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. 

Shenandoah Valley Limited

The iconic Norfolk & Western Class J 611 steam engine is once again on the track from Victoria Station in Goshen for beautiful fall foliage excursions! Dubbed the Shenandoah Valley Limited, there will be six brackets of tickets available, including the dome car where the sky and foliage above are beautifully on display. Excursions will be available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. between September 26 and October 26, 2025.

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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

• Virginia Horse Center
• Hike:
  • Chamber's Ridge Trail
  • Laurel Run Trail
• Climb:
  • Castle Rock
  • Chamber's Ridge
  • Maury River Wall
• Bike:
  • Lexington-Goshen Cycling Route
• Fish or Kayak:
  • Goshen Pass

Eat & Drink

• BG's 2
• Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen

Stay

• The Hummingbird Inn
• Mountain Pond House

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

• Brownsburg Museum
• Old South Antiques
  
• Wade's Mill
• Cyrus McCormick Farm

Eat & Drink

• Ecco Adesso Vineyards
• Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery 
• Gertie's Country Store & Deli

Stay

• Steeles Tavern Manor
• Shenandoah Valley Cabins
• Sugar Tree Inn

Views High and Low

Enjoy the views from the Blue Ridge Parkway from Vesuvius to Buena Vista, where you'll exit onto Route 60 and descend into Buena Vista, an Appalachian Trail Community. And it's a good view, indeed. This city along the Maury River has fun, vibrant murals to seek out. Spend some time and then travel south on Route 501 to Glasgow to 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 Orchard
• Layne's Country Store

Eat & Drink

• Don Tequila
• Scotto's Pizza
• Natural Bridge General Store & Natty B Cafe
• Pink Cadillac Diner
• Halcyon Days Cidery
  
• Great Valley Farm Brewery

Stay

• Forest Oaks
  
• Herring Hall
• Natural Bridge Historic Hotel & Conference Center