In mid-October, I embarked on a solo road trip to capture the vibrant fall leaves in Virginia and North Carolina. This journey was inspired by a previous article I wrote about ethical travel in national parks. Typically, I'm abroad during fall, so this opportunity was thrilling. Here, I share my photos, travel logistics, and safety protocols. [Note: COVID rates were lower during my trip; both states had mask mandates. Current case levels have significantly increased, so I wouldn't recommend this trip now.]
Helpful Free Apps for Planning
Both the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park offer free apps that are essential for planning. With limited restroom access, these apps were invaluable. Download them along with offline maps, such as Maps.me, before your visit, as cell service can be unreliable in these areas.
Timing the Leaf Change
Leaf color change is influenced by various factors including elevation and weather conditions. Shenandoah National Park typically reaches peak color during the second or third week of October. They update their YouTube channel weekly with leaf status, which helped me plan my trip. I traveled midweek to avoid crowds, and while I missed peak in some areas, the scenery was still breathtaking.
My Five-Day Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Shenandoah National Park (Central)
To sidestep crowds, I traveled from South Carolina to Harrisonburg, Virginia, for two nights, arriving around 3 p.m. at the Swift Run Gap entrance. I drove along Skyline Drive, the park's main road, which tends to be busy due to its proximity to major cities. I avoided popular trails and instead found a quiet path along a rock wall, enjoying stunning views with minimal company. This approach allowed me to appreciate the park's beauty without the crowds!
Day 2: Shenandoah National Park (South)
The less crowded southern section of the park features limited accommodation options. I hiked the Doyle's River Falls Trail (3 miles) at sunrise. The trail was blissfully quiet, and the vibrant leaves were a highlight. The trek down was easier, but the return trip involved a challenging ascent. After enjoying the falls, I explored Black Rock Summit, offering beautiful views while keeping social distancing in mind. My final hike of the day was Turk Mountain (2.2 miles), which felt crowded due to its narrowness, but the views were rewarding.
I drove along Skyline Drive, stopping at various viewpoints to soak in the colorful foliage before returning to Harrisonburg for the night.
Day 3: Blue Ridge Parkway – Afton to Fancy Gap
(Milepost 0 to 199)
Covering 469 miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway runs through 29 counties in North Carolina and Virginia, starting at Skyline Drive. The attractions are marked by mileposts. While I couldn't hike extensively, I made memorable stops, such as at Yankee Horse Ridge and Wigwam Falls (MP 34.4), where I spent time photographing the stunning scenery.
I briefly visited the Peaks of Otter area, which was beautiful yet crowded. After a lunch stop at Mac & Bobs in Roanoke, I headed to Mabry Mill (MP 176) for photography. The mill, built around 1905, is a must-see, especially at sunset when the light enhances its charm. While there were many visitors, I felt safe with mask usage among the crowd. I spent the night in Hillsville, Virginia.
Day 4: Blue Ridge Parkway – Fancy Gap to Blowing Rock
(Milepost 199 to 293)
After capturing my desired photo at Mabry Mill, I hit the parkway early. I stopped to photograph a charming farm scene with an old red tractor and pumpkins, an iconic Americana moment. My next stop was Doughton Park (MP 238) to visit Brinegar Cabin, providing ample photo opportunities in a serene setting.
I skipped Cascade Falls (MP 271.9) due to crowds and instead discovered a lovely old cabin, where I found a tranquil trail leading to a beautiful area. It was a theme of my trip: the best spots were often the quietest.
In Boone, I lunched at Booneshine Brewing, a delightful spot near a park with trails. I aimed for a sunset shoot at the original Mast General Store, but light conditions were less than ideal. I found the area charming, with interesting barns nearby. I opted to stay in Wilkesboro for the night to save on accommodation costs.
Day 5: Blue Ridge Parkway – Blowing Rock to Asheville
(Milepost 293-382)
I woke early to shoot at Linn Cove Viaduct, reaching it by 7:30 a.m. The best time for photography here is just after sunrise. This remarkable structure, built to protect Grandfather Mountain's environment, is best seen in the morning light. I parked and walked to a vantage spot, joining a few fellow photographers.
Safety is crucial; avoid stopping on the viaduct. I witnessed some risky behavior by others, but most were following guidelines. My next stop was Linville Falls, known for its stunning views. The parking lot filled quickly, confirming its popularity, but the wide trails allowed for easy distancing.
After that, I visited Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the Appalachian Mountains. The summit was busy, leading me to skip the main viewpoint due to crowding. The parkway became busier as I approached Asheville. I initially planned to drive to Cherokee, NC, but car issues prompted a change in plans, ending my trip at my parents' farm in South Carolina. I'll have to return to finish exploring the parkway midweek for a quieter experience.
Travel Safety Insights
This solo adventure marked my first trip since March, and I aimed to minimize exposure by traveling midweek. Popular spots can get busy, especially in fall, so I prioritized visiting before 9 a.m. to avoid crowds. My experiences in previous travels confirmed that early arrivals help in avoiding congestion.
To ensure safety, I stayed in hotels rather than camping, which felt risky due to shared facilities. I preferred hotels for their flexible cancellation policies and cleanliness. I opted for accommodations with digital keys and good safety practices in place. Eating out was limited to to-go orders at local establishments, supporting small businesses while prioritizing safety.
I felt most vulnerable during bathroom breaks, often selecting less crowded places for stops. Overall, I maintained strict safety protocols, carrying masks and hand sanitizer at all times. The only discomfort was dealing with smoking areas outside hotels, which was unpleasant during a pandemic.
As COVID rates have surged since my trip, I reconsider future travel plans. My upcoming hiking trip in the Southwest is now on hold due to safety concerns. I encourage anyone traveling to prioritize safety and stay informed about current guidelines.
For more photos from my adventure, feel free to reach out via email at info@savinghunt.com.
A Note on Travel Insurance
Having travel insurance is essential, especially now. Companies like Safety Wing and World Nomads offer coverage, including for COVID-related issues. Ensure you have appropriate protection while traveling, especially in the U.S.
