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This past weekend marked the peak of fall color at Douthat State Park, with the forest bursting into brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red. Cooler temperatures and hard frosts have accelerated leaf drop, indicating this may be the trees' final display of the season. Rain and wind this week have scattered the remaining leaves, creating a colorful mosaic that blankets the trails and forest floors. However, beech trees continue to shine with golden hues, holding onto their leaves well into winter as they often do. Now is the perfect time to appreciate the last of autumn's beauty!

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• For the most breathtaking views of fall foliage, head to the beach complex at Douthat State Park. This scenic spot offers a stunning reflection of the surrounding mountains on the calm lake waters, creating a picture-perfect autumn scene. It's also one of the most accessible areas in the park, with benches along the shoreline and a short, easy walk from the parking lot. Whether you're snapping photos or simply soaking in the colors, the beach complex is the ideal place to experience the beauty of fall at its peak.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• Join us for our new Fall Reflections Hike, a peaceful evening walk along the shores of Douthat Lake. As the sun sets behind the mountains, golden light dances across the water and illuminates the vibrant foliage, creating a truly magical scene.

The colors are finally popping at the park. This week is likely peak color at Douthat State Park, and the views are stunning. The mountains are glowing with vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red. Cold nights, including a recent frost at 32 degrees, have helped bring out the best in the foliage. Hickory trees are exceptionally bright with golden yellow leaves, and the beech trees are adding rich color to the forest. Whether you're hiking, biking or simply taking in the scenery, now is the perfect time to visit and experience the beauty of fall.

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• For the best view of the fall colors, head to the boat launch. This spot offers a wide view of the lake and the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect place to take in the scenery. It’s also home to our EnChroma color blind viewfinder, which helps more visitors experience the full beauty of fall.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• Now is the perfect time to visit Douthat State Park—fall foliage is at its peak, and the colors are breathtaking. In addition to the stunning scenery, we’re hosting the final hike in our October series this Saturday: Migrate With Us. Join a park ranger for a guided walk along Douthat Lake to observe and learn about the incredible journey of migratory birds. It’s a great opportunity for all ages to connect with nature and witness fall migration in action. Don’t forget your binoculars!

Fall color is still developing slowly at Douthat State Park. Much of the forest remains greener than usual for mid-October, likely due to the dry conditions we experienced in September. The recent stretch of chilly nights—some dipping into the upper 30s—combined with shorter daylight hours, should help accelerate the color change in the coming days. Currently, the most noticeable color is coming from the maples and hickories, which are beginning to show vibrant yellows and hints of orange. Other species are still holding onto their summer greens, but subtle changes are starting to appear across the canopy. While peak color is still ahead, now is a great time to enjoy the crisp air, scenic trails and the early signs of autumn's arrival. Keep an eye out for more dramatic changes in the next week or two!

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• One of the best ways to experience fall color at Douthat State Park is by hiking to one of our scenic overlooks. Tobacco House Ridge Trail Overlook offers a stunning view of Douthat Lake, the iconic spillway and the surrounding mountains as they begin to shift into their autumn hues.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• Looking for a unique way to enjoy the fall colors and learn something new? Join us for our Aliens Among Us educational hike on Oct. 18. A park ranger will guide you along a scenic trail, pointing out invasive plant species and explaining how they impact our native ecosystems. You'll also learn practical steps to help prevent the spread of invasive species. This guided hike offers an excellent opportunity to take in the changing foliage while gaining a deeper understanding of the natural world around you.

As of early October, the landscape at Douthat State Park remains surprisingly green for this time of year. Some sugar maples have already dropped leaves without much color, and the oaks are still holding onto their green despite cooler nights. The most noticeable change is in the hickory trees, which are beginning to turn a bright yellow. With rain and cooler temperatures on the horizon, possibly dipping into the upper 30s, we’re optimistic that the season’s most vibrant fall colors will soon begin to appear. Stay tuned!

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• One of the best ways to experience fall at Douthat State Park is from the water. You can paddle across the lake in your own kayak or canoe, or you can join a ranger-led paddle on Fridays for a guided adventure. The calm surface of the lake beautifully reflects the changing leaves, providing a truly scenic view. If you choose to paddle on your own, you can also cast a line and try your luck at fishing. Just be sure to follow all state fishing regulations, which include having a valid license and a daily permit.

