{"id":234223,"date":"2026-10-22T08:20:10","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T12:20:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/?p=234223"},"modified":"2026-10-22T08:20:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T12:20:10","slug":"fall-foliage-northern-virginia-best-spots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/fall-foliage-northern-virginia-best-spots\/","title":{"rendered":"The Fairfax Girl&#8217;s Favorite Spots for Fall Leaves"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"custom_featured_image\" style=\"display:none;\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fall-foliage-northern-virginia-FI--800x533.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"fall foliage northern virginia FI\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fall-foliage-northern-virginia-FI--800x533.png 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fall-foliage-northern-virginia-FI--768x511.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fall-foliage-northern-virginia-FI--585x390.png 585w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fall-foliage-northern-virginia-FI--263x175.png 263w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fall-foliage-northern-virginia-FI-.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/div><div id=\"custom_category\" style=\"display:none;\">local color <\/div><p>We all love a trip to Skyline Drive, but there are so many leaf-peeping options<a href=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/northern-virginia-breweries-fall\/\"> here in Northern Virginia<\/a>, making it easy to stay close to home and avoid the crowds. There are charming historic towns, beautiful botanical gardens, waterfront trails, and more, just waiting for you to take a walk, hike, or picnic and enjoy the color. There&#8217;s also a scenic highway so you don&#8217;t even have to get out of the car to get some fall colors. There&#8217;s a destination for any kind of fall outing, from the adventurous to the mundane. <strong>Read on for 15 of the best places to see fall foliage in + around Northern Virginia.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-234247\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fall-foliage-northern-virginia-FI-.png\" alt=\"fall foliage northern virginia FI\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fall-foliage-northern-virginia-FI-.png 1000w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fall-foliage-northern-virginia-FI--800x533.png 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fall-foliage-northern-virginia-FI--768x511.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fall-foliage-northern-virginia-FI--585x390.png 585w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fall-foliage-northern-virginia-FI--263x175.png 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.novaparks.com\/parks\/bull-run-regional-park\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bull Run Regional Park<\/a> | 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Best for: Families<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" style=\"background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Dd6tIETFyeQ\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\">\n<div style=\"padding: 16px;\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\">\n<div style=\"color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\">\n<div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: auto;\">\n<div style=\"width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;\"><a style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Dd6tIETFyeQ\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by Bull Run Regional Park (@bullrunregionalpark)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async=\"\" src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><br \/>\nBull Run Regional Park has wooded trails, open meadows, + the scenic Bluebell Trail, all of which take on a different look once the leaves start changing. Its mix of trails and open spaces also makes it an approachable option for a family fall outing. There are campsites available plus naturalist-led programming nearly every weekend.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fairfaxcounty.gov\/parks\/burke-lake\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Burke Lake Park<\/a> | 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Best for: Accessibility<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-234224\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/burke-lake-park_fall-leaves.png\" alt=\"burke lake park_fall leaves\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/burke-lake-park_fall-leaves.png 1080w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/burke-lake-park_fall-leaves-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/burke-lake-park_fall-leaves-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/burke-lake-park_fall-leaves-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/burke-lake-park_fall-leaves-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/burke-lake-park_fall-leaves-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Photo credit: Angela N via Flickr<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Burke Lake Park is a local favorite for its lakeside trail and is an easy way to take in the changing leaves without leaving Fairfax County. The water adds an extra layer to the scenery, especially once the fall colors start reflecting across the lake.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><em>Read more:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/barbie-exhibit-richmond-va\/\">Barbie&#x2122;, But Make It Virginia<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.novaparks.com\/parks\/fountainhead-regional-park\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fountainhead Regional Park<\/a> | 10875 Hampton Road, Fairfax Station<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Best for: Photography<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-234226\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fountainhead_regional_park.png\" alt=\"fountainhead_regional_park\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fountainhead_regional_park.png 1080w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fountainhead_regional_park-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fountainhead_regional_park-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fountainhead_regional_park-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fountainhead_regional_park-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fountainhead_regional_park-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Photo credit: Geopungo via Flickr<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Occoquan Reservoir, Fountainhead Regional Park overlooks the Occoquan Reservoir and has wooded trails + scenic water views that become especially photogenic in the fall. It\u2019s a good pick for anyone hoping to get outside and come home with plenty of seasonal photos.<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/gwmp\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">George Washington Memorial Parkway<\/a> | Arlington, Alexandria + McLean<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Best for: Scenic Drives<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: none; overflow: hidden;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNPSGWMP%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02ASzw54S4p2ybxPkaunfUy3gXQG1681VMR5q8iddJesVQm7gYRGD8GzpuK6tMHRJSl&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"298\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><br \/>\nOnly in Northern Virginia would we have a major thoroughfare also be a national park. The GW Memorial Parkway is about as easy as it gets to get a dose of fall color: you&#8217;re probably using it for your daily commute, an airport pickup, or some other errand. There&#8217;s no denying that the GW overlooks the Mall + the Potomac, which are gorgeous in their own right. But the GW itself is worth slowing down for &#8211; it&#8217;s lined with all kinds of foliage and greenery that change with the seasons. It&#8217;s a great way to get some color without even getting out of the car, making it a good pick for those with limited mobility or busy schedules.