The Ultimate Fall Guide to the Roanoke Region

This guide covers everything from the best fall foliage hikes and scenic drives to the local festivals, pumpkin patches, and roadside stops across all the places we call home. (Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, Vinton, Franklin County, Botetourt County, and Alleghany/Covington)

Each section is designed for easy skimming, with tips, links, and local favorites to help you plan your perfect autumn weekend.

Best Fall Foliage Hikes in the Roanoke Region

Mill Mountain Star, Courtesy of VBR

Fall is the Roanoke Region’s time to shine, with cool air, crunching leaves, and gorgeous panoramic views that make your camera roll happy. Here are a few can’t-miss fall foliage trails this season:

Mill Mountain Star Trail (Roanoke City): Hike to the Roanoke Star for sweeping mountain and downtown views. Start from the base of the trailhead for a workout, or drive to the top for an easy loop and iconic photo ops. Equal opportunity leaf-viewing!

South County Library Trail (Roanoke County): The South County Library Trail is a short, accessible walking trail that includes a library, a boardwalk, and the chance for wildlife sightings! Great for solo walks, families, strollers, wheelchairs, and the pup.

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve (Botetourt County/Roanoke City): Mirror-like lake reflections and mountain views make this the ideal fall picnic spot. At Carvins Cove, you can rent a kayak or bring a friend and travel through miles of trails around the water.

Jackson River Scenic Trail (Alleghany): Flat, bikeable, and scenic with river views, waterfalls, and rocky cliffs, makes the Jackson River Scenic Trail perfect for bikers and folks who don’t prefer inclines.

Waid Park (Franklin County): Speaking of bike-friendly trails, Waid Park is an outdoor fall foliage paradise with over 15 miles of multi-use trails and bike paths. Perfect for hiking, biking, or disc golf.

Green Hill Park (Salem/Roanoke County): If you’re looking for the perfect spot to post up with friends, your pet, and maybe a picnic basket, Green Hill Park has exactly what you seek. Paved walking paths, river access, fishing piers, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and wide-open spaces all offer a 360-degree view of fall foliage.

🌄 Get the complete fall foliage hike list from Roanoke Outside

🍁Click here for the fall color schedule for Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains

Best Scenic Drives for Fall Colors in the Roanoke Region

Peaks of Otter Trailhead, Courtesy of VBR

Fun fact: Roanoke was voted #2 in USA Today’s 10 Best Destinations for Fall Colors 💅. We have plenty of drives that deliver all the fall glory – no trail mix required. Here are some can’t-miss leaf-peeping routes:

Blue Ridge Parkway: The Blue Ridge Parkway is a noteworthy route that winds right through our backyard. Our favorite stops are the:

• Peaks of Otter (milepost 86)
• Pine Tree Overlook (milepost 95.2)
• Iron Mine Hollow (milepost 96.2)
• The Quarry Overlook (milepost 100.9)
• Roanoke River Bridge & Gorge (milepost 114)
• Roanoke Valley Overlook (milepost 129.6)
• Poor Mountain View (milepost 134.9).

Finish your route at Explore Park, where you’ll find trails, cabins, and Twin Creeks Brewing Company.

Route 311: This winding stretch of road from Salem through the mountains of Craig County leads to the community of Paint Bank, where you can stop for snacks and souvenirs at their general store.

Route 220 South (Franklin County): A farm-lined stretch featuring rolling hills and roadside stands selling apples, cider, and mums.

Route 220 North (Alleghany): Drive into the Alleghany Highlands for waterfalls, forest canopies, and misty mountain backdrops.

Skyline Drive: Though not technically in the Roanoke Region, this notable drive is one of the most scenic drives for fall foliage in the world. With over 75 overlooks and 105 miles to drive, the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park is a bucket list for leaf peeping.

📸 Pro-tip: The best light for photos is late afternoon or just after sunrise.

The Best Fall Festivals, Pumpkin Patches & Harvest Fun

Jeter Farm, Courtesy of VBR

From hayrides and apple cider to live music and local crafts, fall in the Roanoke Region is basically one big celebration.

GO Fest (Go Outside Festival, Roanoke City): The region’s biggest and best outside event is a three-day celebration of everything outdoors in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Try demos, shop local, listen to live music, and celebrate Roanoke’s outdoor culture for FREE. Watch the BMX stunt shows, Ultimate Air Dogs, Highline Slackline, or the Lumberjack show, or take part in the fun and try out new gear from on-site vendors, or join in on one of the many races! GO Fest is typically hosted the third weekend of October.

Layman Family Farms (Bedford County): Zip lines, apple cannon, cow train, pumpkin patch, and jump pads… did we miss anything? Oh yeah, paintball! Layman Family Farms is open till the final weekend in October.

Jeter Farm Fall Festival (Botetourt County): Corn mazes, hayrides, barnyard zoo, huge slides, and a country store packed with jams and decor. Jeter’s fall festival is open till the second-to-last weekend in October.

