***** UPDATE 10/5/2024 -- With the recent impact of Hurricane Helene please be aware and check ahead all routes before going to these areas for your own safety, as conditions may have changed. Additionally, please note that while Peaks of Otter, and Explore Park are accessible, they are NO longer accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway, as the entire parkway is closed with storm impacts until further notice. Mabry Mill area will not be accessible.
Wondering when the fall leaves will peak in Roanoke and where the best spots are to see them? Look no further! We've got the fall foliage map and the details on where to go with your family in the Roanoke area for a colorful fall adventure during the 2024 fall leaf season.
When Will Fall Foliage Peak in Roanoke?
Thanks to SmokyMountains.com's interactive 2024 Fall Foliage Prediction Map, you can now easily track when leaves will peak in Roanoke. This map uses advanced data like temperature, precipitation, and tree types to predict when fall colors will be at their best. Plus, with real-time user reports, you’ll know exactly when and where to take your kids for the most vibrant fall foliage.
The interactive Fall Leaf Map has become a go-to resource for families planning fall adventures. Whether you’re looking for the perfect day to go leaf-peeping in Roanoke or planning a family fall weekend getaway, this map will help you time it just right.
Want to know when the leaves will peak near Roanoke?
Check out the 2024 Fall Foliage Map from SmokyMountains.com and plan your family adventure today!
You can slide the slider to the right to see the predicted progression of fall.
Where to See the Best Fall Colors in the Roanoke area
Looking for the top places to enjoy peak fall foliage in Roanoke? Here are the most scenic spots for a day of autumn exploration with kids and your family:
1. Explore Park
Address: 56 Roanoke River Parkway Rd. Roanoke, Va 24014 (Milepost 114 on the Blue Ridge Parkway)
There’s something for everyone at Explore Park, right here in Roanoke off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The park features a visitor center with knowledgeable staff, hiking trails, and riverfront areas. Kids can enjoy zip lining, and you can wrap up the day with a snack or cool beverage at Twin Creeks BrewPub. It’s a beautiful spot to take in the fall season and colors when you want to stay close to home.
2. Carvin's Cove
Address: 9644 Reservoir Rd. Roanoke, Va 24019
With over 60 miles of trails, Carvins Cove is the second-largest municipal park in the United States, spanning more than 12,000 acres. Located just a few miles from downtown Roanoke, it’s a beautiful spot to enjoy fall colors while hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or embarking on a boating adventure. Carvins Cove offers an easy drive for those looking to create their own fall color experience, with options ranging from relaxing to more strenuous activities.
3. Mabry Mill
Address: Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 176.1
A Saturday or Sunday at Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway makes for a memorable fall family outing. Through October, the Mabry Mill Restaurant & Gift Shop are open, and the National Park Service offers special exhibits and demonstrations. Don’t miss this beautiful drive on the Parkway to visit one of the most iconic and photographed spots in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. If you want to extend your day, head just 30 more minutes north to explore all that Floyd, VA, has to offer before returning to Roanoke. The fall colors in the mountains on this adventure are sure to be stunning.
4. Hanging Rock Overlook at Potts Mountain
Address: Paint Bank, VA 24131
The Hanging Rock Overlook Trail is located in the Shawvers Run Wilderness, just outside of Roanoke, along the scenic Highway 311. The parking lot is a few miles into Shawvers Run Wilderness, and you'll need to follow signs for the Hanging Rock Overlook. The beauty of this location is that the spectacular view can be reached with a relatively easy trek on a 0.9-mile out-and-back trail. No trip to the Paint Bank area is complete without a visit to the Paint Bank General Store and Swinging Bridge Restaurant. Be sure to keep an eye out for bison, as Hollow Hill Buffalo Farm in Paint Bank is home to over 200.
5. Peaks of Otter
Address: 85919 Blue Ridge Parkway Bedford VA 24523
The Peaks of Otter is one of our favorite fall destinations. It truly has it all, from a lake and a restaurant to hiking trails, campgrounds, and a full lodge. A day at the Peaks of Otter can include breathtaking views from the top of Sharp Top Mountain or a scenic hike to the waterfall at Fallingwater Cascades. If you're in the mood for a more relaxing adventure, simply take a drive along the parkway, stop at the lodge for lunch, and enjoy a leisurely day just 45 minutes outside of Roanoke.
Plan Your Family’s Fall Adventures in Roanoke Now!
With so many family-friendly fall activities in Roanoke, now is the perfect time to plan your family fall fun in Roanoke. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly hikes, free seasonal events, or the best spots to see peak fall foliage, Roanoke has something for everyone. Be sure to check the 2024 Fall Foliage Map to ensure you catch the best colors of the season and our Macaroni KID Roanoke Fall Guide (coming soon) for all the local fall events and fun your family won't want to miss!
