Fall Weekend Getaways Near DC: Your Ultimate Autumn Escape

 

Fall in the Mid-Atlantic is nothing short of spectacular. As the weather cools and summer crowds thin out, the region around Washington, DC lights up with autumn colors. You don’t have to travel far – there are fantastic fall weekend getaways near Washington DC that offer stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Below is our guide to the best autumn weekend trips from DC

Top Fall Getaway Destinations Near Washington, DC

1. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia – Historic town at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, ~60 miles from DC, with vibrant foliage and scenic hikes.
2. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia – Mountainous park ~75–90 miles west of DC, featuring Skyline Drive and panoramic autumn vistas.
3. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia – About 5 hours from DC, offering dramatic gorge scenery, adventure activities, and brilliant fall colors.

1. Harpers Ferry, WV – Historic Scenery & Foliage

Why Go in Fall?

Harpers Ferry is a hidden gem just about 60 miles from Washington, DC. This quaint 19th-century town is nestled at the meeting of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, and it’s surrounded by mountains that burst into yellow, orange, and red each autumn. The area is part of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, known for John Brown’s raid and Civil War history. In fall, Harpers Ferry offers not only history and charm but also fantastic hiking and sweeping river valley views under a canopy of colorful leaves.

Top Fall Things to Do in Harpers Ferry:

• Scenic Hikes: Trek to Maryland Heights or Loudoun Heights for breathtaking overlooks of the town and rivers blanketed in fall colors. These trails are moderate but reward you with postcard-worthy views. You can even walk from the campground into historic Harpers Ferry to access some trailheads. Don’t miss our guide to the best hikes near Harpers Ferry, WV for more ideas.

• Historic Strolls & Museums: Wander the cobblestone streets of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, visit 19th-century buildings and museums, and learn about the town’s pivotal role in American history. (The park charges a modest entrance fee per vehicle, valid for three days.) Fall also brings special living history events, ghost tours, and harvest festivals on weekends – a great way to enjoy the season’s atmosphere.

• Outdoor Adventures: Embrace the crisp air with River Riders activities right on site! Try a Harpers Ferry Zipline Canopy Tour or tackle the Aerial Adventure Park for a thrilling treetop experience with views of autumn foliage. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, go whitewater rafting on the Shenandoah or Potomac – the rivers are quieter in fall but still offer fun rapids. In the evenings, consider a haunted ghost tour through town for some spooky fall fun.

Where to Stay: Harpers Ferry offers a range of accommodations, from camping to cozy inns:

• Harpers Ferry Campground – A riverside campground (run by River Riders) where you can pitch a tent or park an RV amid fall scenery, just a short walk from town. Also offers cabin rentals for a bit more comfort.

• Harpers Ferry Vacation Rentals – Fully-equipped houses and cabins available to rent, perfect for families or groups looking for a weekend retreat with all the amenities.

• Clarion Inn Harpers Ferry – A convenient hotel in town with modern comforts (and often off-season deals for fall travelers).

For more options, see our blog on the Best Places to Stay in Harpers Ferry, which highlights top lodging picks in the area. Internal linking

Insider Tip: Peak foliage in Harpers Ferry usually occurs in mid-October, but timing can vary. Try to visit on weekdays or earlier in the morning on weekends to enjoy the trails and historic streets with fewer people around. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park entrance is $20 per vehicle (valid for 3 days), and the cooler fall weather makes exploring much more pleasant (fewer bugs and humidity!).

2. Shenandoah National Park, VA – Skyline Drive & Mountain Vistas

Shenandoah National Park is a must-do autumn trip, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, roughly 1.5–2 hours from DC (about 75–90 miles away). This long, narrow park is famed for Skyline Drive – a 105-mile road that runs along the mountain ridge, offering panoramic overlooks of rolling hills painted with fall colors. In October, the park’s extensive hardwood forests put on a brilliant show. Fall is also rutting season for deer, so wildlife sightings are common. With cooler temperatures and clear skies, Shenandoah is an autumn paradise for hikers and sightseers.

