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D.C. FOLIAGE GUIDE
BY MEGAN LEADER
Washington, D.C., may blossom during spring, but during fall, it positively glows in deep
reds, golds, and oranges, thanks to the dozens of state and national parks in and around
the city. Practice your peeping at these foliage friendly spots.
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VIRGINIA HUMPBACK ROCKS, VIRGINIA
A favorite East Coast summer destination, Smith Mountain Lake in the
Blue Ridge Mountains is serene and stunning in fall, with vivid colors
reflecting on 500 miles of shoreline, making it a perfect weekend
getaway with friends or family. Boat rentals and fishing charters give
visitors a unique perspective of the fall foliage. Intrepid hikers are rewarded with a big payoff when they arrive at
the top of Humpback Rocks. The hike is about a mile long, with a
strenuous 700-foot climb, but the sweeping views of the Rockfish
and Shenandoah valleys are always stunning — especially in autumn.
The Humpback Rocks Trail shares portions of its path with the 2,000-
mile Appalachian Trail, which extends from Maine to Georgia.
SKYLINE DRIVE, SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, VIRGINIA
This 105-mile drive extends the full length of Shenandoah National
Park. With nearly 70 viewpoints, it’s brimming with beautiful vistas.
(Range View and Hogback are highly recommended.) This stretch is
one of the most popular in the Blue Ridge Mountains for fall foliage, so
be prepared for crowds. But, if you take your time and don’t mind the
traffic, you’ll be well rewarded.
ROCK CREEK PARK, WASHINGTON, D.C.
Follow in the footsteps of President Theodore Roosevelt — quite
literally — on the 3.1-mile Boulder Bridge Loop Hike through Rock
Creek Park. Especially beautiful in the fall, this hike is a local favorite,
and one that Roosevelt once frequented. Located in the heart of
Washington, D.C., Rock Creek Park is easily accessible, with versatile,
interconnected trails that make it easy to chart your own path.
FLYWASHINGTON.COM 60 AUTUMN 2019
HARPERS FERRY, WEST VIRGINIA
Harpers Ferry may be a small town, but it’s got huge historical
significance. Perched on the edge of the Potomac River, it was
fought over many times during the Civil War. Enjoy the charming
shops and restaurants — Harpers Ferry Brewing features local
brews and panoramic river vistas — or hike through Harpers
Ferry National Historical Park. Trails range from easy to difficult,
so there’s an option for everyone. Regardless of whether you
choose a relaxed or ambitious itinerary, you’ll be delighted by the
gorgeous scenery at every turn.