Although we all love summer, as the nights begin to pull in and the temperature starts to take a turn for the chilly, we are surrounded by the most incredible beauty. Fall provides a wealth of color and, as the foliage begins to take on yellow, red and orange hues, it’s a great opportunity to get out and enjoy nature at her most stunning.
In Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., the best of the fall foliage can be seen from mid to late October. The great news is that you don’t have to travel as far as Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Blue Ridge Parkway or Shenandoah National Park. There are some stunning fall colors to be seen within a much smaller radius.
Rock Creek Park is an urban park in D.C., which begins at the Potomac River and extends out to the Maryland border. The massive site encompasses a zoo and golf course, as well as great hiking trials and a nature center. For history lovers, the park also contains the oldest building in Washington, D.C., the ‘Old Stone House’. For more information on Rock Creek Park, visit the offical Park Services site.
Did you know that some leaves, such as redbud, hickory and birch never turn red, they’re always yellow?
National Arboretum in Washington, D.C., is one of the largest arboretums in the country at a massive 446 acres. It has a large number of special exhibitions, including landscaped gardens, an extensive bonsai collection and various seasonal specialties. Admission to the arboretum is free, but for a small charge you can take the tram tour, which offers narrative descriptions of the highlights and history of the arboretum.
Did you know that leaves change color as a byproduct of chemical changes that occur as the trees go dormant?
Great Falls National Park in Virginia is a whopping 800 acres. With views of the Mather Gorge, Aqueduct Dam, Potomac River the Great Falls themselves, it is little wonder that the park is incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike. The park is not just a great place to see fall foliage, it’s also a wonderful place to see some action, with horseback riding, hiking trials, rock climbing and kayaking on the list of possible activities.
Did you know that bright sunlight is essential for the red pigment, known as anthocyanin, to appear in fall leaves?
Black Hill Regional Park, located north of Germantown, Maryland, encompasses Little Seneca Lake, which is a wonderful place to enjoy some water-based activities. Black Hill Regional Park also offers beautiful hiking trails through beautiful fall forests. These trails can, of course, be taken on foot, bike or horseback.
Don’t miss out this fall - get out there and enjoy the rich beauty of this most colorful time of year.
Samantha Markham - Samantha Markham is a professional freelance writer with a particular passion for literary and theatrical subjects.
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