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• Glide across Douthat Lake on the Canoe of Many Colors and take in the vibrant reds, oranges and golds of autumn. As you paddle, you’ll learn about the park’s rich history, watch wildlife along the shoreline and soak in the season’s breathtaking scenery.

After last week's dry and brown conditions, recent rainfall has brought a welcome transformation to Douthat State Park. The forest is looking greener than it has in weeks, as the rain relieved drought stress and revitalized the landscape. Dogwoods are beginning to show their classic reddish-purple tones, highlighted by bright red berries. While most oaks remain green, some maples are starting to turn yellow. The weather has been mild, but with cooler nights ahead—lows in the upper 40s—more vibrant fall colors are likely on the way. It's a unique and beautiful start to the season.

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• Take a walk along the YCC trail and stop to walk out on the fishing pier to see the best fall colors.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• Join us for our Fall Foliage History Walk, offered every Friday in October. Take in the crisp air and the brilliant colors of autumn as we stroll along Douthat’s scenic lakefront. This short, easy walk blends the beauty of fall with the rich history of Douthat.

A stretch of dry weather has sped up the season at Douthat State Park. While most of the oaks remain green, the sugar maples and tulip poplars are already putting on a show with brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. The dryness has also caused some leaves to bypass the color change, turning brown and dropping early. With rain in the forecast this week, we’re hopeful it will refresh the landscape and help brighten the colors still to come.

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• Taking a walk on top of the dam from the Discovery Center will provide the best views of the fall colors. This spot will also showcase the mountains, lake and the historic CCC-built spillway.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• National Public Lands Day is this Saturday, Sept. 27. Enjoy free parking and join us for a volunteer workday at our satellite park, Green Pastures Recreation Area. From trail tidying and litter pickup to sprucing up picnic areas, your efforts will help keep Green Pastures welcoming for all who visit.

Daytime highs ranging from the upper 50s to mid-60s offer a comfortable opportunity for outdoor adventures at Fairy Stone State Park, but don't forget to bring a jacket. The breeze has been busy shaking loose leaves from the trees, scattering them like confetti across trails and sidewalks. Despite the leaf fall, the autumn colors remain vibrant. The hillsides continue to glow with fiery reds, golden yellows and deep oranges. It's a fleeting yet beautiful moment, with peak fall foliage lingering just a little longer. With overnight lows dipping into the 30s, many areas experienced their first frost of the season. This sparkling frost serves as a reminder that colder days are just around the corner. The chill in the air is unmistakable, so be sure to bundle up in layers before heading out.

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• On the trails and by the lake are the best places to see the most dramatic colors from sunup to sundown.

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• Whether you’re here looking for fairy stones, hiking a trail, relaxing, attending a special event or an education program, you will certainly be immersed in beautiful scenery in every direction.

The trees are taking their final bow in a blaze of color across the Blue Ridge foothills, with peak color now showing in many areas from Stuart down along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Expect a strong display of reds, oranges and golds from maples, oaks, hickories and sweetgums. There's something magical about this fleeting moment when the hills look like they're on fire with color. Highs were in the upper 70s until a cold front swept through with gusty winds and scattered showers, enhancing the leaf carpet effect, blanketing trails, roadsides and yards with color. Nights are dipping in the chilly low 40s. Now is the time to take a drive or hike to enjoy the most out of leaf peepin' season.

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• Stuart’s Knob overlooking the lake early morning or late afternoon.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• Join us on Oct. 24, for Scary Stone, our annual Halloween celebration! Kick off the evening with a “Trunk or Treat”, then brave the darkness on our ranger-led night hikes down to an abandoned mine. Along the way, you will encounter the spooky legends of moonshiners and creatures who once roamed these woods...

Fairy Stone State Park is glowing with fall color as many trees reach their seasonal peak. Sourwoods blaze in deep red, beeches shimmer in bronze-gold, and hickories light up the canopy with bright yellow. Oaks add depth with rich tones of russet and amber, creating a stunning backdrop along trails like Stuart's Knob and Little Mountain Falls. Daytime highs ranged from the upper 60s to high 70s, with lows in the low to mid-50s. With crisp nights and sunny skies, the vibrant foliage is expected to last through Oct. 25.

