Fall foliage is a beautiful sight to see, and the DC area is one of the best places in the US to see it. If you’re looking for the best places to see the fall foliage with kids, here are 9 places you can’t miss.
Here are a few tips for planning your fall foliage trip to the DC area
- Check the fall foliage forecast. The timing of the fall foliage season varies from year to year, so it’s a good idea to check the forecast before you go. This will help you plan your trip so that you can see the leaves at their peak.
- Be prepared for crowds, especially at popular spots.
- Dress for the weather. The weather in the DC area can be unpredictable in the fall, so it’s important to dress in layers. Of course, always take preventative measures with ticks. You may also want to bring a rain jacket, just in case.
9 Best Places to See the Fall Foliage with Kids
1. Rock Creek Park
This sprawling park is one of the most popular spots in the DC area to see the fall foliage. With over 1,700 acres of parkland, there are plenty of places to explore.
2. C&O Canal National Historical Park
This historic park follows the C&O Canal along the Potomac River. The canal path is a great place to take a walk or bike ride and enjoy the fall foliage with kids.
3. Great Falls Park
This park is home to Great Falls, a series of waterfalls on the Potomac River. The park also has several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the fall foliage.
4. Skyline Drive
This scenic highway winds its way through the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the fall foliage. Skyline Drive is a popular spot for driving, hiking, and picnicking.
5. Shenandoah National Park
The Shenandoah National Park is known for its beautiful fall foliage. There are several hiking trails in the park that offer incredible views of the leaves.
6. Lake Needwood
This reservoir in Montgomery County, Maryland, is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and hiking. In the fall, the trees around the lake welcome beautiful colors.
7. National Arboretum
This 446-acre arboretum in Washington, DC, is home to a variety of plants and trees from all over the world. In the fall, the arboretum has a variety of changing leaves to see. And parking is easy!
8. George Washington Memorial Parkway
This scenic parkway runs along the Potomac River from Mount Vernon to Langley, Virginia. The parkway is a great place to drive, bike, or walk and enjoy the fall foliage.
9. Harpers Ferry
This historic town in West Virginia is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Harpers Ferry is a popular spot for hiking, camping, and learning about Civil War history. In the fall, the changing leaves make this town even more charming!
These are just a few of the many gorgeous places to see the fall foliage with kids in the DC area. Also, be sure to check out the 80+ Places to Explore Nature with Kids around the DMV guide for more ideas on places to see fall foliage with kids. Let me know what your favorites are. I hope you have a wonderful time leaf-peeping in the DC area!