Top Fall Things to Do in Shenandoah:

• Drive Skyline Drive: Enjoy one of America’s great scenic drives. There are 70+ overlooks where you can pull off to take photos of the Shenandoah Valley awash in reds, oranges, and yellows. Early morning or late afternoon drives might even treat you to mystical fog in the valleys or stunning sunsets.

• Hiking: Hit the trails to immerse yourself in nature. Popular fall hikes include Old Rag Mountain (challenging but famous for its rock scramble and views) and Hawksbill Mountain (the park’s highest peak). Portions of the Appalachian Trail wind through the park as well. Even short hikes to waterfalls (like Dark Hollow Falls) are rewarding with colorful surroundings.

• Nearby Attractions: Just outside the park, you can celebrate autumn at local spots: enjoy a craft brew at Cave Hill Farm Brewery in the valley, explore the awe-inspiring Luray Caverns (a year-round underground wonder – great if weather turns rainy), or go horseback riding at Skyland Stables (guided horseback rides with mountain views). These activities give a taste of the region’s culture and fun in the fall.

Where to Stay: Options range from in-park lodges to quaint towns just outside:

• Skyland or Big Meadows Lodge (In-Park Cabins & Lodges): Shenandoah National Park offers rustic cabins and lodges through the official park concessions – ideal for staying right on Skyline Drive. Booking early is advised for fall weekends.

• Local Inns and B&Bs: In nearby towns like Luray or Front Royal, enjoy hospitality at places like Hotel Laurance (a boutique hotel in Luray) or Cave Hill Farm Bed & Breakfast (a historic farm turned cozy B&B). These provide charming stays and easy access to the park’s entrances.

• Camping: If you love camping, Shenandoah has several campgrounds that remain open through October. Fall nights can get chilly at elevation, so bring warm gear. Reserving ahead is wise, especially for peak foliage weekends.

Things to know: Entrance Fee – $30 per vehicle (good for 7 days) for Shenandoah NP. Crowds – October weekends can be busy, especially mid-month; plan to arrive at park gates early in the day to avoid long lines. Wildlife Caution – Watch for deer and even black bears active in autumn; enjoy wildlife from a distance and do not feed them.

3. New River Gorge National Park, WV – Adventure & Foliage

Why Go in Fall?

 The New River Gorge in West Virginia is a bit farther from DC (roughly a 5-hour drive), but it offers a fall experience well worth the journey. Designated as a National Park in 2020 (the 63rd national park in the US and the first in WV), New River Gorge National Park & Preserve encompasses over 70,000 acres of rugged Appalachian canyon country. In autumn, the gorge is breathtaking – steep mountain walls covered in fall foliage, with the ancient New River cutting through. The cooler weather is perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting (the New River’s flow often remains good into fall). If you visit in mid-October, you can catch Bridge Day (held the third Saturday of October) when daredevils BASE jump from the famous New River Gorge Bridge – a unique fall event!

Top Fall Things to Do in New River Gorge:

• Grandview & Canyon Rim: Visit Grandview in the park for one of the most stunning panoramic views of the gorge – an expansive vista of the river and surrounding hills in full fall color. The Canyon Rim Visitor Center near Fayetteville also offers great overlooks and educational exhibits about the area’s history and ecology.

• New River Gorge Bridge & Bridge Walk: No trip here is complete without seeing the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest single-span arch bridges in the world. You can walk along the catwalk under the bridge on a guided Bridge Walk tour for a thrilling perspective 876 feet above the river. In fall, the view from the bridge of the river and forests is unforgettable.

• Outdoor Adventures: Try whitewater rafting on the New River or Gauley River (rafting season on the Gauley, famed for its intense rapids, peaks in fall when water is released from Summersville Lake). If you prefer dry land, go hiking on trails like Endless Wall or Long Point for cliffside views, or book an ATV tour to explore the backwoods (several outfitters offer New River ATV adventures). Rock climbers also flock to the Gorge in fall for world-class climbing on the sandstone cliffs.

