Virginia’s fourth fall foliage report of 2025 shows patchy, partial fall colors in most areas

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Department of Forestry's week 4 fall foliage report for 2025 is here, and most of the state is experiencing patchy or partial fall colors, with some areas showing only minimal fall colors.

The fall foliage report's fourth report was released on Thursday, Oct. 16, and according to the department, most of the state is seeing patchy to partial changes amid the peak of the fall season. However, some areas are only seeing minimal fall colors, particularly across the eastern part of Virginia.

(Courtesy of the Virginia Department of Forestry)

This shift contrasts with the second week, when much of the state had most of the state seeing minimal fall colors, with only some areas showing patchy to partial changes.

Per the department, the color change this week ranges from 15% to lower elevations to peak or near peak at the higher mountainous regions -- Blue Ridge, Ridge and Valley, Alleghanies and Cumberland Plateau.

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"Overall, the colors are a bit muted, with yellow and gold predominating, but maples are dotting the landscape with orange and red," the department said.

(Courtesy of the Virginia Department of Forestry)

(Courtesy of the Virginia Department of Forestry)

(Courtesy of the Virginia Department of Forestry)

(Courtesy of the Virginia Department of Forestry)

(Courtesy of the Virginia Department of Forestry)

Across Virginia, in areas that experienced showers and wind due to the Nor'easter, many leaves were battered off the trees, and the extra moisture has slowed the color development.

"Sadly, the rain is too little, too late for trees that were highly stressed by late-summer drought," the department said. "Those [who] are going straight to brown now will be the ones to watch for health issues next spring and summer."