Fall is coming, and the Blue Ridge Mountains will soon be bursting with color! If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in the fall, with vibrant leaves, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and plenty of festivals visit Montfair Resort Farm in Crozet, Virginia.
🍂 When to See Peak Fall Colors
One of the best parts of staying at Montfair in the fall is that you’re right in the middle of some of Virginia’s prettiest landscapes.
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First Day of Fall 2025: Mark your calendars, fall officially begins on Monday, September 22! While the leaves won’t be at their brightest just yet, it’s the perfect time to kick off cozy fall traditions like apple picking.
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Peak Foliage: In the Blue Ridge Mountains, the fall foliage map shows the most vibrant colors this year (2025) will pop between October 10 and 20. Expect golden yellows, fiery oranges, and deep reds painting the mountain ridges.
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Weather to Expect: Crisp mornings (perfect for hot cocoa on the porch), comfortable afternoons for hiking, and cool evenings for campfires under the stars. Pack layers, you’ll want a jacket in the morning but might end up in a T-shirt by midday.
Best Scenic Outlooks for Fall Colors Near Montfair
If you love snapping photos of glowing fall leaves, you’re in luck—Montfair is surrounded by some of the best places to visit in the fall for sweeping views and family photo ops.
- Humpback Rocks (Blue Ridge Parkway): This hike is a local favorite. A little steep (about a mile up), but the reward is a panorama of the Blue Ridge Mountains covered in fall colors. Perfect for adventurous families and couples.
- Shenandoah National Park – Skyline Drive: With 105 miles of scenic roadway, this drive offers overlooks where you can pull over, snap photos, and soak in the autumn scenery. Great for families with little ones who want big views without a long hike.
- Sugar Hollow Reservoir (Crozet): A quieter, off-the-beaten-path spot with a lake and colorful hillsides. It’s a peaceful place for photography or a picnic surrounded by fall leaves.
- Raven’s Roost Overlook (Blue Ridge Parkway): This outlook is famous for sunset views and views of fall skies.
- Montfair’s Own Trails & Lake: You don’t even have to leave the resort for stunning fall foliage views. Stroll through our property’s wooded trails or canoe across the lake for unique angles of the changing leaves. Fall wildflowers like goldenrod and asters add splashes of color along our trails!
Tip: For the best lighting and colors in your photos, aim for early morning or golden hour in the evening. The soft sunlight makes the reds and oranges glow!
2025 Fall Festivals
These festivals are a great way to experience fall events in Charlottesville and are not far when staying at Montfair.
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Fall Into Fun Festival – Chiles Peach Orchard (Sept 20–21, 2025): Kick off the season with apple picking, wagon rides, live music, and fresh apple butter.
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Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival (October 11-12, 2025): Local artisans, food trucks, live entertainment, and plenty of family fun.
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Graves Mountain Apple Harvest Festival (First three weekends of October): Pony rides, bluegrass, apple treats, and beautiful mountain views.
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Blue Ridge Mountain Maze (Sept–Nov): A giant corn maze, pumpkin patch, pony rides, campfires, and slides. Kids love this one, and grown-ups do too! Opening weekend is Sept 20, 2025.
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Apple Harvest Festival at Albemarle CiderWorks (Nov 1, 2025): Celebrate Virginia’s apple traditions with cider tastings (for the adults), apple pressing demos, live music, food, and family activities.
- Artisan’s Studio Tour (Nov 8 & 9, 2025): Visit artists in their studios across Albemarle County, see demonstrations, and shop for unique handmade treasures. A perfect start for finding early holiday gifts.
Browse more events on our local events calendar!
Orchards, Pumpkin Patches & Apple Picking
No fall getaway in Virginia is complete without a pumpkin or apple in hand! Luckily, Crozet and Charlottesville have some of the best orchards around:
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Chiles Peach Orchard (Crozet): Just minutes away from Montfair, with pick-your-own apples, a pumpkin patch, and an orchard market full of goodies like apple cider donuts, honey, and pumpkins for carving.
- Henley’s Orchard (Crozet): A family-owned orchard since 1932 with pick-your-own apples, cider, and a laid-back, old-fashioned charm. Great for families who want a quieter, less crowded spot.
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Bellair Farm Pumpkin Patch (Charlottesville): Hayrides, fields full of pumpkins, and festive fall décor—perfect for family fun.
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Carter Mountain Orchard (Charlottesville): Famous for its panoramic mountain views, delicious apple cider donuts, and seasonal pumpkin patch. It’s a must-visit for both the apples and the scenery.
Ready For Your Fall Escape?
The first day of fall might mark the start of the season, but at Montfair, it’s a whole celebration. Choose from our charming eco-friendly cabins or the spacious Guest House, perfect for families or groups. Each comes with a full kitchen, comfy beds, and beautiful views of the Blue Ridge. Book ahead—our fall dates fill up quickly!
Autumn is also the perfect season to explore Virginia’s award-winning wines, ciders, and brews. Just down the road, you’ll find the Nelson 151 Ale Trail, home to family-friendly breweries, cideries, and distilleries. Albemarle County adds even more choices, from cozy tasting rooms to mountaintop vineyards with panoramic fall views.
Pack your favorite sweater, bring the family (or plan a romantic escape), and get ready to make Montfair your home base for an memorable autumn adventure!