The official first day of fall is September 22, 2022. You don’t want to wait that long to plan your fall camping trip. If you do, you might miss out on a campsite at the perfect time to see the leaves on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The challenge is finding out when fall foliage peaks along the 469-mile, scenic drive.

There are a numerous websites and news articles that will help you find the best dates to take in the reds, oranges and yellows of autumn in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We have three recommendations.

Around the Country

The first we found is at smokymountains.com. The site gives you a map of the entire country. You can click on the dates you’re thinking about traveling to see whether or not your favorite area to camp will be experiencing minimal or maximum leaf color.

Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Mountain Life has their 2022 guide up and available for visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway. You will find information on peak foliage by elevation. Keep in mind that Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground is at 3,100 feet. That gives us an estimated peak leaf time of October 16 to 23. Check our website at fancygapcabinsandcampground.com for availability in our motel, camping cabins, tent sites and RV spaces.

Across Virginia

This resource from the Virginia Department of Forestry helps you find the anticipated peak leaf viewing dates across the state. The webpage gives you an idea of what colors different deciduous trees change and suggests routes for driving tours.

Plan a Trip

Keep in mind there are lot more than leaves to occupy you along the Parkway. Hiking, historical spots, overlooks and picnic areas are a few examples. When you venture off the Parkway, you’ll find many towns to explore that border America’s favorite drive. You’ll be surprised to find proximity to the New River as well as wineries, restaurants, cafes, shops and boutiques. Check out our things to do page to help plan an itinerary.

If you need more information to help you plan a trip this fall, go to blueridgeparkway.org to peruse their website, use their interactive map or download their app. We hope you’ll include Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground in your trip to see the leaves on the Blue Ridge Parkway this fall. We look forward to seeing you.