Fall Foliage Report | October 1, 2026

It’s still mostly green out there, but let’s look on the bright side — those fall wildflowers are bringing out colors you might not think of when you think fall. Purple, white, and yellow blooms are painting the western half of Virginia, so why not take a scenic drive out west to take in the views? As far as foliage, the dry summer has claimed a few victims. You may see some red branches in trees around urban areas, but the trees that typically turn early may not be as brilliant this year, and we may see their leaves fall earlier than expected. But don’t despair — we’ll soon be on the lookout for the vibrant yellows of hickory and sweet birch as the season continues, plus red leaves on dogwood, sourwood, black gum, and sumac.

Our fall foliage report is in partnership with the Virginia Department of Forestry. Get more foliage info on DOF’s website.