I want to go leaf peeping this weekend within a reasonable driving distance of DC. I’ve been to Shenandoah and Harper’s Ferry. They’re beautiful, but the CROWDS. LORD. Any suggestions for less visited leaf peeping spots?

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walkallover1991 t1_isqmm8x wrote on October 17, 2022 at 11:46 PM

If you want to do something closer to home, deff check out the Boulder Bridge in Rock Creek Park. Beautiful scenery, and very seldom will you encounter other people.

dc_brunette t1_isqpbv9 wrote on October 18, 2022 at 12:09 AM

I spent the long weekend exploring vineyards in north west Maryland, around Frederick/New Market/Mount Airy. And the leaves were absolutely beautiful, and it wasn’t packed. Highly recommend!

kevin_from_illinois t1_isqry4a wrote on October 18, 2022 at 12:29 AM

What is your definition of "reasonable driving distance"?

latam9891 OP t1_isqtcxf wrote on October 18, 2022 at 12:40 AM

I want to be able to do a day trip comfortably. So probably not much more than 2 hrs one way.

acorn1290 t1_isqlwsd wrote on October 17, 2022 at 11:41 PM

Burke Lake Park!

medievalmachine t1_isswhxi wrote on October 18, 2022 at 1:48 PM

I feel like every Saturday is crowded there. The trail traffic is phenomenal for something that isn't close to DC and has no commuters.

Macrophage87 t1_isrr7a1 wrote on October 18, 2022 at 5:41 AM

Lake Needwood is beautiful right now and is just north of Rockville.

shinychicklet t1_isspuo4 wrote on October 18, 2022 at 12:56 PM

https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/cunningham.aspx

Cunningham Falls State Park. About 75 miles from DC, worth the trip for the scenery and the waterfall. Enjoy!

medievalmachine t1_isswku6 wrote on October 18, 2022 at 1:49 PM

I second, I was just there. Super easy trail or take the rocky trail for a challenge.

latam9891 OP t1_itcskw8 wrote on October 22, 2022 at 5:34 PM

We ended up going here. It was great! We did the Cunningham Falls trail that starts in the national park. And the drive was really lovely too. Thanks for the recommendation!

shinychicklet t1_itd8eh7 wrote on October 22, 2022 at 7:23 PM

I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for letting me know.

Halsey_FTW t1_isr5zk6 wrote on October 18, 2022 at 2:20 AM

Peep those leaves!

Panda_alley t1_isv5fjy wrote on October 18, 2022 at 10:45 PM

what are you some kind of leaf pervert

ChessieChesapeake t1_isshowg wrote on October 18, 2022 at 11:41 AM

West Virginia. Take 48 from Strasburg, VA to Davis, WV, or go to Seneca Rocks/Spruce Knob.

medievalmachine t1_isswcye wrote on October 18, 2022 at 1:47 PM

Is Arboretum not big enough? Mt Vernon parkway south of Alexandria, maybe Fort Hunt? Huntley Meadows?

I've enjoyed the Catoctin Mtns right off the highway in MD lately. Once you're off the highway, the hills obscure the farms and it's all trees.

Neferknitti t1_isszo49 wrote on October 18, 2022 at 2:12 PM

Monticello in Charlottesville, VA. Sits on a hill overlooking valleys and more hills.

Brainjacker t1_it20rlx wrote on October 20, 2022 at 11:18 AM

Well that didn't take long: https://www.washingtonian.com/2022/10/17/9-of-the-best-places-to-see-fall-foliage-around-dc/

Hudberg t1_isrfr5i wrote on October 18, 2022 at 3:40 AM

Chevy Chase Maryland