Where to Stay: The New River Gorge area offers cozy accommodations, especially around the town of Fayetteville, WV:

• Historic Bed & Breakfasts: Check out the Historic Morris Harvey House, a charming B&B in Fayetteville that’s been hosting travelers for over a century. It’s centrally located for exploring the area.

• Cabins and Vacation Rentals: Country Road Cabins offers a collection of deluxe cabins nestled in the woods – perfect for a quiet fall retreat (some even have hot tubs to warm up on cool nights!). There are also numerous vacation rental cabins around the New River Gorge for families or groups.

• Adventure Resorts: Adventures on the Gorge is an all-in-one resort for thrill-seekers – they have cabins, glamping tents, and campgrounds, plus on-site activities like rafting, zip-lining, and an aerial park. Waking up here means stepping right into adventure with fall scenery all around.

Insider Tip: New River Gorge’s fall colors typically peak in early to mid-October (earlier at higher elevations, later by the river). If you’re visiting in October, plan your trip around a Friday or Sunday if possible – you might avoid the biggest crowds and have a better chance of lodging availability. Don’t forget a light jacket or fleece; temperatures can swing from warm days to brisk nights in the mountains.

Tips for Planning Your Fall Getaway Near DC

Before you hit the road, keep these “Things to Know” in mind to make the most of your autumn trip:

• Timing is Everything: Peak fall foliage in the DC/Mid-Atlantic region usually occurs in mid to late October. However, it varies each year and by location – higher elevations (like in West Virginia or the Blue Ridge) may peak earlier in October, whereas lower areas peak later. If seeing the brightest colors is your goal, watch local foliage reports and try to time your trip accordingly.

• Pack for Varied Weather: Fall weather can be unpredictable. Mornings and nights get chilly, while afternoons can be mild. Dress in layers (thermal base, fleece, waterproof jacket) so you’re prepared for Forty degrees at dawn and sixty-five by afternoon. Comfortable hiking shoes, a warm hat, and gloves (for those brisk evenings) are smart additions. And don’t forget the camera – fall landscapes are a photographer’s dream!

• Plan for Crowds (and Quiet): Autumn is shoulder season, meaning overall fewer tourists than summer, but certain hotspots can still get busy on peak weekends (for example, Skyline Drive on an October Saturday, or Harpers Ferry during a festival weekend). To avoid crowds, consider visiting on weekdays or early in the day. On the flip side, many areas will feel wonderfully peaceful – smaller towns and trails can be pretty quiet on fall weekdays, giving you a chance to enjoy solitude in nature.

• Book Ahead: Hotels and campsites may have more availability in fall, but don’t assume you can always grab a spot last-minute. Foliage season and fall events bring visitors too. Popular campgrounds and inns around Shenandoah and Harpers Ferry can fill up especially around mid-October weekends. It’s wise to reserve lodging or campsites in advance – you might also snag off-season deals as many places lower rates after summer.

• Daylight & Safety: Note that days are getting shorter in the fall. Sunset comes earlier each week (by late October it can be around 6:00pm). Plan your hikes and driving so you’re not caught out far on a trail after dark. Bring a headlamp or flashlight just in case, especially if camping or hiking late. Always carry a map when hiking (cell service can be spotty in mountains). And while wildlife like deer or even bears are wonderful to see from a distance, never approach or feed them – for your safety and theirs.

• Enjoy Seasonal Activities: Part of the fun of fall getaways is the seasonal flair. Take time to enjoy any fall festivals, farmers’ markets, or haunted happenings in the towns you visit. Whether it’s sipping hot cider at a farm, picking pumpkins, or joining an evening ghost tour in Harpers Ferry, these little experiences will make your trip extra memorable.