Pumpkinfest (Salem): Each year, Salem hosts the annual Pumpkinfest at the Salem Farmers’ Market.  This family-friendly favorite features sand art, inflatables, carnival games, pumpkin carving contests, costume contests, and more.

Vinton Fall Festival (Vinton): Downtown Vinton hosts its annual Fall Festival, filled with over 100 vendors, live musical performances, petting zoos and pony rides, and the local shops and restaurants offer special deals.

The Boones Mill Apple Festival (Franklin County): The Boones Mill Apple Festival, typically held in September, features live music performances, tractor pulls, vendors, and live demos, with all proceeds benefiting Healing Strides of Virginia.

The Scarecrow Trail (Rocky Mount): Dozens of creative scarecrows line downtown Rocky Mount and the nearby streets for the Scarecrow Trail – it’s perfect for a fall photo walk or a stop with the family. If you’re a scarecrow enthusiast, you can vote for your favorite scarecrow and see who wins at their Spooky S’mores & Fireside Tales event they host each year.

Blue Ridge Folklife Festival (Ferrum): The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival highlights musicians who have been playing the music of the Southern Highlands all their lives. Not only do you get live music, you’ll also get the chance to check out antique cars, local vendors, horses and mules, the steam and gas show, and raccoon dog competitions.

Clifton Forge Fall Foliage Festival (Alleghany): The Clifton Forge Fall Foliage Festival is known for its wide range of crafts, food, music, and community spirit. We’re talking homemade doughnuts, roast beef and ham sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs, baked goods, and performances ranging from gospel, country, and bluegrass to classic rock and local student performances.

Pro-tip: Many of these events are pet- and kid-friendly, and several double as local fundraisers, so your money gives back to the community!

👉Get the complete list of Fall Events here.

Roadside Stops & Country Stores in the Roanoke Region

Heirloom tomatoes from Mountain View Market

What’s a fall day without a little roadside treasure hunting? Here are some local spots where you can shop small this fall and stock up on pumpkins, snacks, plants, and handmade gifts:

Greenbrier Nurseries of Roanoke (Roanoke County): Known for its stunning fall displays, Greenbrier is a must-visit for mums, pumpkins, and porch decor inspo. Plus, they host a fall Maker’s Market and Fall Celebration every October!

Ikenberry Orchards & Country Store (Botetourt County): Ikenberry has been around since 1902, so it’s safe to say their products are *chef’s kiss*. Grab fresh apples, homemade cider, local honey, and homemade pies along your Parkway or Carvins Cove drive.

Mike’s Country Market & Greenhouses (Roanoke City): A local favorite for seasonal produce, pumpkins, and garden plants. Mike’s brings that small-town feel to the city, and it’s a perfect stop to load up on fresh veggies!

Dilly Dally Cornerstore (Salem): Think of the Dilly Dally as your neighborhood hangout meets old-school deli. Cozy up with homemade sandwiches, seasonal soups, BBQ, and sides made fresh daily. Grab a seat, make a friend, and stay a while.

Kanawha Cafe (Covington): Grab a warm latte and a delicious homemade treat, meet friendly faces, and enjoy small-town charm at its best. Kanawha Cafe, the local coffee spot and community gathering place in Alleghany, won’t disappoint. They have fresh meals and baked goods on a rotation, so grab something yummy while supplies last!

Mountain Field Market (Clifton Forge): Part farm, part market, part cafe – Mountain Field Market sells local produce, handmade goods, and small-batch foods that highlight the flavors of the Alleghany Highlands. Don’t miss out on their fresh-baked breads and weekend brunch specials!

Plan Your Fall Adventure in the Roanoke Region

Fall in Downtown Roanoke

Peak foliage typically hits mid- to late-October, but higher elevations (like Alleghany and Botetourt) turn earlier. Pair your hike with a drive, a farm stop, or a festival for the perfect fall day.

• Roanoke City: Mill Mountain Star Hike -> GO Fest
• Roanoke County: Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway to Explore Park -> Greenbrier Nurseries
• Salem: Green Hill Park picnic -> Pumpkinfest
• Vinton: Fall Festival -> Walk the Wolf Creek Greenway
• Franklin County: Scarecrow Trail -> Blue Ridge Folklife Festival
• Botetourt County: Walk the trails at Carvins Cove -> Ikenberry Orchards
• Alleghany/Covington: Clifton Forge Fall Foliage Festival -> Kanawha Cafe

FAQ for Fall in the Roanoke Region

• When is peak fall color in the Roanoke Region?
• Usually mid- to late-October, earlier at higher elevations like Covington.
• What are the best fall hikes near Roanoke for leaf peeping?
• Mill Mountain Star Trail, Carvins Cove, and Green Hill Park are local favorites.
• What are the top fall festivals in the Roanoke Region?
• GO Fest, Jeter Farm, and the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival are seasonal highlights.
• Where can I find local fall produce like apples and pumpkins near Roanoke?
• Ikenberry Orchards in Botetourt and Mike’s Country Market in Roanoke City.

Tag Us in Your Fall Adventures!

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