Wondering when the color of fall leaves will peak in 2023 near Lynchburg, VA and where best to see them?
We are lucky in the Lynchburg and Central Virginia to have so many great spots for leaf-peeping! We've listed our family's favorite places to see autumn leaves in Lynchburg and beyond! We love hiking and visiting parks, so included those in our list of where to see fall leaves in Lynchburg and Central Virginia.
David Angotti can tell you the best time to go leaf peeping here in the Lynchburg area or anywhere else in the U.S. Angotti is a statistical expert and the co-founder of the site SmokyMountains.com. His love for weather, travel, technology, and the autumn season led him to begin developing a nationwide fall leaf map in 2013 after one Smoky Mountains visitor too many inquired with him when the leaves would be at their fall best.
What started as a fun side-project quickly became the most respected nationwide fall leaf map and one of the best fall resources in the country. Now, tens of millions of people use his map each year to plan everything from photography trips to weddings. But the most common users are simply people wondering when the leaves will peak near them, just like you're wondering when leaves will be at their best fall color in Lynchburg!
While not an exact science, the predictive map uses a complex algorithm that carefully analyzes several million data points and outputs approximately 50,000 predictive data pieces to determine when leaves will peak in each part of the country.
Check out the map below to see when the leaves will peak near Lynchburg or another part of the country. Simply move the slider along the bottom to see when leaves are expected to reach peak color in Lynchburg.
Ready to go find some beautiful fall leaves in Lynchburg and Central Virginia? Here are our family's favorite spots for leaf-peeping in the Lynchburg area:
Blue Ridge Parkway
Runs through Virginia and North Carolina from Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles of beauty in every season; however, it's especially beautiful in fall. The Blue Ridge Parkway attracts visitors from across the country and around the world and is among the top 10 nation parks and recreational areas visited in 2019 with almost 15 million visitors. Best of all, the Blue Ridge Parkway is right in our backyard! Whether you choose top Parkway destinations in Virginia including the Peaks of Otter or Mabry Mill, top destinations in North Carolina including Doughton Park or Linville Falls, or enjoy a day trip or multi-day trip driving the entire 469 miles, put the Blue Ridge Parkway at the top of your fall leaf-peeping list!
Here are some great hikes off the Blue Ridge Parkway!
Old City Cemetery
401 Taylor Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504
There's so much beauty in Old City Cemetery, located in the heart of Lynchburg! The 27-acre cemetery with its public garden, historic sites, and beautiful chapel hosts more 33,000 visitors annually. Old City Cemetery is beautiful in any season, with over 100 different varieties of trees, the cemetery is especially beautiful when the leaves change colors in fall. Pose for photos in front of the chapel or the old train depot, in the gardens, or on the old fashioned swing.
Here are 25 amazing family photo shoot locations in Lynchburg and Central Virginia
Riverside Park
2238 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg VA 24503
Riverside Park is the second oldest park in Lynchburg and one of the most popular park for area families. Riverside Park offers two playground areas and the Sprayground water play area. The Alpine Trail, the first dedicated hiking trail in Lynchburg, offers scenic views of the James River. There are also paved walking trails throughout the park. The scenic overlook at Riverside Park, located behind the Sprayground, was renovated in 2020 and is a beautiful location for family photos.
Here's a guide to all of the parks in Lynchburg and the surrounding counties.
Blackwater Creek Bikeway
Ed Page Entrance is on Old Langhorne Road, behind St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1724 Langhorne Road, Lynchburg, VA 24503
Blackwater Creek Bikeway is one of the most popular paved trails in Lynchburg. Public parking is available at both the Ed Page entrance off Langhorne Road and the East Randolph Place entrance off Rivermont Avenue. The 3-mile paved trail is perfect for jogging, walking, or biking. Beginning at the Ed Page entrance , it’s about three miles to the entrance to the RiverWalk Trail, or approximately two miles before reaching the Point of Honor Trail Section.
Here are 25 Places in the Lynchburg Area to Walk or Hike
Shenandoah National Park
Runs north to south from Front Royal to Waynesboro, with multiple entrances
There's nowhere more beautiful in Virginia in any season than Shenandoah National Park. The 105 mile Skyline Drive runs the length of Shenandoah National Park. Speed limit is 35 MPH and there are more than 70 overlooks along the Skyline Drive. With over 200,000 acres of protected lands, you'll find beauty everywhere you look! In addition to the overlooks, there are many hiking trails to enjoy in Shenandoah National Park, including hikes along the Appalachian Trail.
You'll love these 10 hikes in Shenandoah National Park!
Fall is the time for family fun here in Central Virginia! Here's some of our favorite fall festivals, family fun, and activities to enjoy!
Lynchburg Macaroni Kid Fall Family Fun Bucket List 2023 - 50+ ways to Find Your Family Fun® this fall!
12 Lynchburg and Virginia Fall Festivals You Don't Want to Miss
Lynchburg Halloween and Trunk or Treat Themed Events 2023 - coming soon!
Get Ready for Fall Running in Lynchburg
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes for 2023 in Central Virginia
Lynchburg and Central Virginia Apple and Fruit Orchards Guide
Find out what's happening around town in every season with the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid event calendar. Follow us on Facebook for advance notice on local events, specials at local businesses, and more.
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