In addition to fall festivals and pumpkin spice drinks, one of the best parts of fall is taking in all the stunning colors of the changing leaves. If you’re in the Chesapeake, Virginia area and are interested in viewing the fall colors, head outside to one of these revered locations!
Bells Mill Park
At one time, Bells Mill Park was a landfill. However, today it’s a natural area that offers a lovely place in Chesapeake to experience the fall foliage. The 2.5-mile loop trail through the park meanders through meadows and wetlands before eventually leading you to an elevated scenic overlook that provides views of the southern branch of the Elizabeth River. Not only is Bells Mill Park a great place to see the fall colors, but it’s also a popular park for birdwatchers who want to see native and migratory bird species.
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Even though the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge has a foreboding name, this immense area of protected land offers a great opportunity to see the changing trees. The refuge consists of more than 112,000 acres of forested wetlands and provides a serene escape from the city. When you’re ready to see the leaves, you’ll find numerous trails in the refuge open to hiking and biking. You can also rent a canoe or kayak to paddle around Lake Drummond and see the brilliant trees that hug the shoreline!
First Landing State Park
Although many people head to First Landing State Park when they’re enjoying Virginia Beach in the summer, the park is also a great place to go in the fall to see the bright foliage. The park has 19 miles of trails that traverse through maritime forest, cypress swamp, salt marsh, bay shoreline, and more. As you’re hiking or biking along these trails, you’ll be able to take in bright splashes of color on everything from the hardwood trees to the dune grasses.
Cavalier Wildlife Management Area
Located in the southern portion of Chesapeake, the Cavalier Wildlife Management Area protects 4,550 acres of coastal and forested habitats. The area is open to hiking, which means you can get some great views of the fall trees. As you take in the warm colors of the leaves, be sure to keep an eye out for the black bear, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys that also call the Cavalier Wildlife Management Area home.
Northwest River Natural Area Preserve
The Northwest River Natural Area Preserve is another wonderful area located in the southern part of Chesapeake that offers beautiful views of the fall foliage. This 2,774-acre preserve protects upland forests, swamps, and marshes. One of the best ways to see the red, yellow, and orange leaves on the trees in the preserve is by water. You can launch a canoe or kayak from the shoreline and take your time paddling along the Northwest River.
When you’re interested in enjoying the beauty of the fall season around Chesapeake, you’ll have an amazing experience in these captivating locations.
Image via vastateparksstaff | Licensed under CC BY 2.0
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