Each fall, the mountains surrounding the New River Valley come alive with color, drawing leaf peepers from across the region.
John Seiler, professor in the Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and Environment and the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, shares some of his go-to fall drives for catching peak color across Southwest Virginia. He’s a forestry expert who studies these landscapes year-round, and his list includes short walks, back-road drives, and longer loops.
“As a lifelong fan of fall in the New River Valley, I love to hit the road when the leaves start to turn,” Seiler said. “Here are some of my favorite local drives for enjoying peak foliage.”
Oct. 25 through Nov. 1 will likely be this year’s peak time to see the reds, oranges and yellows on the trees, Seiler said, but that window could move about a week in either direction.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet stroll around Pandapas Pond or a day trip to Mountain Lake, these trips offer a front-row view of trees.
Pandapas Pond loop: The walk around Pandapas Pond is hard to beat for fall color. Look for vibrant oaks, blackgum, sourwood, beech, and hickory trees. Take U.S. 460 West to the day-use area for a short and satisfying stroll.
Forest Service Road 708, gravel loop: Take U.S. 460 West to Forest Service Road 708, turning left at the top of Gap Mountain. It’s a bumpy gravel road, but still drivable in most cars. There are plenty of pull-offs with trail access if you want to hike. Not up for hiking? Stay on the gravel road, turn left onto paved Lick Run Road, then left again onto Mount Zion Road to loop back toward Blacksburg. It’s a great loop for leaf peeping.
Virginia Route 42 to Route 311, scenic drive: For a longer, paved drive with scenic views, take U.S. 460 West to Virginia Route 42. Turn right and continue through the town of Newport. Follow Route 42 to New Castle, then return to the New River Valley via Route 311. Route 311 winds through prime leaf-viewing spots and connects to Interstate 81 near Salem.
Mountain Lake Lodge climb: Take U.S. 460 West, then turn right onto Route 700 to reach Mountain Lake Lodge. The winding climb nearly encloses you in tree canopy. At the top, hike to Bald Knob or take the trail to War Spur Ridge.
Bonus trip: Cascades Falls: Take U.S. 460 West to Pembroke and turn right onto Cascades Drive. Enjoy fall color along the drive — and top it off with a hike to Cascades Falls.
Virginia Tech
