In our humble opinion, fall around the District is one of the best seasons of the year!
While spring’s pretty pink colors come with plenty of pollen, summer brings both sunshine and swelteringly humid heat, and winter’s filled with frigid nights and unpredictable flurries, the fall brings cool, balanced temperatures and the fleeting beauty of changing leaves without scores of tourists clogging up the town.
Now, as the fall foliage around the District officially hits its peak this week, it is the perfect time to step out and take in the beauty of the season before it’s too late!
How long does peak fall foliage last?
As peak fall foliage is here, you won’t get a better chance to see the bright reds, yellows, and oranges of the leaves around the District than right now!
That being said, leaves will start to ‘fall’ in the coming weeks now that the peak has passed and winter approaches.
While the bright colors could remain through mid-November, strong winds or heavy rains could wipe out a majority of the D.C. area’s fall foliage in as little as one or two nights in the right conditions.
Where to see changing leaves around the District
Specifically, we recommend heading into any of these fantastic destinations:
- Prince William Forest Park
- Shenandoah National Park
- Sugarloaf Mountain Trail
- White Oak Canyon Trail
- Old Rag Mountain Trail
- Harpers Ferry
- Maryland Heights Trail
- Great Falls
- Billy Goat Trail
- Rocky Gap State Park
- Lakeside Loop Trail
- Rock Creek Park
- United States National Arboretum
- Tidal Basin
- Tregaron Conservancy
- Theodore Roosevelt Island