While the National Arboretum is a well-known favorite, this list also includes a kid-friendly winery and a Japanese garden
As trees begin to burst with the first oranges, reds, and yellows of the season, now is the time to plan a leaf-peeping adventure! Enjoy a family hike (or a visit to a kid-friendly winery) and enjoy nature’s greatest display. We rounded up the best spots to see fall foliage in Washington, DC, as well as some worth-the-drive destinations. Get out the binoculars, it’s time to peep leaves!
Bear's Den on the Appalachian Trail
The "rollercoaster section" of the Appalachian Trail in Bluemont, VA is affectionally referred to as Bear's Den, after the hiker's lodge that sits perched at its peak. The main lookout on this trail is just a short walk from the parking lot. You can find visitors scrambling out onto some of the rocky overhangs for stunning images. Because of these steep drops, we do not recommend these paths for little hikers.
There are a number of ways to enjoy the views of this watershed. You can bike or walk the Anacostia River Trail, a well-paved, stroller-friendly path that offers over 20 miles of primarily waterfront trails. A particularly kid-friendly section can be found near Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens which has bridges to cross and pathways under train tracks (a hit with both young and old). You can access this section of the path from the Gardens. For those seeking a water-bound adventure, check out this guide on boat rentals, boat ramps, and the best places to kayak or row on the river.
The Potomac Heritage Trail winds its way through this VA park. There is plenty to explore beyond the trail; kids will enjoy crossing creeks and streams, walking along the Potomac River edge, discovering small waterfalls, and listening to the wildlife. This trail is notoriously not well marked, so be sure to pre-plan your route.
Since becoming one of the first federally managed parks in 1890, this 1,700-acre park in the heart of DC can make you forget all about being in a city. Take a walk with a ranger to learn about the park, hike or bike the 32-plus miles of trails, and stop by the Rock Creek Planetarium for a free show or stargazing session.
Part of West Potomac Park, this 107-acre circle isn’t just for cherry blossoms and the Jefferson Memorial. As it turns out, DC’s favorite trees look just as amazing in gold, red, and yellow as they do in green and pink in the spring.
The beautiful mountain has been designated as a registered natural landmark and its striking beauty makes it easy to see why. This fall, the rolling hills will burst with fall color. Be sure not to miss the East Overlook for an amazing view of peaceful Maryland farmland.
Insider tip: On your way down the mountain, stop by Sugarloaf Mountain Winery. It is super family-friendly and boasts the same beautiful fall views.
Head to Montgomery County for an award-winning 50-acre garden extravaganza inside Wheaton Regional Park. The Children's Garden is a mini-Maryland experience with an old farmhouse, mountain boulders, and tons of Maryland-style outdoor fun. Wander around to search for iconic state symbols and learn more about what each one means.
The historical landmark features 5.5 acres of landscaped grounds that provide visitors with a magnificent display of fall colors. Kids love the outdoor garden, which is open Thursday through Sunday and features a lily pool, boxwood eclipse, and Japanese tea garden. Admission for self-guided garden tours is free. Tudor Place does not offer a café and eating on the premises is not recommended, but Montrose Park is located nearby and offers a perfect place to picnic after viewing the gardens.
Take a ranger-led kayak tour or download a trail map to see the 18 miles of trails that run from Theodore Roosevelt Island to Mount Vernon. The island itself is 88.5 acres with a memorial to the 26th president toward the middle of the northern end. Pack a picnic and set up shop on one of the island’s small beach areas.
A peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling city, this Columbia Heights park is the perfect picnic spot to peep the leaves. On Sunday afternoons, a lively drum circle fills the park with toe-tapping beats. Twelve acres of fall beauty will delight young and old visitors alike.
Want to see beautiful trees? Head here to see 446 acres of plant life. Take to the 9.5 miles of winding roadways to tour them alone on foot, in the car, or on a bicycle.
The estate includes the most comprehensive collection of Russian imperial art outside of Russia, as well as a distinguished 18th-century French decorative art collection. With its twenty-five acres of landscaped gardens and natural woodlands, it is also a great place to see fall foliage. Kids love the small walking paths that run through lush green trees and shrubbery, connecting the formal gardens that surround the mansion. Take the Friendship Walk to the four seasons sculpture and have the kids guess which sculpture represents each season. The stunning Japanese garden and the pet cemetery are also fun for little ones to explore. When little tummies need food, the Vista Terrace is the perfect resting spot, with lots of chairs, tables, and a fantastic view of fall foliage.
With 95 acres of local flora and fauna, the whole family can walk around the winding walkways and across the quaint bridge. Explore tons of fall color alongside the striking Korean Bell Garden. Your kiddos will enjoy a quick stop at the restored 18th-century log cabin. No need to leave the stroller at home. The garden is accessible to all.
Cost: Age 18-54, $6, Age 6-17 & 55 and over: $3, Age 6 & under: Free
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct. Vienna, VA Online:novaparks.com
Mount Vernon
President George Washington knew a good view when he saw it. His red-roofed 500-acre estate on the Potomac River practically glitters among the fall foliage. Fun fact: He hired his first gardener in 1762 to care for the landscape he carefully designed. Take a tour of the home to see the bed where the president died, his office, and dining room, and wander among the grounds, landing at his burial site. Or get a look at the estate from a sightseeing cruise on the river.
In late September, this gorgeous historic National Park is ablaze with all the reds, yellows, and oranges. Take a 5-minute bus ride from the Visitors Center into Lower Town. Don't forget to pick up a Junior Ranger packet. Your kiddos can answer fun and educational questions about the area, and after an adorable ceremony with a local ranger, be presented with a badge. Insider tip: the wild and natural landscape is difficult to navigate with a stroller. You might want to grab the carrier instead.
There are three tree-covered trails to choose from, all with spectacular views of the cliffs and Potomac River that make this part of the C&O Canal a destination for millions of people a year. Combined, the three trails total 8 miles, but you can do them in sections, and each trail has varying levels of difficulty. For the greatest challenge—traversing a steep climb along a cliff face, for example—go with Trail A. For the most leisurely tree-gazing, take Trail C.
This 105-mile drive runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is the only public road through the park. It takes about three hours to travel the whole thing, and it’s accessible at four points. “Deer, black bear, wild turkey, and a host of other woodland animals call Shenandoah home and regularly cross Skyline Drive in their daily travels,” according to the National Park Service. Fall colors begin to show up in early October at 3,500 feet and above, while the lower elevations are in full glory closer to the third week of the month.
Stroll along the cobblestone streets and listen to the sounds of the C&O Canal while you take in all the autumn views. Your family can take a leisurely walk down O Street NW to see the rustic row homes surrounded by fall foliage. Or plan a lunch by the water so you can get a view of the leaves changing around George Washington Memorial Parkway.
For about 100 years, it served as a “lifeline for communities along the Potomac River,” according to the National Park Service’s C&O Canal website. The 184.5 miles of canal and towpath run from Georgetown to Cumberland, MD. Family favorites include hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and canal boating along the towpath.
This Maryland park has multiple scenic vistas, including Chimney Rock, which has an elevation of 1,400 feet, and Hog Rock, which rises 1,600 feet. Twenty-five miles of hiking trails crisscross the park, which also has a Children’s Discovery Room at the Visitor Center and the Catoctin Mountain Junior Ranger program, which is open to ages 6 and up.
This 218-acre park in Fairfax Station has lots of activities for kids and adults. The 4.7-mile trail around the lake is flat and easy to walk, run or bike. There’s also a mini golf course, carousel, miniature train, and playgrounds. The park also offers activities like campouts, animal talks, and boat rides.
