Virginia’s first fall foliage report of 2025 shows slight color changes in some areas

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Attention, leaf peepers! Virginia's first fall foliage report of 2025 has arrived, showing that a few areas are beginning to see slight autumnal hues earlier than usual.

Fall began on Monday, Sept. 22, and due to drier weather in August and September, the Virginia Department of Forestry said autumnal colors are beginning to show a bit earlier than usual.

"Prolonged dry weather in late summer often triggers early color changes," the department said in this year's first weekly fall foliage report, released on Sept. 24.

In particular, the department said Virginia is seeing red colors developing across western and central Virginia, which typically does not begin October.

(Courtesy of the Virginia Department of Forestry)

This week, throughout the mountains and in north central Virginia, the department said residents and visitors will see spotty yellows and reds, especially along roadsides.

Yellow poplar trees are showing their bright yellow and pale orange hues. Sumac, Virginia creeper, black gum, dogwood and a few early maples are showing reddish hues.

According to the department, the tallest mountains of southwest Virginia, as well as the Blue Ridge and the Alleghanies, have a few areas with 10 to 25% of leaves changed, although a good portion of green remains.

(Photo: Virginia Department of Forestry)

(Photo: Virginia Department of Forestry)

(Photo: Virginia Department of Forestry)

Eastern Virginia has not seen much change yet, except for a dulling of green hues as chlorophyll production slows.

"Statewide, moisture-stressed urban trees are also beginning to color from the top down," the department added.

Fall colors generally peak sometime between Oct. 10 and Oct. 31, but these date vary from year to year based on temperature, rainfall and region.

Predicting "peak" fall foliage is complex in the Commonwealth, because the department said Virginia has a wide variety of tree species that color at different times, making for a long foliage season where red, yellow and orange can be seen scattered alongside green or brown.

To keep up with fall foliage reports, visit the department's website or Facebook profile.