Fall in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains is the most colorful season of the year. September-November really host some of our favorite fall adventures. There’s no shortage of festivals, outdoor concerts, hiking trails, and seasonal events.
Now is an ideal time to plan your fall adventures here at The Indigo House. Autumn is popping up daily. There are so many ways to celebrate and enjoy the best of the season with your pup in dog-friendly Nelson County. So, get the apple cider while it’s hot. Try the latest pumpkin beers. Submerge yourself in vibrant fall color. And bring your sweater for those perfectly chilly fall evenings.
Our Favorite Fall Adventures for 2026
FINDING FALL COLOR
From mid-late September through October, you can find colors changing at the highest elevations in Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Later in October, the fall color will reach towns in the valley like Afton, Charlottesville, and Crozet. As long as we don’t get a big storm, there will still be plenty of fall to enjoy, through early November. Watch the Fall Foliage Reports here.
Our Favorite Adventures:
- Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the overlooks, and be sure to bring your camera. The Greenstone Overlook offers the same views as the popular Ravens Roost, with fewer crowds and a little nature trail. Other great overlooks include Three Ridges Overlook,
- Go hiking in Shenandoah National Park. Turk Mountain, Blackrock Summit, and Beagle Gap all offer walks through the changing foliage and expansive views of the valley. Sawmill Run Overlook is the perfect spot for a snack while you take in the season’s color.
- Find a waterfall framed by fall color. See what makes Crabtree Falls so impressive.
- Watch the changing leaves from the Lumberjack and Lumberjill Competition. Devil’s Backbone Brewing hosts this event annually and it is so impressive! Free to watch and dog-friendly.
- View the colors of Fall via chairlift rides at Wintergreen Resort. Enjoy a scenic chairlift ride and take in breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Perfect for leaf lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants to savor the magic of fall at Wintergreen Resort. Enjoy classic fall snacks and libations from Checkerberry Cabin while you soak in the gorgeous fall scenery.
FINDING FALL FLAVORS
Our fall flavors start appearing at the farmers’ markets and tasting rooms by mid-September. Whether you’re tasting the bounty of fall at a farmers’ market, festival, or farm, there’s plenty to enjoy. Make sure you wear layers to one of our festive events. Mornings and evenings can get chilly, but you may wish you were in shorts and a T-shirt in the afternoon!
Our Favorite Adventures:
- U Pick Orchards: Whether you’re picking chestnuts at Tinkerland Farm, apples at Chiles, or Seaman’s Orchard, you’re sure to have a tasty time!
- Oktoberfest at Blue Mountain Brewery: German food specials every day, live music, special activities, games, and prizes!
- Blue Ridge Bigfoot Fest at Wintergreen Resort: This event promises a full day of fun, folklore, and fascination in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Blue Ridge Mountain Corn Maze at Blue Toad Hard Cider: Wander through the maze, sample local cider and BBQ, play carnival games and more!
- Apple Butter Makin’ Festival at Silver Creek & Seaman’s Orchard: Large selection of mountain-grown apples, apple butter, live music, food vendors, corn maze, and PYO pumpkin patch.
- Edible Landscaping’s Persimmon Festival: Planting, growing, and eating- all things persimmons! Lectures and tastings all day.
