George Washington and Jeffersonfall foliage
No reports yet this season for George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. It usually peaks Oct 11–31.
Right now in George Washington and Jefferson · September
- Beartree campground open · May–Oct
- Bark Camp campground open · May–Sep
13days to the next fall foliage seasonusually Oct 11–31
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 7:06 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
First frost usually in ~2 weeks
Oct 14Average first fall frost
Apr 27Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Mtn City 2 station (14.9 mi away, 2,419 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests through the year
- Spring wildflower trails near CovingtonMar–May
- Beartree campground openNowMay–Oct
- Bark Camp campground openNowMay–Sep
- Fall color in the highlandsOct
Best spots around George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
- 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
Around Virginia this week
- Shenandoah219 mi · usually Oct 8–21Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Occoquan Bay Refuge278 mi · Wetland autumn color, per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceTodaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Great Dismal Swamp Refuge289 mi · Swamp autumn color, per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceTodaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across the Southern Appalachians, every species with enough observations is close to a typical year. Which trees turn when →
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, Fall Colors (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Beartree Recreation Area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Whitetop Station Visitor Center (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Bark Camp Recreation Area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Back Creek Gorge Wildflower Trail (George Washington & Jefferson National Forests) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Roaring Run Wildflower Trail (George Washington & Jefferson National Forests) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Oct 11–31. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in George Washington and Jefferson National Forests right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 13 days (usually Oct 11–31).
Can I swim or fish at Beartree Lake?
Not for now: the lake has been drained to clear its bed, and fishing, swimming and paddling wait until it refills.Source: US Forest Service, Beartree Recreation Area ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in George Washington and Jefferson National Forests?
Mount Rogers Scenic Byway: scenic road through the Mount Rogers high country; Road to Whitetop Mountain: highlands the Forest Service names for October color; Virginia Creeper Trail from Whitetop Station: popular bike ride start; center open Friday to Sunday.
What is George Washington and Jefferson National Forests like through the year?
Beartree campground open (May–Oct), Bark Camp campground open (May–Sep), Fall color in the highlands (Oct) and Spring wildflower trails near Covington (Mar–May).