Photo courtesy of Visit Roanoke
Upper James River Water Trail
There are certain corners of the country synonymous with fiery foliage – think Vermont’s Green Mountains or Colorado’s Maroon Bells. But if you were to pinpoint the exact spots where autumn truly puts on a show, where would they be?
That’s the question travel company Exoticca set out to answer. Surveying 3,012 respondents based on their personal experiences, the survey reveals the best vantage points in each state to witness nature’s annual spectacle. The resulting rankings offer travelers an affordable guide to the most stunning fall scenes across the Commonwealth.
The top three in Virginia are as follows:
#1 Stony Man Overlook, Skyline Drive (Shenandoah National Park) - 2-hour drive from
Photo by Eric B. Walker/Flickr
Stony Man Overlook, Skyline Drive (Shenandoah National Park)
Alexandria
As the federal government shutdown continues, visitors report that Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park are open with minimal staff and reduced services. Stony Man Overlook crowns a dramatic ridge along Skyline Drive, reached by a short 1.6-mile round-trip hike from its parking area. In October, the Shenandoah Valley below ripples with autumn color—oaks, maples, and hickories turning red, orange, and gold against the dark evergreens. From the stone terrace, the ridgeline stretches north and south, carrying the flow of color down into the valleys. The combination of elevation, sweeping perspective, and seasonal vibrancy captures the essence of the Blue Ridg
Photo courtesy of Visit Staunton
Humpback Trail
e Mountains in fall.
#2 Humpback Rocks Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway (Waynesboro) - 3-hour drive from Alexandria
Humpback Rocks offers a short but steep climb to a stone overlook perched above the surrounding valleys. In mid-October, the Appalachian foothills often glow with deep reds, oranges, and yellows, while distant peaks soften into early morning haze. The overlook gives both foreground and long-distance views: ridges close by reveal texture in the colorful forest canopy, while more distant peaks roll away in layered autumn tones. It’s a mix of intimacy and expansiveness — though note: portions of the Parkway near Humpback Rocks (mileposts ~4.4–13.6) have had seasonal or ongoing closures, so confirm road and trail access before you go.
Photo courtesy of Visit Roanoke
Peaks of Otter, Blue Ridge Parkway, Va.
#3 Sharp Top Summit Overlook, Peaks of Otter - 4-hour drive from Alexandria
Sharp Top rises prominently above Abbott Lake, with its summit giving a panoramic perspective of the surrounding Blue Ridge ridges. In fall, the slopes and valleys are alive with color — vibrant maples, yellow birches, and oaks turning copper, all interspersed with dark evergreens. The overlook allows a full appreciation of the layered ridges that define the region, while the lake below reflects both the sky and the surrounding autumn palette, enhancing the seasonal beauty. The combination of elevation, diverse foliage, and water reflections makes this a top Virginia fall viewpoint.
