Fun in Fairfax: Fall Foliage Drives Close to Reston

This is an occasional series from Fun in Fairfax, a blog written by Reston resident Julie McCool that spotlights places to go and things to do in Fairfax and slightly beyond.

Scenic drives are a fun pastime throughout the year, but the return of fall color makes leisurely exploring of local sites even more appealing. Colorful foliage adds a beautiful dimension to the roadways, and summer crowds are gone.

One of our favorite destinations for scenic drives are the country roads of Loudoun County. Our favorite routes are perfect for a leisurely outing, but we also include several stops and activities along the way for hiking, history, dining, drinks, and more local fun.

Drive the Snickersville Turnpike (SR 734) from Aldie to Bluemont to enjoy beautiful scenery and interesting history. The Snickersville Turnpike is a quiet, two-lane road, that passes farms and fields, and preserves much of it’s early character. George Washington travelled the road as a surveyor, and by 1786 it was the first operating turnpike in America, praised by Thomas Jefferson as a success.

Closer to DC, we suggest a scenic drive on Georgetown Pike or the George Washington Parkway. Though they aren’t much fun during a busy commute, both historic roads offer beautiful scenery and excellent parks and hikes along the drive. Both roads offer stops that will impress visiting friends, or entertain the family on a staycation outing.

Whichever drive you choose, remember to relax, take it slow, and enjoy the journey.

Read more about scenic drives in Northern Virginia on Fun in Fairfax.

Photo: Scenic Snickersville/Fun in Fairfax