Fall Foliage In Alexandria: Peak Season Coming Soon

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Fall is underway, but the true test of the season is when the leaves begin to change and create picture-perfect fall foliage.

It truly looks like autumn in Western Virginia, but Northern Virginia has yet to see a widespread change of colors. It's been unusually warm so far in the Alexandria area, but the latest projection from the Virginia Department of Forestry shows we can be seeing some fall colors soon.

The fall foliage peak in Alexandria and much of Eastern Virginia could come Oct. 15-25. The latest report says you can spot some early fall color in swampy areas and on some individual trees.

Typically, some consecutive warm, sunny days and cool, crisp but not freezing nights will bring out the most stunning autumn colors. That seems to be the case in Alexandria this week, which could be a good sign for fall foliage spotters. (SIGN UP: Subscribe to a Virginia Patch News Alert and Newsletter. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

Fall foliage changes usually start in the southwestern mountains and make their way up to the east. If you're willing to make the drive for the most stunning views, try the ever-popular Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park or some of the closest sites to Alexandria like Prince William Forest Park, Greene County, Rockingham County, and Shenandoah County.

Trees like the maple are the first to change. Here's what colors different kinds of trees will change to:

• ash - yellow, maroon
• beech - yellow to orange
• dogwood- scarlet to purple
• hickory -golden bronze
• oak - red, brown or russet
• poplar - golden yellow
• red maple - brilliant scarlet

Find the latest updates on fall foliage here.

Image via Pixabay