FAQs:

• What are the best places to see fall foliage near Washington, DC?
  • Some of the top spots for fall colors near DC include Shenandoah National Park in Virginia (famous for Skyline Drive vistas), Harpers Ferry in West Virginia (historic town surrounded by vivid foliage), and Great Falls Park on the VA/MD border (for dramatic views of the Potomac River and colorful trees). Even within an hour’s drive, you have options like Sugarloaf Mountain (MD) and Sky Meadows State Park (VA) that offer beautiful hikes with autumn scenery. Essentially, head towards the Appalachian foothills west or north of DC for the best leaf-peeping. Peak color is typically in October, turning earlier in the western mountains and a bit later closer to the city.
• When do fall leaves peak in the DC area and nearby states?
  • Generally, the mid-October to late October timeframe is when fall foliage is at its peak around Washington, DC, and the surrounding areas of Maryland and Virginiafox5dc.com. In the nearby mountains (like Shenandoah or West Virginia’s highlands), colors can peak early to mid-October. Closer to DC’s lower elevations, you might see peak color in late October. Every year can vary slightly based on weather – a wet summer or cool early fall can affect timing – so it’s good to check a foliage forecast. But plan for the month of October as your best bet for maximum color.
• Are these fall getaway spots good for families?
  • Absolutely! All the destinations listed are family-friendly. Harpers Ferry offers easy walking tours, museums, and gentle hikes suitable for kids (plus exciting activities like zip-lining or easy rafting trips that teens love). Shenandoah National Park is great for families – you can do short, family-friendly hikes and ranger programs, and kids often enjoy spotting wildlife along Skyline Drive. Even the longer trips like New River Gorge can be family adventures, with options for beginner-friendly hikes and scenic overlooks (and outfitters offer mellow rafting sections suitable for older kids). Just be sure to pack layers for the little ones and plan rest stops, as travel times can be a few hours. Fall’s cooler weather and lack of bugs make it a more comfortable time for kids to be outdoors than the height of summer.
• What should I pack for a fall weekend trip near DC?
  • Pack for varying conditions. Essentials include: layers of clothing (T-shirts, a fleece or sweater, a waterproof jacket), comfortable walking/hiking shoes, and a beanie or light gloves for chilly mornings. Don’t forget sun protection – the sun can still be strong, especially at higher elevations, and sunglasses help with glare during scenic drives. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated on hikes, and perhaps a thermos for hot drinks on cool evenings. If you’ll be outdoors after dark (camping or stargazing), have a flashlight or headlamp. A small daypack is useful for carrying water, snacks, and an extra layer on the trails. And of course, bring a camera or ensure your phone has space – you’ll want to capture those stunning fall landscapes!
• Do I need to make reservations or buy tickets in advance?
  • It’s recommended. For lodging, definitely book ahead for weekends in October, as hotels, B&Bs, and campgrounds in popular fall spots can fill up. Many state and national park campgrounds accept or even require reservations in advance during peak season. For activities, most outdoor guided tours (like zip-lining at River Riders or guided hikes, etc.) should be booked ahead to secure a spot, especially on weekends. You typically do not need reservations to enter national parks like Shenandoah – just pay the entrance fee at the gate (note: some parks have timed entry systems in peak summer, but Shenandoah doesn’t in fall). If you plan to visit Luray Caverns or certain attractions, buying tickets online can save time. And for restaurants in small towns during festival weekends, a reservation (or at least call-ahead seating) can be helpful. When in doubt, a quick phone call or check online can ensure you don’t miss out on anything during your trip.
• How can I avoid traffic when leaving DC for a weekend trip?
  • Washington, DC traffic can be tough on Fridays, so timing your departure can help. If possible, leave early Friday (telework and hit the road at noon if you can) or wait until after the evening rush hour subsides. For Shenandoah or Harpers Ferry, you’ll be taking I-66 or I-270/I-70 corridors which get busy. An early Saturday morning departure can also work well – roads are quieter then. Use a navigation app to check real-time traffic; sometimes taking some scenic backroads can bypass congestion and start your fall scenery early. Coming home Sunday, leaving in the afternoon (before 4pm) or after dinner can avoid the heaviest return traffic. And remember, the scenic routes can take longer but are often part of the fun in fall – consider incorporating a drive on a country road as not just transit but as part of your getaway.

Planning to make your fall escape truly special? If you love the outdoors, you might also consider camping under the stars. For an in-depth guide on autumn camping (and a great option near DC), check out our post Experience Fall Camping in West Virginia which covers tips on camping in the fall, what to do, and where to stay.