A Guide to Leaf Peeping near Washington, DC
The leaves changed a bit later this year but it’s official! It is leaf-peeping season! Here’s my guide to leaf peeping in and around Washington, DC.
National Mall
The National Mall is always a great spot for a stroll or a run. In the fall, it’s a nice spot to check out the changing trees. You won’t find super bright trees on the mall but the golden glowing trees will still get you in the fall mood.
Walk towards the Capitol and there are some bright maples scattered around with popping color both on the East and West side.
Rock Creek Park
I recently posted about hiking in Rock Creek Park . This is a great area to explore in the fall without even leaving the city. Take a walk or bring a picnic and enjoy the changing leaves!
National Arboretum
The National Arboretum is another great park to see the changing leaves without leaving the city! I posted recently about the wildflowers that bloom in early fall. As the season progresses, the park is full of changing foliage. What better place to leaf peep than an Arboretum!
Tidal Basin
While this might be a popular springtime destination for the iconic Cherry Blossoms, I was really impressed by how stunning those same Yoshino Cherry trees are in the fall! Take a walk around the Tidal Basin and take in the changing leaves framed by the surrounding monuments.
Theodore Roosevelt Island
Miles of trails wind through this wooded island at the edge of DC, making it a great place to explore in the fall! In the winter when the leaves are gone, you can see through the trees a bit more for a nice view of Georgetown. However, there are little trails leading closer to the river to get these views even with the leaves!
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is a great day trip from Washington, DC and one of the best places to leaf peep in the area! Take a drive down Skyline Drive and take in all the beautiful views at the overlooks or take a hike on one of the many trails in the park.
Harpers Ferry National Park
Another good trip from Washington, DC is Harpers Ferry National Historic Park in West Virginia. Only one hour from DC, this is the perfect time to go see beautiful foliage. Harper’s Ferry is at the intersection of Shenandoah River and Potomac River offering beautiful views of foliage along the water. Take a hike on one of the trails for even more spectacular views!
Bonus: Swann Street
A local instagram favorite, Swann Street is known for being lined with beautiful Ginkgo Trees. They have just started to change color so in the coming weeks they will pop! Though this street in particular is known for these trees, you can find Ginkgos throughout the city so keep an eye out!
Where is your favorite place to go leaf peeping!? Did I miss any good leaf peeping spots near DC? Share below!
7 Comments
Emotions Chaser
Beautiful post! I visited DC a few years ago and you brought back some good memories!
Eva P.
D.C. is sooo beautiful! It reminds me of my home town, Ottawa, Canada!
Sue
So many beautiful places to see fall foliage! I visited Harper’s Ferry in the spring and I really would like to get back there in the fall some year to see the foliage!
Shell-Shell's🐚tipsandtricks
Wow how pretty! Thank you for sharing. I’ve never been to Washington D.C. so I like seeing pictures of places I’ve never been. I love fall colors!
~Michelle
https://michellescrazybusylife.net
Jenn
One of these days I’ll get out to DC – until then I’ll just have to enjoy your beautiful photos!
Erin
Greag suggestions! I’ll have to add this to my bucket list!
Puloma.B
Washington DC and the surrounding areas are great to spot some fall colors, though we went there last spring to see cherry blossom 🌸 colors. Fall colors are popping here and there in Pennsylvania where we are. I remember watching great fall colors in Wisconsin in the early 2003.I would definitely love to check out these places mentioned by you to capture fall colors.Thank you for sharing 💕