There is something extra magical about autumn in the DMV. While we’re sipping our pumpkin spice lattes and hot apple ciders, bopping around our favorite harvest festivals, and frolicking through our local apple orchards and pumpkin patches in search of the best spoils for our pies and porches, Mother Nature is putting on her own show. She is adding a crispness to the air and painting her forests the brightest hues of red and orange.
And lucky for us, we do not have to go far to experience this brilliant natural display, no matter how deep in the heart the city we reside. Seth and I spent our entire lives in awe of the way that our little corner of the East Coast transforms each autumn, and we’ve compiled our favorite places to experience fall foliage – or leaf peep, if you will – near Washington, DC and ordered them by their distance from the city.
Rock Creek Park
You don’t even have to venture out of the city’s limits to take in the beauty of Rock Creek Park. This national park offers miles of tree-lined trails, but our favorite spot to take in nature’s beauty is without a doubt Boulder Bridge. If you want to experience this particular spot yourself, park at Rock Creek Park’s Nature Center and follow signs for the Boulder Bridge trail. This hike consists of a 3.1 mile loop that will provide you with a nice tour of the area’s diverse scenery.
Logistics: Rock Creek Park is free to visit and open year-round during daylight hours.
Meridian Hill/Malcolm-X Park
Tucked right in between U Street, Adams Morgan, and Columbia Heights, Meridian Hill/Malcolm-X Park is another DC gem that offers optimal foliage to frolic through or picnic under. This public green space was designed in the early 1800s in the style of an Italian garden and has held onto its charm through the years. If plan your visit for a Sunday, you will get to bear witness to an epic drum circle put on by local residents.
Logistics: Street parking is available along either side of the park. I recommend bringing a hammock or a blanket and making a day out of your visit here.
Dumbarton Oaks
Atop the highest hill in all of Georgetown, sits Dumbarton Oaks.
This real-life secret garden offers visitors the opportunity to stroll along winding brick pathways and get lost among acres of beautifully manicured green spaces surrounded by Victorian terraces and statues.
People usually correlate a visit to Dumbarton Oaks with spring and summertime, but the vibrant foliage and colorful mums make a fall visit worthwhile.
Logistics: From mid-March through October, the garden is open Tuesday-Sunday from 2:00-6:00pm, and adult admission is $9/person.Â
Regardless of what time of year you’re hoping to visit, you can find a calendar documenting the average bloom times of all shrub and flower varieties present here.
Little Seneca Lake
Little Seneca Lake makes for a perfect fall day trip destination. Whether you take a hike around the lake or enjoy the foliage by kayak or rowboat, be sure to explore the area on a day without much wind, so you can admire the beautiful reflection of the trees in the water.
Logistics: Located just 45 minutes from DC, this park is free to explore, has plentiful parking, and is family-friendly and easily accessible – so much so that the lake can be seen from the parking lot.
Sugarloaf Mountain
A hike to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain makes for another ideal day trip from the District. All hikes to this summit are rated as moderate, but vary in length from 0.5 – 7.0 miles. A detailed trail map can be found here. Regardless of which hike you choose, you’ll be met with beautiful panoramic views of the Monocacy Valley that lies below.
Logistics: Just an hour from DC, Sugarloaf Mountain is located on private property; gates to the park open at 8am, and parking is limited. Stronghold, the non-profit organization that maintains the mountain, requests a voluntary $5 donation to be made by all visitors.
Annapolis Rock
This beautiful view is one that you’ll have to work – or rather hike – for. The trail to the summit is five miles out and back, has 800 feet of elevation gain, and is rated as moderate on AllTrails. But if you ask us, the view from the top is worth every step. Check out these clips from when we hiked it last summer.
Logistics: Annapolis Rock is free to access and located in Maryland’s South Mountain State Park. Â It’s less than a one hour drive from Washington DC and 45 minutes from Baltimore, MD. Because of it’s accessibility, it can get pretty busy on weeknights, especially at sunset, but there are plenty of different overlooks to spread out on, so you should be able to find your own little corner of the mountain to enjoy.
Harper’s Ferry
Yet another noteworthy leaf peeping venue can be found where the states of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia meet. To experience the best views of the area, we highly recommend hiking the Maryland Heights trail, as the summit offers stunning views not only of the autumn trees lining the mountain range, but also of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers and charming town of Harper’s Ferry below. If you want a more laid back fall foliage experience in the area, grab a locally-brewed beer from Harper’s Ferry Brewing and soak in all the fall vibes from their large outdoor space overlooking the river.
Logistics: The town of Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia is located 65 miles from Washington, DC, and requires about 1.5 hours of drive time. Parking for the Maryland Heights trail is limited, especially on weekends, so be prepared to drive around a bit or arrive early. Check out all of our Harper’s Ferry recommendations, including the best post-hike brunch here.
Shenandoah National Park
With nearly 80,000 acres of wilderness to boast, Shenandoah National Park provides a haven for nature-lovers of all types. Hikers can enjoy 500+ miles of tree-lined trails with countless vistas perfect for foliage viewing. Those who are craving a more relaxed leaf peeping experience can take in 100+ miles of scenic views along the park’s famous Skyline Drive from the comfort of their cars.
Logistics: Shenandoah National Park is located just under two hours from Washington, DC. Click here for more area recommendations, including where to stay in nearby Luray, Virginia.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Located 3.5 hours north of DC, lies the sleepy little town of Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania. This town is without a doubt one of the region’s best kept secrets, and since it’s tucked into a valley of the Pocono Mountains, it offers panoramic, larger-than life views of the colorful trees that dot the mountain range. Each October, the city hosts a Fall Foliage Festival complete with wine tastings, live music, and train rides through the mountainside.
Logistics: For more area recommendations, check out our complete Jim Thorpe travel guide.
Do you have a favorite place to leaf-peep near DC? Let us know! We’re always in search of new places to experience nature’s beauty.