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• The cabin area boasts the widest color range, spanning from the playground to the lakefront cabins.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• This weekend, there are multiple programs for everyone in the park, and the annual Apple Dumpling Festival is being held in town.
• The Stuart's Knob guided hike on Oct. 18 is a great chance to check out two fantastic overlooks, one with a view of Fairy Stone Lake and another with a beautiful view of Bull Mountain. With the leaves starting to fall, the views are opening up and getting even better.
• Southwest Virginia is experiencing peak fall migration, with a wide variety of bird species passing through as they head south along the Atlantic Flyway. Join a ranger on Oct. 18 for a chance to observe several bird species as they rest and refuel in the park.

This week offers a lovely combination of seasonal charm and comfort at Fairy Stone State Park. With morning temperatures around 46°F and afternoon highs reaching a comfortable 78°F, autumn gently beckons you to spend more time outdoors. Light winds carry the refreshing scent of fall, while mild humidity keeps the air feeling crisp and pleasant. The trees are just starting to reveal their vibrant colors, with subtle changes in foliage hinting at the transformation to come. Whether you’re sipping coffee on the porch, taking a stroll through the park or enjoying the view from your window, this gentle shift serves as a quiet reminder that autumn is arriving softly, slowly and beautifully.

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• Beach area looking over the lake towards Stuart's Knob.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• Fairy Stone’s Fall BioBlitz will take place this weekend, Oct. 11 and 12. A BioBlitz is an event where rangers and park guests work together to observe as many species as they can. Join a ranger for a variety of special programs this weekend, including a live reptile and amphibian presentation by researchers from the Virginia Museum of Natural History.

As September winds down, autumn is making its presence known across the region. At Fairy Stone State Park, temperatures have ranged from a crisp 55F to a warm 86F, giving us a true sense of the seasonal change. Remnants from a tropical storm brought 2.8 inches of rain, keeping the landscape refreshed and vibrant. The colors in the area are becoming increasingly vivid, with brighter hues painting the hillsides. The rate of leaf drop is rising, signaling that peak fall colors are just around the corner!

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• Stuart’s Knob Overlook

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• Fairy Stone Hunt: Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site. Oct. 10, 1-2 p.m., and Oct. 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12-1 p.m.
• Hiking for the Birds, Oct. 4 at 5 p.m. Hit the trail with one of our rangers to see which birds of Fairy Stone State Park are hiding in plain sight along Oak Hickory Trail.
• Magic Trees, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. Trees have magical qualities that provide us with many important everyday items, as well as a large portion of the oxygen we breathe.
• Fayerdale The Missing Town, Oct. 5 at 3 p.m. Did you know there was once a thriving "boom town" located where our lake is today?

Tulip poplars are shedding yellow and brown leaves, a gentle nod to the season’s shift. Dogwoods flaunt red berries, their foliage blushing into rich purples. Oaks are dropping acorns in abundance, nature’s feast for squirrels and deer. The air still warms to 80 degrees by day, but cools to the upper 50s at night, coaxing color from the canopy. Rain has been scarce, less than an inch all month, hastening leaf drop and muting hues. The landscape hums with change. Soon, maples will blaze, birds will migrate and crisp mornings will carry the scent of turning leaves. For now, we savor the threshold where summer exhales and autumn begins to breathe.

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• Lower beach area.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• National Public Lands Day on Sept. 27. Join us for a guided hike and multiple interactive educational programs, including invasive plant removal and native plants and pollinators lessons followed by a seed bomb workshop and tree planting. Early fall is a prime time to manage invasive species such as autumn olive and Japanese stiltgrass. Thanks to their distinctive seasonal markers, bright red berries on autumn olive and pink seedheads on stiltgrass, make them easy to identify and remove.

The bright, fiery leaf colors of orange and yellow are slowly beginning to take on a deep, vibrant red or purple tone throughout Hungry Mother State Park. Many of the trees are losing their leaves, but those that remain are incredibly warm and provide a feeling of a true autumn harvest. The background of leaves surrounding the lake is harder to distinguish now, but it blends into a magnificent hue that creates wonderful photos.

