The DMV area is full of spectacular hiking trails that make for fantastic viewpoints of the changing leaves every fall.
Now, with peak fall foliage predictions stating that the best time to see changing leaves throughout the Shenandoah Valley is just a few weeks away, Washingtonians should take the time to plan at least one day trip out of the District to experience the peak fall foliage in full force.
While there is a long list of incredible small towns worth checking out, like Middleburg, Staunton , or Thurmont, only one town within driving distance of the District was acknowledged as one of the most beautiful fall foliage destinations in the nation!
The best fall foliage in the nation, just a short road trip from Washington, D.C.
According to Travel + Leisure, which ranked the 19 best small towns in the nation for gorgeous fall foliage, the small West Virginia town of Harpers Ferry is one of the best leaf peeping destinations in the country!
The historic town, located at the center of the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, is surrounded by 3,500 acres of preserved parkland filled with 22 miles of hiking trails that take you along both the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers.
The incredible views of the small town seem too stunning to be real, filled with rich history and a bustling Shenandoah Street filled with small shops, cafes, and boutiques, making this town a popular destination for travelers across the region.
If you want to make the most of your visit and experience the best possible fall foliage, you’ll want to check out two popular viewpoints:
- Jefferson Rock – A short walk from the town, less than half a mile, this site is famous for an unusual (and unstable) rock formation that Thomas Jefferson claimed was “perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in nature.”
- Maryland Heights Overlook – The most iconic and famous viewpoint in the area, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the town and both the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, this hike is a bit more of a commitment; the overlook trail is a 2.8-mile round trip, and the entire Maryland Heights Loop is around 4.5 miles in total.
Things to do in Harpers Ferry aside from enjoying the nature
There are a bunch of fun things to do around this charming small town that will keep you fully entertained if you choose to stay over the weekend, aside from enjoying the beautiful nature nearby.
Here are a few options if you want to plan your next visit:
- Explore the Living History Museums in the Lower Town district – Operated by the National Park Service (may be impacted by Government shutdown), these interactive experiences include: a functioning blacksmith shop with live demonstrations from the working forge, an authentic 19th-century general store, and more!
- Learn about Harper Ferry’s significant role in American history – One of the biggest events that eventually led to the Civil War, abolitionist John Brown’s attempted raid, serves as one of the nation’s most significant historical events.
- Browse the local shops & boutiques – Shops dedicated to vintage books, antiques, and Civil War memorabilia are all worth a visit, but the showstoppers are the specialty food shops: fresh fudge, old school candies, delicious ice cream, and more!