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When is Peak Fall Foliage in Charlottesville?

Typically, fall colors peak between early-October and early-November, with higher elevations (like Shenandoah National Park) changing first. Expect brilliant reds, oranges, and golds as you move from the mountains into town. In 2025, fall foliage in the mountains is expected to peak in early October and Charlottesville/Albemarle County in early to mid-October.

Check local foliage trackers for the most up-to-date predictions on timing.

1. Historic Downtown Mall

While the historic Downtown Mall is lovely any time of year, it is especially beautiful during the autumn months. The large, mature oak trees that line this pedestrian-only walkway explode with gold and orange beginning in mid-October, much to the delight of all who come to this historic avenue.

  • Best For: visitors looking to enjoy a leisurely walk, outdoor dining, shopping, and people-watching.
  • Pro Tip: we recommend grabbing a hot cup of coffee (Grit Coffee, Mudhouse, and Petite MarieBette are popular choices among locals) and walking the entire length of the Downtown Mall, stopping into stores as you go. Multiple secondhand stores are within walking distance of each other and, if you go on a Saturday, there are two farmers markets to peruse in the morning!

-- New in 2025 --

The Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society is offering three different tours on Saturdays (September 13-November 29). These walking tours will take guests through the history of Court Square, the Downtown Mall, or Charlottesville's Black barbers and barbershops. Tickets are $20/adult and $10/kids and can be purchased ahead of time on their website.

2. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia is a gorgeous spot to take in foliage during the fall months, with over 10,000 trees planted on Grounds. Expect tremendous pops of red, orange, and yellow all along the Lawn and Academical Village, which is open to the public daily.

  • Best For: architecture lovers, alumni, photographers, and those looking for a leisurely stroll.
  • Pro Tip: be sure to stop by The Rotunda to see the beloved Pratt Ginkgo, planted in 1860 and located on the northwest side. Its spectacularly colorful canopy of gold makes for an iconic photo. 👉Learn More About the History of the Pratt Ginkgo

-- New in 2025 --

The Fralin Museum of Art, just a short walk away from Grounds, recently reopened with four new exhibitions, including 'Haiti's Time,' the largest gift of Haitian art that any museum has ever received and 'In Feeling: Empathy and Tension Through Disability,' which features a number of interactive, sensory elements. The Fralin is free to the public and open daily.

3. Carter Mountain Orchard

Perched high above Charlottesville and only a short drive from Downtown, Carter Mountain Orchard is a signature stop for all things fall. Enjoy apple picking, panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and live music on select days.

  • Best For: out-of-town fun (without a long drive), families, couples, and pick-your-own fanatics.
  • Pro Tip: be sure to visit on Thursday for their Evening Sunset Series -- featuring live music, food trucks, wine/cider, and the best sunset views in the Charlottesville-area. 👉 Reserve Your Tickets Now

-- New in 2025 --

Apple season is a busy time at Carter Mountain, which means most weekends throughout September and October require visitors to purchase entry tickets ahead of time. These tickets are $9 (visitors 12 and older) and can be purchased online.

4. Saunders-Monticello Trail

This wide, accessible trail winds through forests, fields, and elevated wooden boardwalks on its way to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s iconic estate. In the fall, the Saunders-Monticello Trail comes alive with colorful foliage overhead and leaves crunching underfoot.

  • Best For: families, casual walkers, and those seeking a low-effort escape into nature.
  • Pro Tip: after enjoying the trails, continue on to Monticello. You can purchase a ticket to explore the Grounds independently or embark on one of the many guided tours -- including their new 'Founding Friends, Founding Foes' tour.

-- New in 2025 --

The Saunders-Monticello trail is now fully open to your furry friends! As of earlier this year, leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk sections of the trail.

5. Presidential Homes

The Charlottesville-area is home to three historic homes of former U.S. presidents: Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, James Monroe's Highland, and James Madison's Montpelier. Open for visits any time of year, these homes are especially gorgeous in the fall, with vibrant colors and meander-worthy walking trails.

  • Best For: history lovers and families.
  • Pro Tip: when planning your trip, be sure to check out each site's events calendar, as there are often special tours, seminars, or learning experiences to enjoy. Like Montpelier's week-long 'Late October Excavation Expedition for Retired Adults,' which invites participants to learn hands-on with professional archaeologists.

-- New in 2025 --

The 250th anniversary of the United States of America kicks off in 2026, and all of these presidential homes will be celebrating (if they're not already!)! Monticello's newest tour, 'Founding Friends, Founding Foes' is in celebration of the 250th and explores the complicated relationship between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Keep an eye on Highland and Montpelier's website for new events as they're added.