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• Boat Ramp

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• You might consider visiting the park for some spooky Halloween photos, complete with the eerie fog from the rain and tossing leaves into your pictures.

The leaves have begun to display vibrant, warm colors over the past week. We are witnessing the peak change in leaf color throughout the park, complemented by a few remaining green trees that create a beautiful contrast. From a distance, the mountains resemble fields of hay dotted with comforting reds, deep purples and striking greens.

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• The Clyburn Ridge vista provides a nearly panoramic view of the trees’ leaves along with the lake and the rest of the park.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• Since this is the peak change in leaf color since Autumn has begun, now would be the best time to join us for either our Fall Colors Hike to the Clyburn Ridge Vista on Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. or for our Fall Foliage Paddle on Oct. 26 at 10 a.m.. One will provide you with a hike through a hollow surrounded by the changing trees and ends with a stunning view, while the other allows you to scout nearly the entire lake while surrounded by floating orange leaves.

The leaves are slowly changing. There are still no significant changes in color. Many of the greens are not getting so dark, and many of the trees are starting to show their yellows. The weather has been cool in the mornings and the evenings, but warm in the afternoons, which lends to better colors. The area hasn't had much rain, though. Rain would really help the colors pop!

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• Hiking the Lake Trail offers numerous views of the leaf color reflected on the water. You will hike from open sunny areas with the sun shining through the yellows, making them sparkle, into rhododendron thickets that still have the dark green of summer, back into the light dappling through a few oranges and reds starting to show. The trail is perfect for enjoying a longer hike with a picnic along the lakeshore or a few shorter hikes with younger children.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• Enjoy a canoe paddle in the park or a kayak tour of the lake. Take a hike on one of our trails while enjoying the cooler weather and the beautiful views. Enjoy a picnic with the family while the kids play in the fresh air at the playground or in the sand on the beach.

Currently, there isn't a significant change in color at Hungry Mother State Park. While a few individual trees are starting to change, others have already transformed completely and are shedding their leaves. Buckeye trees have turned yellow, maples are transitioning to shades of orange and yellow, and sourwood trees are particularly striking with their dark red leaves and green seed heads hanging down.

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• The entrance road leading into the park features various trees turning a light green and yellow. The sun dappling through the leaves makes the park look beautiful.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• If you stay at the park, you can take a nice fall day drive on Rt. 16 North or South to see many mountain peaks starting to change. There are numerous overlooks along the way to enjoy the mountain scenery. You can once again paddle a canoe or kayak around the lake on guided tours on Wednesday and Sunday or take a hike through the colorful woods on Saturday with a guide.

It has been very dry here at Hungry Mother State Park, and some of the leaves are starting to turn brown. However, we are finally getting some much-needed rain. This rain, combined with the warm autumn days and cool evenings, will help reveal the vibrant colors of the leaves hidden beneath the green as the chlorophyll begins to break down. The colors should become more vivid in the weeks to come. Although there is still a lot of green, the scattered patches of color throughout the mountains and their reflections in the lake are beginning to make the area shine.

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• Driving into Hungry Mother State Park along Rt. 16, many of the beech trees are beginning to turn yellow. Enjoy the yellows as they highlight all the different shades of green at this time of year.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• Forest Therapy session on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m.
• Fall Colors Hike on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 3 p.m.
• Early morning Fall Foliage Kayak Paddle on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 10 a.m.
• Paddle in the Park on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m.

Color is nearing its peak, but drought conditions persist, causing many trees, such as sycamores, locusts, and walnuts, to shed their leaves.

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• Skyline Trail

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• This will be the last week of fall weekend programs!

While the trees have lost many leaves, we are still seeing some red around Natural Tunnel State Park. The bright yellows and oranges are what have really stood out this week.

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• TPurchase Ridge Trail.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• This weekend is the last of the chairlift season. After it closes on Sunday, it won't open again until the Christmas Lightings start at the end of November.

The weather has started to cool down, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s on several days this week. The vibrant pops of yellow and orange on the trees have been a wonderful surprise, brightening up an otherwise gloomy and rainy Sunday last weekend.

