Fall Foilage In Woodbridge: Peak Colors Nigh

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Fall may underway, but the true test of the season is when the leaves begin to change in earnest and create picture-perfect fall foliage. It truly looks like autumn in Southwest Virginia, but Northern Virginia has yet to see a widespread change of colors. It's been unusually warm so far in the Woodbridge area, but the latest projection from the Virginia Department of Forestry shows we may be seeing some fall colors soon.

The fall foliage peak in Woodbridge and much of Eastern Virginia could come between now and Oct. 25, with the latter date signifying noticeable changes. 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 Woodbridge 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 Woodbridge 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 present with their leaves:

• 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