6. Sugar Hollow Reservoir

Popular amongst locals and often overlooked by visitors, Sugar Hollow Reservoir sits just at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountain and features a variety of trails that wind through woods and over streams. Autumn transforms the landscape into a tapestry of reds, golds, and oranges.

  • Best For: outdoor lovers, dog owners, and families -- hike for as little or long as you'd like!
  • Pro Tip: we recommend checking out the short, 3-mile Blue Hole hike for the best fall foliage as well as stream-side exploration. The path is dog-friendly, well-maintained, and features a swimming hole at the end.

-- Nearby Stops --

Be sure to stop into nearby Crozet for even more fall activities to round out your trip! We highly recommend Chiles Peach Orchard for pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, iconic apple cider donuts, live music, and more. 👉 Check Out Their Upcoming Events

7. Ivy Creek Natural Area

The Ivy Creek Natural Area is a 219-acre preserve that features seven miles of well-maintained trails winding through upland woods, pine stands, open fields, streams, and two miles of shoreline. In addition to stunning fall foliage, Ivy Creek is also home to a variety of wildlife and rich social and agricultural history.

  • Best For: history lovers, families, birdwatchers, and those seeking a peaceful walk.
  • Pro Tip: visit on Saturday or Sunday between 10AM and 12PM to explore the barn and learn about the rich history of River View Farm through hands-on interactive displays and educational panels.
8. Monticello Wine Trail

The Monticello Wine Trail, voted Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast in 2023, is home to more than 40 acclaimed wineries, all within a short drive of Charlottesville. These beautiful vineyards are a spectacular way to sip and savor the fall scenery!

  • Best For: wine lovers, couples, and groups looking for a scenic outing.
  • Pro Tip: Vineyards are more than just wine -- there are plenty of unique tasting experiences along the Monticello Wine Trail! 👉 Here are Some of My Favorites

-- New in 2025 --

The Monticello Wine Trail received top honors in the 2025 Virginia Governor's Cup, with 25 producers across the region earning 57 gold medals. Additionally, half of the wines in the prestigious Governor's Case came from the Monticello Wine Region, with Barboursville Vineyards receiving the top award of the entire competition for their 2023 Vermentino! 👉 Discover Award-Winning Wine on the Gold Medal Trail

9. Hot Air Balloon Ride

Take to the skies to see Charlottesville's fall foliage from a completely different perspective! It's amazing how different things look when viewed from above and the views of colorful trees from way up high are sure to take your breath away. Monticello Country Ballooning and Thomas Jefferson Hot Air Ballooning offer private flights over Virginia's beautiful, historic landscape.

  • Best For: adventure seekers, photographers, couples, and solo travelers.
  • Pro Tip: book ahead! These balloons only hold a few people at a time, meaning flights fill up fast. We also recommend dressing warmly and bringing a camera -- mornings can be chilly at higher altitudes!
10. Rooftop Bars & Restaurants

Over the last few years, several rooftop bars and restaurants have come bursting on to the scene in the Charlottesville area. In addition to featuring delicious food and drink, they also serve up some of the best views of the city of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Stop by one of the area's three rooftop bars: The Doyle Hotel, the Graduate, and Bar Botanical, to take in an autumn sunset.

  • Best For: couples, groups, and those looking for a relaxed evening
  • Pro Tip: time your visit for golden hour (sunset) for picture-perfect lighting!

-- Local Tip --

If you're vegan, you've got to stop in to Bar Botanical -- their menu is entirely plant-based! On your way out there, be sure to take a drive down the Western Albemarle Scenic Tour -- quiet country roads make up the majority of this route, making for a relaxed, scenic loop full of oranges, reds, and yellows!

Skyline Drive and Classic Blue Ridge Mountain Views

*BONUS*

Just a 30-minute drive from Charlottesville, Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park offers one of the most scenic foliage drives in the country. Cruise along the scenic byway while soaking up the vibrant fall colors of Centra Virginia's rolling Blue Ridge Mountains. There are plenty of hikes and overlooks along the way for those who wish to venture!

Plan Your Trip

Of course the Charlottesville area offers much more than brilliant fall foliage during the autumn months - there's a plethora of festivals, events, and many other things to see and do! Keep an eye on our events page for the most up-to-date information and take a look at our 👉Ultimate Fall Bucket List for inspiration! We look forward to welcoming you to Charlottesville & Albemarle County this fall!

Places to Stay Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer visitors a wide variety of places to stay, including resorts, hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, cabins, and vacation rentals. Learn More
Mobile Visitor Centers Our Visitor Centers are mobile and operate Wednesday-Sunday at set locations throughout Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Stop by a MVC to speak with a travel specialist and browse a selection of free maps and guides of the area. Learn More

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Author

Brantley Ussery