Mid-Atlantic Fall Colors: 7 Best Places to See Brilliant Displays

Fall in the Mid-Atlantic region is awash in a spectacular array of colors. You can enjoy the brilliance of the changing leaves and season with scenic road trips, fall events and mountain hikes. Living in this area, our Last Minute Traveling Mom has yet to visit all of these places. Is there a fall road trip in her future – or yours?

Fall is just around the corner, and the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States celebrates in style. Each fall, we are treated to the most beautiful displays of colors as the leaves change. I fully admit that I take for granted the brilliant displays. My oldest daughter is a shutterbug, and I see some fantastic photo opportunities in the Mid-Atlantic this fall.

Fall in the Mid-Atlantic: 7 Best Places To See The Leaves Change

After doing some digging into the part of the country we call home, I found seven places you can visit and admire the spectacular colors.

1. Pocahontas County, West Virginia 

With its winding mountain roads and stunning valley below, Pocahontas County offers unsurpassed views of the fall colors. Cruise along Highland Scenic Highway Route 150 to catch a glimpse of peak foliage in Nature’s Mountain Playground.

Don’t miss the Freefall Festival September 1-3, 2017. This celebration of autumn blends savory food, music, and microbrews from around West Virginia. The weekend offers family-friendly activities and games, local craft vendors and a spectacular Mountaintop fireworks display.

West Virginia Native and TravelingMom Melody suggests, 21 Things to see and do in West Virginia.

2. Delaware’s Quaint Villages

Take a trip to the First State and leisurely drive through Delaware’s quaint village countryside. Along the way, you will see farms, orchards and local farmers markets. Apples are in peak season, so be sure to enjoy apple pie, cider or ice creams-take your pick.

If you are a nature lover, enjoy the 12-mile wildlife driving tour along the Delaware Bay at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge offering picturesque foliage.

3. Harrisonburg, Virginia 

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit Harrisonburg, located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum invites you to step into a world of natural beauty. Find a comfortable spot to sit in the gardens or take in the serenity of the winding trails.

4. Lancaster County, Pennsylvania 

In the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lancaster County’s fall foliage season is primarily late September through October.  The Covered Bridge driving tours are an ideal way to see some of the most beautiful foliage and farmlands. Be sure to get out and explore all of the charming towns along the route as well.

We visit Lancaster County often, and I highly recommend taking a sunset covered bridge tour from Strausburg.

5. Hagerstown, Maryland 

The natural beauty of autumn peaks from mid to late October and leaf peepers can experience magnificent colors in the foothills of Western Maryland. Begin at Sideling Hill in Hancock on I-70, and end on the Appalachian Trail’s overlook at the Washington Monument in Boonsboro.

If the weather cooperates, you can kayak down the Potomac and take in the foliage from a different perspective. Another unique experience is the Western Maryland Rail Trail Guided Bike Tour. During the tour, you learn about the exploration and expansion of Western Maryland along the former Western Maryland Railway.

6. Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains 

Escape to Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains for optimal fall colors. There you will find so many different ways to enjoy the season! Go mountain biking beneath a majestic fall canopy. Or enjoy a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Then top the day off with a local seasonal brew.

If you love all things pumpkin, be sure to visit on October 7, 2017. That’s the date for The Great Pumpkin Smash. At this festival, you can enjoy fall food, pumpkin brews, and live music. Of course, the smashing of the great pumpkin is the highlight!

TravelingMom Tara suggests you, Escape and Unplug at Primland in the Heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

7. Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania 

Take in bright reds and vibrant oranges as you tour the beautiful Lehigh Valley. Take a drive along the Covered Bridge Tour for scenic glimpses of seven historic structures dressed in their finest fall colors. Or you can hike along the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor for stunning views along the canal.

Whether you are spending a weekend or just a day exploring fall in the Mid-Atlantic, you will surely be shown gorgeous displays in these seven places. Have you visited a town just to see the fall colors? If so, where is your favorite spot to leaf spot?