Occoquan Bay Refugefall foliage
No reports yet this season for Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Right now in Occoquan Bay Refuge · September
- Fall migration and mild weather · Sep–Nov
23days to the next fall foliage seasonOct 21–31, Wetland autumn color, per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 10:53 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Spring migration and mild weatherMar–May
- Hot and humidJun–Aug
- Fall migration and mild weatherNowSep–Nov
- Wetland color along Wildlife DriveOct
Best spots around Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge
- Wildlife DriveOne-way 2-mile loop through the wetlands; drive, bike or walk
- Walking roadsAbout 4 flat gravel miles with forest, wetland and water views
- Potomac Heritage TrailThe only trail open to dogs; bikes allowed
Around Virginia this week
- Shenandoah66 mi · usually Oct 8–21Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Great Dismal Swamp Refuge145 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
- George Washington and Jefferson278 mi · usually Oct 11–31Todaydry 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
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · 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)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge in 2026?
Wetland autumn color, per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Oct 21–31. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 23 days (Oct 21–31, Wetland autumn color, per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).
When is the fall color best?
The Fish and Wildlife Service points to late October, when the wide wetlands along Wildlife Drive color up.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where is the refuge?
About twenty miles south of Washington, D.C., where the Occoquan River meets the Potomac.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Does it cost anything?
No, entry is free.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When is the refuge open?
Every day: 7 am to 5 pm from October through March, 7 am to 7 pm from April through September. Gates close automatically.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What's the best time to go?
Early morning, as soon as the gates open, for wildlife. Spring and fall bring migration and the best weather.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is Wildlife Drive always open?
Not always: the drive and trails can close for a season to protect nesting wildlife or for land management.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
Wildlife Drive: one-way 2-mile loop through the wetlands; drive, bike or walk; Walking roads: about 4 flat gravel miles with forest, wetland and water views; Potomac Heritage Trail: the only trail open to dogs; bikes allowed.
What is Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Wetland color along Wildlife Drive (Oct), Spring migration and mild weather (Mar–May), Fall migration and mild weather (Sep–Nov) and Hot and humid (Jun–Aug).