Video:Where to Go to Enjoy Fall Foliage in DC

SHARE ON                

Transcript:Where to Go to Enjoy Fall Foliage in DC

Now that summer has drawn to a close and we are leaf deep into fall, it's a good time to enjoy the changes that autumn brings, namely, the bright and deep colors found in the foliage.

Where to Enjoy Fall Foliage in DC

There are many beautiful spots around the Washington, DC area to enjoy the colorful displays. Starting in Washington, there are some local parks and greenbelts to take in the rich colors of fall. The National Arboretum has 446 acres of trees, shrubs, and plants, which provides an extensive array of fall colors to choose from and areas to wander. While there, you can also enjoy other exhibits like the huge bonsai collection, aquatic plants, herb garden and numerous seasonal exhibits. It is located at 3501 New York Avenue, NE - parking and admission to the picnic grounds is free while tour tickets are $4 per adult, $3 per senior, and $2 for children, ages 4-16.

Other Places to Enjoy Fall Foliage in DC

Rock Creek Park is an urban park in Washington, DC's that is 12-miles large with extensive foliage, going from the Potomac River to the Maryland border. Here, there are miles of hiking trails and many areas to bike, rollerblade, ride horses or fish. The park has an extensive list of programs for families, including animal shows, park ranger talks and tours, crafts and junior ranger programs.

Additional Locations to Enjoy Fall Foliage in DC

Heading toward Virginia is Washington's residence, Mt. Vernon. Sitting on 500 acres along the shores of the Potomac River, this fall foliage site has gorgeous grounds to tour and take in all this natural beauty. You can also enjoy the other sites on the Mt. Vernon estate, including a large house, outbuildings, and museum. Parking is free while admission ranges from $15 per adult, $14 for those 62 and over, $7 for children, ages six through 11, and free to those under five and accompanied by a paying adult.

If you are looking for something a little less crowded with tourists, there are many sites that allow you to get up and close with nature in a more serene way. Great Falls Park in Virginia has 800 acres of scenic beauty and rich and colorful foliage. Not far from downtown Washington, DC, this park still feels worlds away from civilization. There are many hiking trails to reach incredible 20-foot waterfalls as well as outlook points that allow you an overview of the fall foliage. There are also areas to enjoy the autumn changes by horseback, bicycle, kayak, and rock climbing. As a national park, you'll only pay a nominal fee for your vehicle to enter the park.

Maryland also has many beautiful places to enjoy the fall foliage, including a wide array of parks. These include Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg with many recreational facilities as well as Sugarloaf Mountain in Dickerson with hiking trails and scenic views. If you like fall camping, try Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont, which also features a 78-foot waterfall. Another beauty spot is Black Hills Regional Park in Boyds, which has a lake and hiking trails to take in all that autumn has to offer. If you have time for a weekend getaway and want to travel a few more hours farther afield to enjoy the fall foliage, you might consider Shenandoah National Park, Deep Creek Lake, or George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.

I'm Jonathon Stewart, with About.com.