Skip to main content

Compare · 74 straight-line miles apart

Bluestone vs George Washington and Jeffersonfall color

Bluestone or George Washington and Jefferson: which comes first?

Bluestone usually comes first (Oct 11–20), George Washington and Jefferson about 6 days later (Oct 11–31), going by each place's own sources. Their usual windows overlap Oct 11–20.

They're 74 miles apart in a straight line.

Checked Sep 28. Sources (4)

Usual windows, side by side

Each place's own sources; not a forecast
Oct 15Nov 1

Bluestone · usually oct 11–20

George Washington and Jefferson · usually oct 11–31

Shaded: Oct 11–Oct 20, in both usual windows.

Side by side

Straight-line miles; roads are longer
BluestoneGeorge Washington and Jefferson
UsuallyOct 11–20Oct 11–31
This seasonNo official report yetNo official report yet
Elevation1,463 ft3,101 ft
First fall frostOct 30 Bluestone Lake, 6.3 miOct 14 Mtn City 2, 14.9 mi

Elevation at the point we map (USGS). Frost: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, the average first 32 °F night at the nearest station.

Where to go at each

Bluestone

  • Former Lilly town siteRiver-level access to the Bluestone Turnpike Trail, where the Little Bluestone meets the Bluestone
  • Rim overlooks at PipestemThe river viewed from above, from Pipestem Resort State Park

George Washington and Jefferson

  • Mount Rogers Scenic BywayScenic road through the Mount Rogers high country
  • Road to Whitetop MountainHighlands the Forest Service names for October color
  • Virginia Creeper Trail from Whitetop StationPopular bike ride start; center open Friday to Sunday
Sources (9)

Questions people ask

Which has fall color first, Bluestone or George Washington and Jefferson?

Bluestone, usually Oct 11–20; George Washington and Jefferson usually Oct 11–31. Each place's own sourced window, not a forecast.

Can I see both on one trip?

In a typical year, Oct 11–20 falls in both usual windows. They're 74 straight-line miles apart; roads are longer.

Which is higher?

George Washington and Jefferson: 3,101 ft at the point we map, against 1,463 ft (USGS). Higher places often turn earlier, but latitude matters as much.