Fall Leaf-Peeping Guide
'Tis the season for an incredible display of fall foliage in Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County. Our peak color tends to arrive around mid-October, so plan your visit accordingly, and add in some fun while you're at it!
Check out this interactive Fall Foliage Prediction Map and don't miss the activities overview map at the end of this article.
Views High and Low
If you're traveling south on the Blue Ridge Parkway, enjoy the view and then hop off at Buena Vista! Descend into the Appalachian Trail Community by way of Route 60. It's a fun city with the Maury River and Glen Maury Park for outdoor recreation, plus there are vibrant murals to seek out and a blossoming downtown filled with small businesses.
Make your first stop in town the Buena Vista Visitor Center at Junction 245. You'll leave equipped with a great overview of the area and inspiration to spend some time.
When it's time to hit the road again, drive south on Route 501 to Glasgow where you'll pick up Route 130 to Natural Bridge.
Explore
- Glen Maury Park
- Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area
- Natural Bridge State Park
- Dinosaur Kingdom II
- Virginia Safari Park
- Virginia Gold Heritage Farm
Eat & Drink
- Don Tequila
- Scotto's Pizza
- Natural Bridge General Store & Natty B Cafe
- Pink Cadillac Diner
- Halcyon Days Cidery
- Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery
- Ramulose Ridge Vineyards Tasting Room
Stay
- Blue Ridge Abbey Bed & Breakfast
- Inn at Forest Oaks
- Herring Hall
- Natural Bridge Historic Hotel & Conference Center
- Yogi-Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort
Appalachian Waters Scenic Byway
One of the most glorious scenic drives in the Shenandoah Valley is Route 39, the Appalachian Waters Scenic Byway. This route winds along the Maury River from Route 11 in Lexington into West Virginia, and includes Goshen Pass and the Goshen Wildlife Management Area.
Explore
- See a show at Virginia Horse Center
- Hike Chamber's Ridge Trail or Laurel Run Trail
- Bike the Lexington-Goshen Cycling Route
- Fish or Kayak at Goshen Pass
Eat & Drink
Stay
From the Turnpike to the Parkway
Route 252 - Brownsburg Turnpike - has been called "The Avenue of Trees" as it makes its way from Route 39 just outside of Lexington to Brownsburg. Enjoy the countryside and pick up Route 606 for historic sites and some of our best Virginia wine. From Steeles Tavern, drive the winding Route 56 up the Blue Ridge Parkway, "America's Favorite Drive."
Explore
Eat & Drink
Stay
Last Updated: September 17, 2026