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• Tunnel Trail and the chairlift area.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• Story Telling at the Tunnel on Saturday, Oct. 25, starting at 7:30 p.m.

We've started to see more orange this week, and more leaves falling off the trees. As more leaves fall, the view from the Purchase Ridge Overlook is becoming more open and beautiful.

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• Lovers Leap and Purchase Ridge

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• On Oct. 18, we’re offering a Fall Hayride, and we’re hosting our last Touring the Galaxy of the season.

The leaves have been slow to turn this year, but vibrant colors are finally emerging on our dogwood, maple and sourwood trees.

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• Lovers Leap and picnic area

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• The last cave tour of the season is Saturday, Oct. 11, and there is a solar viewing program on Sunday, Oct. 12.

We still have a lot of green in Natural Tunnel State Park. With the rain over the weekend, some of the trees began to shed more leaves, and the oaks have dropped a significant number of acorns. We are starting to see some splashes of red, mainly from the beautiful dogwood trees.

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• Cabin area, Birding and Wildlife trail

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• Touring the Galaxy on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m.
• Fall Colors Hike on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m.

Natural Tunnel State Park has had some beautiful weather this week, with daytime temperatures in the 80s and evenings starting to cool off a bit with lows in the mid-50s. Guests can spot some hints of yellow on the Lovers' Leap Trail, and a few orange trees can be spotted from the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center.

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• Lovers' Leap Trail, Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• We have two volunteer opportunities in honor of National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 27. Pretty Problem in the Park is an invasive species removal program in the morning, and a trail cleanup along stock creek in the afternoon.

Temperatures this week at New River Trail ranged from the low 40s to mid-60s, with two days in the 70s. The weather was mostly sunny, and our fall foliage is in full swing! Some trees are bare, while most display lovely shades of orange or yellow, with occasional pops of red. Oak trees are officially starting to turn, with most other tree species already displaying an array of colors. This coming week is the perfect time to visit the park to see the foliage.

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• Tháp bắn

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• Driving Through History van tour on Oct. 30, 2025, at 10 a.m.

This week, New River Trail saw temperatures in the mid-70s to low 60s, with a mix of cloudy and partially sunny days. Some oak trees are starting to show yellows, and many maples are showcasing various shades of yellows, oranges, and reds. Some of our earliest trees to shed leaves are looking bare, but most of our trees still have full foliage, with around half of our trees now in color, while the other half remain green.

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• Tháp bắn

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• We’re hosting Haunted History Tours Oct. 17 and 18.

This past week has been a blend of warm, 70-degree days and cloudy, rainy afternoons. The American sycamore trees at New River Trail State Park are beginning to display their yellow foliage, while a few early oak leaves have already fallen to the ground. Some maple trees are in full color, and others will soon follow suit.

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• Tháp bắn

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• The Virginia Trail Running Festival is taking place Oct. 11-12.
• Harvest Festival, Saturday, Oct. 11.

This week, New River Trail State Park experienced cloudy and rainy conditions for most of the week, with temperatures ranging from the high 50s to the mid-70s. On some days, fog was present, creating a perfectly comfortable yet moody fall atmosphere. Our walnut trees have continued to become more yellow, dropping more nuts with each passing day. Some maples are showing their first orange and red leaves, and our sycamores are a mix of greens, oranges and browns. On the mountains, strong stripes and patches of oranges, browns and some reds can be seen among the green trees.

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• Thác Foster

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• We are hosting aHaunted History tour at Foster Falls on Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.
• The Virginia Trail Running Festival is taking place Oct. 11-12.
• We are teaming up with the local community for the Harvest Festival on Oct. 11.

Temperatures this past week have been delightfully warm and sunny, with perfect weather for a river float. New River Trail saw several days in the 80s, with evenings in the high 50s and low 60s. The leaves on our walnut, maple and hickory trees have started exhibiting their first signs of color. In a short amount of time, our walnut trees have shifted from green to yellow and are beginning to shed their leaves and nuts. Subtle pops of orange are prominent along the trail and in the Foster Falls area, with Virginia creeper showing off flashy, striking reds. 

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• Thác Foster

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• On September 27 a clean-up of Baker Island will be occurring as well as a live blacksmithing demonstration.
• October 3, will be the season's first Haunted History tour which is happening at Foster Falls.