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/grfa\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&nbsp;Great Falls Park<\/a> | 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Best for: Waterfalls<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-234246\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/great-falls-park-.png\" alt=\"great falls park in fall \" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/great-falls-park-.png 1080w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/great-falls-park--800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/great-falls-park--1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/great-falls-park--200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/great-falls-park--768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/great-falls-park--585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Great Falls Park is one of Northern Virginia\u2019s most iconic places to catch the leaves changing. Colorful trees surround the Potomac River + the park\u2019s rocky overlooks, making the already-dramatic scenery even prettier in the fall. TFG tip: visit the park at sunrise or sunset to beat the crowds + get fantastic light.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fairfaxcounty.gov\/parks\/huntley-meadows\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Huntley Meadows Park<\/a> | 3701 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandria<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Best for: Wildlife<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-234241\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/huntley-meadows_miki-jourdan.png\" alt=\"huntley meadows_miki jourdan\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/huntley-meadows_miki-jourdan.png 1080w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/huntley-meadows_miki-jourdan-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/huntley-meadows_miki-jourdan-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/huntley-meadows_miki-jourdan-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/huntley-meadows_miki-jourdan-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/huntley-meadows_miki-jourdan-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><em>Photo credit: Miki Jourdan via Flickr<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Fall foliage comes with a side of wildlife spotting at Huntley Meadows Park. Visitors can stroll along the boardwalk through the wetlands while looking for colorful leaves, birds, + other wildlife along the way. Park naturalists frequently lead programs designed to spot wildlife such as owls and other park residents.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fairfaxcounty.gov\/parks\/lake-accotink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lake Accotink Park<\/a> | 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Best for: Lakeside Views<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-234239\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/lake-accotink-fall_credit-diana-norgaard-1.png\" alt=\"lake accotink fall_credit diana norgaard (1)\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/lake-accotink-fall_credit-diana-norgaard-1.png 1080w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/lake-accotink-fall_credit-diana-norgaard-1-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/lake-accotink-fall_credit-diana-norgaard-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/lake-accotink-fall_credit-diana-norgaard-1-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/lake-accotink-fall_credit-diana-norgaard-1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/lake-accotink-fall_credit-diana-norgaard-1-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><br \/>\n<em>Photo credit: Diana Norgaard via Flickr<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The trail around Lake Accotink makes this a scenic choice for a fall walk. Changing trees surround the water, with colorful reflections across the lake making the views even better throughout the season.<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dcr.virginia.gov\/state-parks\/leesylvania\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Leesylvania State Park<\/a> | 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Best for: Sunsets<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: none; overflow: hidden;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fvaspleesylvania%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02gGZR7UXjZVFGaKTb7RjnvapiwSa8vscMVR4VHCaxjk8LkqchRsSSRQ8p3TwDqpmNl&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Leesylvania State Park combines wooded hiking trails, Potomac River views, + Virginia history in one outing. Spend the day exploring the park beneath the foliage, then stick around for the riverfront views as the sun goes down. There&#8217;s a brand new visitor center (literally, it opened in Fall 2026) with new amenities + educational resources for guests.<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/mana\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Manassas National Battlefield Park<\/a> | 6511 Sudley Road, Manassas<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Best for: History<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-234232\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fall-at-manassas-battlefield-1.png\" alt=\"fall at manassas battlefield (1)\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fall-at-manassas-battlefield-1.png 1080w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fall-at-manassas-battlefield-1-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fall-at-manassas-battlefield-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fall-at-manassas-battlefield-1-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fall-at-manassas-battlefield-1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/fall-at-manassas-battlefield-1-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Fall is a beautiful time to explore the wide-open landscapes at Manassas National Battlefield Park. Visitors can walk through the historic fields while taking in miles of scenery surrounded by colorful autumn foliage. This dog-friendly spot has over seven acres to explore, meaning you can find a new vista at every visit.<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dcr.virginia.gov\/state-parks\/mason-neck\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mason Neck State Park<\/a> | 7301 High Point Road, Lorton<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Best for: Birdwatching<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: none; overflow: hidden;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fvaspmasonneck%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0LEtjgvKBvf9SFLFSgufijjmEBmG4kecGPKmuDEjXE9isSWagYfQjvawGALwMtgQil&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"297\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Mason Neck State Park combines wooded trails + Potomac River views with some especially good wildlife-watching opportunities. The park is one of the Northern Virginia spots highlighted for seeing bald eagles while also taking in the season\u2019s fall colors. There are frequent events featuring local wildlife experts giving talks, and park naturalists leading events such as a guided walk to spot eagles. TFG tip: Mason Neck has an all-terrain wheelchair for visitors to rent, making this a good pick if someone in your group has limited mobility.