It’s a picture-perfect time to venture to the District’s national parks and nature trails. Here’s a list of ways to experience the beauty of peak fall foliage by boat, train, and more:
Shenandoah National Park
location_on Front Royal, VA
language Website
Take in the autumn sights of Shenandoah National Park on a car ride down Skyline Drive or go an adventurous hike up Old Rag Mountain. For an upgraded leaf-peeping experience, there’s a train trip that travels from historic Staunton through the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tickets for Virginia Scenic Railway’s ride and dine excursions are sold out, but reservations may become available when there’s cancellations ($15-$30 for Shenandoah National Park, $120 for train ride).
Explore nature at the National Arboretum
location_on 3501 New York Ave NE
language Website
If you missed the summer’s blooming rose gardens and azaleas at the National Arboretum, don’t fret: This DC oasis goes all out for fall, too. View hues of red and orange leaves across 451 acres of nature as the trees reach peak season. There’s also massive porticos from the Capitol Building and indoor exhibits (free).
Paddle or bike the Potomac Heritage Trail
location_on Potomac Park, MD and Georgetown
language Website
The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is easy to access from Georgetown, Southern Maryland, and Northern Virginia. You can bike through forest-filled pathways and vibrant wooded areas or paddle a kayak along the Potomac River to the Chesapeake Bay (free).
Tractor trail rides at Mount Vernon
location_on Arlington, VA
language Website
The Mount Vernon Trail is a great spot for unobstructed views of DC’s captivating monuments and access to the area’s historic memorials around Arlington and downtown DC. Along the trail you can also visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate for additional glimpses of fall foliage. From November 1-5, guests can take a guided tractor trail ride through Mount Vernon’s landscape and learn the process of forest regeneration ($28).
Cruise the C&O Canal
location_on Potomac, MD
language Website
The Great Falls Canal Boat Program runs every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in October. Up to nine cruisers can journey along the C&O Canal in 30-foot-long launch boats from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, surrounded by the glowing woods of Great Falls (free, but available on a first come, first served basis).
Stroll the gardens of Dumbarton Oaks
location_on Georgetown
language Website
Explore this historic Georgetown landscape—designed by gardener Beatrix Farrand in collaboration with art collector Mildred Bliss—at your own pace. There are 10 acres filled with gardens, sculptures, colorful shrubs, and Elaeagnus trees ($11).
Go on a Rock Creek Park history hike
location_on Georgetown
language Website
If you’re looking for a bit of adventure and education, then this history hike is a cool option. Join DC Design Tours for a four mile walk through Rock Creek Park’s photo-worthy sites and eye-popping fall leaves on November 11. You’ll visit the rustic Boulder Bridge, Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Pierce-Klingle Mansion, and more sites ($35 for public tours, $250 for private tours).
Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