The autumn colors in Smith Mountain Lake State Park are approaching their peak. The golden and bronze hues of hickory, beech and oak are beginning to emerge, adding to the vibrant display of colors from maple, dogwood, sourwood, black gum, sassafras and sweetgum.

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• Along Interpretive Trail Rd. and in the coves near the Discovery Center.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• The cooler temperatures and sunny crisp days make the best weather for taking a hike on any of the thirteen trails in the park and discovering the fall colors in person. Other self-guided activities to enjoy at the park this week include fishing from the pier, geocaching, photography or biking along the trails or park roads.

The nights are getting quite chilly now, which has allowed for more reds and purples to be revealed. As the days get shorter, the peak of color is nearing. Hickories are turning a golden yellow, which contrasts nicely with the vibrant reds of maple, sourwood, black gum and dogwood.

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• Along Interpretive Trail Rd. and in the coves near the Discovery Center.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• Bring the family to the park to enjoy the fall colors and a fun-filled Halloween event. “Goblins and Goodies ‘Owl’-oween” event will be held at the Discovery Center on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Activities include a costume contest (for ages 12 and younger), pumpkin decorating, crafts, candy, and games. Autumn Hayrides are offered from 4:50-6 p.m. New activities added this year: Hawaii Fluid Art "Slime Lab"; "Trick or Treat" trail hike; hot dog and marshmallow roast. Wear your favorite Halloween costume and join us for a "howling" good time. This event is free, but regular parking fees apply.

At Smith Mountain Lake State Park, the autumn colors are slowly but surely making their appearance. The reds and yellows of dogwoods and sweetgums stand out against the green backdrop, creating a picturesque scene. This year, the mast (seeds and nuts) is in abundance, including acorns, sweetgum seed pods, hickory nuts and walnuts, which the wildlife is taking full advantage of, ensuring their well-being during this season of change.

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• Along Interpretive Trail Rd. and in the coves near the Discovery Center.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• The interpreter will be offering programs in the campground on Saturday, Oct. 18. Please join the ranger at Follow the Tracks at 1:30 p.m. to learn about animal tracks and signs, and at 4:00 p.m. you can get creative with Camper Crafts.

As autumn progresses, we are still having warm days, but the nights have been much cooler than in previous weeks. This has allowed for more colors to pop out throughout Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

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• Along Interpretive Trail Rd. and in the coves near the Discovery Center.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• Saturday, Oct. 11, join the ranger in the campground at 1 p.m. and indulge your creativity with Camper Crafts.
• If you would like to learn more about the park and the history around Smith Mountain Lake, head over to the Discovery Center between 3 and 5 p.m. on Oct. 11, for Discovery Center Exploration.

Although green remains the dominant color in Smith Mountain Lake State Park, a few select trees are preparing for winter by halting their production of chlorophyll, revealing the underlying colors.

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• Along Interpretive Trail Rd. and in the coves near the Discovery Center.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• Saturday, Oct. 4, join the ranger in the campground at 1 p.m. and indulge your creativity with Camper Crafts.
• To learn more about the park and the history around Smith Mountain Lake, join us at the Discovery Center between 3 and 5 p.m. on Oct. 4 for Discovery Center Exploration.

Due to the warmer temperatures in the last two weeks, the trees at the park are not yet showing much of a change. However, there has been some colors starting to appear in the landscape around the lake. Currently, the predominant colors seen around the park are greens and yellows, but there are a few pops of bright red like black gum and red maples.

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• Along Interpretive Trail Rd. and in the coves near the Discovery Center.

Tại sao nên ghé thăm tuần này:

• On Sept. 27, we're participating in National Public Lands Day, the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands. Become a steward of Smith Mountain Lake State Park and help us clean up Beechwood Trail. We'll provide all tools and materials needed. Please bring water and wear closed-toed shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather.
• Join us on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Discovery Center for our Goblins and Goodies Halloween event. We’ll have crafts, games, pumpkin-decorating, a costume contest (for ages 12 and younger) and lots of candy. There will also be a haunted hike and autumn hay wagon rides through the park to view the fall foliage.