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/meadowlark-gardens-is-a-destination-for-all-seasons-in-vienna\/\">Meadowlark Botanical Gardens<\/a> | Vienna<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Best for: Gardens<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-234231\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/meadowlark-gardens-1.png\" alt=\"meadowlark gardens (1)\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/meadowlark-gardens-1.png 1080w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/meadowlark-gardens-1-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/meadowlark-gardens-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/meadowlark-gardens-1-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/meadowlark-gardens-1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/meadowlark-gardens-1-585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a particularly colorful choice thanks to its Japanese maples, winding paths, + landscaped gardens. There are plenty of spots to slow down and take in the foliage, making this one a good pick for a relaxed fall stroll. Most paths are paved, and there is a ton of parking, so this is an easy destination for a quick hit of fall color.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitoccoquanva.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Occoquan Historic District<\/a> | Occoquan<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Best for: Charm<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" style=\"background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Dd913L4J5jS\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\">\n<div style=\"padding: 16px;\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\">\n<div style=\"color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\">\n<div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: auto;\">\n<div style=\"width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;\"><a style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Dd913L4J5jS\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by Visit Occoquan (@visitoccoquan)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async=\"\" src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><br \/>\nThis charming downtown is a good destination for those who are more into the aesthetics of a fall outing than getting up close and personal with the foliage during a hike. Visitors can stroll, shop + dine while enjoying the leaves along the Occoquan River, a tributary to the Potomac.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fairfaxcounty.gov\/parks\/riverbend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Riverbend Park<\/a> | 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Best for: Kayaking<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Riverbend Park has river views, wooded trails, + a somewhat quieter atmosphere for anyone hoping to enjoy the season without quite as many crowds. Its location along the Potomac also makes it a good choice for pairing fall foliage with time out on the water. Park naturalists regularly host bird-watching walks and other nature-focused events.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dcr.virginia.gov\/state-parks\/sky-meadows\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sky Meadows State Park<\/a> | 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Best for: Hiking + wide open views <\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" style=\"background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C5G5jVULnsX\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\">\n<div style=\"padding: 16px;\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\">\n<div style=\"color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\">\n<div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: auto;\">\n<div style=\"width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;\"><a style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C5G5jVULnsX\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by Friends of Sky Meadows (@friendsofskymeadows)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async=\"\" src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Wide-open fields, mountain views, + hiking trails make Sky Meadows State Park an especially scenic place to spend an autumn day. The combination of open landscapes and wooded areas gives visitors lots of ways to take in the changing colors. It&#8217;s also an International Dark Sky park, meaning there is very low light pollution, great for stargazing at night.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><strong>See more:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/capital-bikeshare-fairfax-county-ridership-2026\/\">Fairfax County\u2019s Capital New Bike Share Stations Set Records<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/blandy.virginia.edu\/state-arboretum-virginia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The State Arboretum of Virginia<\/a> | 400 Blandy Farm Lane, Boyce<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Best for: Ginkgos<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-234233\" src=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/gingkos-at-blandy-farm-.png\" alt=\"gingkos at blandy farm\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/gingkos-at-blandy-farm-.png 1000w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/gingkos-at-blandy-farm--800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/gingkos-at-blandy-farm--200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/gingkos-at-blandy-farm--768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/10\/gingkos-at-blandy-farm--585x585.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Also known as Blandy Farm, the State Arboretum of Virginia is home to an impressive collection of trees. That variety makes it an especially good place to see multiple shades of fall color in one outing, especially its standout ginkgo trees. Keep an eye on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/blandyexperimentalfarm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Farm&#8217;s Instagram account<\/a>, which gives regular updates about the ginkgo grove&#8217;s progress.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Follow @thefairfaxgirl on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thefairfaxgirl\/\"><span class=\"s2\">Instagram <\/span><\/a>+&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@thefairfaxgirl\"><span class=\"s2\">TikTok<\/span><\/a> for the latest Northern Virginia updates, and check out our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/fairfax\/events\/\"><span class=\"s2\">events calendar<\/span><\/a>, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse. Sign up for our newsletter <a href=\"https:\/\/thefairfaxgirl.myflodesk.com\/launch2025\"><span class=\"s3\">here<\/span><\/a><\/span><span class=\"s4\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"categories\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/thefairfaxgirl.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">stories<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>local color We all love a trip to Skyline Drive, but there are so many leaf-peeping options here in Northern Virginia, making&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":416,"featured_media":234247,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[9709,9260,7997,9259,9593,567,9728],"tags":[9744,9686,9702,9743,9845,9788],"class_list":["post-234223","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fairfax-county","category-fall","category-lifestyle","category-seasons","category-local-girl-rss-feed","category-travel","category-virginia","tag-fairfax-county","tag-family-fun","tag-lifestyle","tag-northern-virginia","tag-tlg","tag-weekend"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.6 (Yoast SEO v28.6) - 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