favorite fall, WV memory is of Blackwater Falls. But there are many places for beautiful views father east.

The historical town of Harper’s Ferry offers lovely views from “the Point” where the Shenandoah River, C&O Canal, and the Potomac Rivers intersect and you can see both MD and VA across the rivers. Hike up the steps to Jefferson’s rock for another fabulous view.

Another great spot for leaf peeping farther west is Cacapon State Park. You can see a waterfall right at the entrance, and have lunch in the lodge surrounding by glorious mountain views.

Keep driving west and you hit Tucker County and Blackwater Falls.  The towns of Thomas and Davies are charming stops along the way to Blackwater Falls State Park, or places to stay with easy access to all kinds of beautiful spaces. The falls are impressive and the hike there easily doable with small children. This is also where Canaan Valley is located – another stop for beautiful views. Take one of the ski lifts up a mountain, just to enjoy the views!