This week, Southwest Virginia Museum State Park is transforming into a vibrant display of autumn colors as trees shed their summer green for shades of crimson, amber and gold. Although there are no trails, the park is lined with shimmering leaves that create a warm atmosphere. The crisp air carries the earthy scent of fallen leaves, adding to the seasonal charm. If the current trend continues, this week may be the peak of the fall foliage season, making it the perfect time for visitors to enjoy the park

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• One of the most breathtaking spots to experience the vibrant fall foliage is from the open-air deck of the 101 Train Car, where the view unfolds toward the majestic slopes of Stone Mountain. Guests can experience a kaleidoscope of fiery reds, golden yellows and deep oranges blanketing the landscape, creating a stunning contrast against the rugged, timeworn face of the mountain. The panoramic view from the deck offers an unforgettable immersion into the heart of Appalachia’s seasonal beauty.

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• Step into a world of Appalachian family fun with our Hoots N Haints Family Program on Friday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 9 p.m. Designed for all ages, this spirited event blends storytelling, games and a spooky attraction to celebrate the rich cultural traditions of Southwest Virginia.

The changing leaves have begun to display their vibrant reds, golden yellows, deep oranges and rich browns this week. As temperatures cool and daylight decreases, trees such as maples, oaks and birches shed their leaves, revealing their brilliant colors. This fleeting yet magical transformation signals the transition from summer to fall, inviting cozy moments and scenic walks through nature's most colorful display.

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• The best place to view the fall foliage this week is from the 101 Train Car deck, where the panoramic mountain views are starting to burst into vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. For a more serene experience, the Victorian garden offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by colorful leaves and timeless charm.

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Step into the Shadows of History with Our Fall Programs Join us for a season of remembrance, reflection, and family-friendly fun:

• For Whom the Bell Tolls: A Mourning Program in the Victorian Parlor: Saturday, Oct. 25, from 2 to 3 p.m.
  Experience the solemn beauty of Appalachian mourning customs in an intimate Victorian setting. This immersive program explores how families honored their loved ones with dignity and tradition.
• Shadows of the Past: A Stroll through Glencoe, Saturday, Oct. 25, from 5 to 6 p.m.
  Take a guided walk through a local cemetery where stories of the past come to life. Discover the rich history, symbolism, and personal tales etched in stone.
• Haunting on the Hill, Saturday, Oct. 25, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
  Bring the whole family for a spooky (but not too scary!) adventure. This haunted attraction offers thrills, chills, and plenty of smiles in a safe and festive environment.

Some of the leaves are starting to turn this week with the onset of the cooler weather and rain.

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• From the side street at the museum and the deck of the 101 Train Car.

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• While we’re not offering any special events this week, we’ll be active in the community hosting several outreach programs.

There isn’t much color at Southwest Virginia Museum State Park yet. The weather has been beautiful, but it feels more like summer than autumn. With rain and cooler temperatures expected this week, we may begin to see more fall colors soon.

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• 101 Train Car and Victorian Garden

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• No special events this week but we have several outreach and other activities planned, as well as getting ready for our Halloween and fall events.

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park area has yet to display much color. However, there is a slight change in color at the top of the mountains. Following some cooler nights and recent rain, we expect more color to appear soon. We have some dogwood trees that are now showing their color.

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• 101 Train Car and Victorian Garden

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• Although we do not have any special events happening this week. Staff and volunteers will be out in the community doing outreach programs and other activities.

The park is not showing much color yet. We have had some cooler nights, so some color should be showing soon.

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• The 101 Train Car.

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• For National Public Lands Day on Sept. 27, volunteers will have a chance to give back to their community by contributing to the preservation of a historic landmark in the heart of Appalachia. Park rangers will be on hand to lead this project, from 1 to 4 p.m. which includes scraping, sanding, priming, and painting the gate to the entrance of the museum. All necessary tools and materials will be provided, and volunteers of all skill levels are welcome to participate.
• Also, on Saturday, Sept. 27, we’re hosting Penchants and Proclivities to provide an opportunity for local collectors to share their objects and knowledge, This is the third in a series of events showcasing personal collections from around the region. During these events, participants are invited to display and share their collections with the visiting public in the museum’s Victorian Parlor.