Shenandoahfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Shenandoah National Park. It usually peaks Oct 8–21.
Right now in Shenandoah · September
- Fall, busiest season · Sep–Nov
10days to the next fall foliage seasonusually Oct 8–21
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.
Frost near Shenandoah National Park
First frost usually in ~3 weeks
Oct 19Average first fall frost
May 1Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Big Meadows station (0.3 mi away, 3,540 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Shenandoah National Park through the year
- WildflowersMar–Jun
- SpringMar–May
- AzaleasMay–Jun
- Wildflower WeekendMay
- Mountain laurelJun
- Fall, busiest seasonNowSep–Nov
- WinterNov–Feb
Best spots around Shenandoah National Park
- Skyline Drive105 miles along the crest, over 75 overlooks
- Stony Man1.6-mile round trip to Shenandoah Valley views, mile 41.7
- Big Meadows (mile 51)The largest developed area, near the park's center
- Old RagDay-use ticket needed March 1 to November 30
Around Virginia this week
- Occoquan Bay Refuge66 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 Refuge170 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 Jefferson219 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
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) · National Park Service, Shenandoah Wildflowers (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Shenandoah Wildflower Weekend (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Shenandoah FAQ (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Shenandoah in fall (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Old Rag FAQ (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Driving Skyline Drive (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Stony Man hike (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Shenandoah in spring (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Shenandoah in winter (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Shenandoah National Park in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Oct 8–21. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in Shenandoah National Park right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 10 days (usually Oct 8–21).
Which parts turn first?
The higher elevations change first and the color moves slowly down the mountain; the Park Service has seen many trees still in color well into November.Source: National Park Service, Shenandoah FAQ ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How busy is it in the fall?
Fall is the park's busiest season. Weekends bring large crowds, the Front Royal and Thornton Gap entrances have the longest waits, and campgrounds and lodges are usually booked months ahead for September and October weekends. The Park Service suggests visiting during the week.Source: National Park Service, Shenandoah in fall ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Do I need a ticket for Old Rag?
Yes, from March 1 to November 30 you need an Old Rag day-use ticket ($2) in advance, plus a park entrance pass.Source: National Park Service, Old Rag FAQ ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Shenandoah National Park?
Skyline Drive: 105 miles along the crest, over 75 overlooks; Stony Man: 1.6-mile round trip to Shenandoah Valley views, mile 41.7; Big Meadows (mile 51): the largest developed area, near the park's center; Old Rag: day-use ticket needed March 1 to November 30.
When is the festival in Shenandoah National Park?
Wildflower Weekend, usually in May.
What is Shenandoah National Park like through the year?
Spring (Mar–May), Azaleas (May–Jun), Mountain laurel (Jun), Fall, busiest season (Sep–Nov), Winter (Nov–Feb), Wildflowers (Mar–Jun) and Wildflower Weekend (May).