Roadsides and wetland edges turn first, and the woods behind them run a few days later.
No new reports from the ground here this week.
When is peak fall foliage at Prince William Forest Park in 2026?
Our forecast puts peak color at Prince William Forest Park around Oct 29, and the four days to aim for are Oct 28 to 31.
That's 3 days later than our model alone would say, because this September has been running warm.
| Week | In the area |
|---|---|
| Oct 12 to Oct 18 | Starting to turn |
| Oct 19 to Oct 25 | Nearly peak |
| Oct 26 to Nov 1 | Peak color |
| Nov 2 to Nov 8 | Just past peak |
That’s 3 days later than our model alone would say. This September has been running warm, which shifts peak color.
Plan this tripIf you can only come on certain days
Set the days you can be here. Everything under them answers for those days, not for peak.
Wednesday, October 28 to Thursday, October 29
You’ll find it peak color.
That's the day our forecast puts peak color here.
- Where to drive
- Skyline Drive, about 55 miles · Route 39 (Goshen Pass), about 121 miles · Highland Scenic Highway (Route 150), about 148 miles
- What turns
- white oak, red maple, northern red oak, shagbark hickory, blackgum
What turns, and when
- white oak29%
- red maple21%
- northern red oak17%
- shagbark hickory8%
- blackgum6%
- sweetgum6%
Also named across Virginia, outside what the canopy read measures here: Tulip Poplar, Sourwood.
Shenandoah's overlooks reveal a warm mosaic of gold tulip poplars, scarlet maples, bronze hickories, and the deep wine of white oaks stretching along the Blue Ridge.
Across Virginia as a whole: Early-to-mid October at the highest elevations, late October on Skyline Drive, early November in the Piedmont.
Questions people ask about Prince William Forest Park
- When is peak fall foliage at Prince William Forest Park?
Our forecast puts peak color at Prince William Forest Park around Oct 29, and the four days to aim for are Oct 28 to 31.
- Where is the best fall color at Prince William Forest Park right now?
On Nov 9 the area is just past peak.
- How long does peak last at Prince William Forest Park?
About four days at the top, Oct 28 to 31, with a week or so either side that's still worth the drive.
- Is Prince William Forest Park past peak?
Yes. Peak was around Oct 29, and on Nov 9 it's just past peak.
- What trees turn color at Prince William Forest Park?
Red Maple, Tulip Poplar, White Oak, Hickory, Sourwood. Shenandoah's overlooks reveal a warm mosaic of gold tulip poplars, scarlet maples, bronze hickories, and the deep wine of white oaks stretching along the Blue Ridge.
This forecast is built from the species that stand here, their elevation and this September’s weather, and corrected in season by cameras, foresters and our own crew. We score it here against 7 long-running forest cameras: two dates in three land within 13 days of the camera’s own peak. How this map is made
Nearby, and when they turn
National Capital Parks is on the map above, with its own date.
- Peak Oct 20 best Oct 19 to 22
- Peak Nov 3 best Nov 2 to 5
- Peak Oct 28 best Oct 27 to 30
- Peak Oct 25 best Oct 24 to 27
- Peak Oct 26 best Oct 25 to 28
Fall color roads near Prince William Forest Park
Nearest first. Distances are straight-line from the area, so allow more by road.
- Skyline Drive
The full length of Shenandoah National Park from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap. 75 overlooks in 105 miles. Best in mid-to-late October.
- Route 39 (Goshen Pass)
A quiet Valley of Virginia gem that follows the Maury River through a gorge of red oaks and hemlocks.
- Highland Scenic Highway (Route 150)
Runs along the crest of the Allegheny Mountains above 4,000 feet. One of the least-visited and most beautiful fall drives in the eastern US.