The area around the Nation’s capital city isn’t all just stone monuments and government buildings. It also boasts some of the most beautiful fall foliage anywhere. While Washington is noted for its annual springtime displays of pink cherry blossoms, those same trees join in on the region’s autumn spectacular with brilliant yellow and red leaves. Additionally, the red maple, ash, oak, dogwood and beech are all part of the annual blaze of colors throughout the region.
Because of its southern location, the area’s autumn leaf changes happen later and last longer than they do in New England and other northern states. While you may see bare trees in Maine on Halloween, in the Washington DC area, the brilliant displays often last until Thanksgiving.
Rock Creek Park
Managed by the National Park Service, it stretches from center-city Washington into Montgomery County, Maryland. Rock Creek contains 30 miles of tree-lined hiking and bike trails. In 1864, it was the site of a Civil War battle that saved the Nation’s Capital from being captured by Confederate forces. President Lincoln was there to observe the battle, until Confederate sharpshooters began firing at him. The area provides a nice mix of history and beautiful fall foliage.
nps.gov
U.S. National Arboretum
There are hundreds of varieties of plants and trees among 446 acres, from tall oaks and red maples to miniature Japanese bonsai trees. There are also many varieties of cherry trees, and it all makes for exciting autumn viewing.
usna.usda.gov
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park
The park has striking autumn views along the tree-lined canal, starting in Georgetown in Washington, DC, and meandering 13 miles to Great Falls Park in Virginia. Along the canal are six visitor centers, including Georgetown in DC, Potomac, Brunswick, Williamsport, Hancock and Cumberland, all in Maryland. The park has a unique opportunity to stay overnight inside a National Park. You can spend the night and a day in a historic lockhouse, formerly homes of the men who operated and maintained the canal locks in the past.
nps.gov/choh
George Washington Estate, Mount Vernon, Virginia
The beautiful 500-acre home of the country’s first president sits on the shores of the Potomac River, just a dozen miles south of the capital. Among the beautiful oak-tree lined walkways, there’s a 100-foot tulip poplar tree planted by the General himself in 1795. Autumn visitor programs include hay wagon rides, barn dances, traditional music and many other features. For visitors with kids, this is a must-see site and something they will certainly be able to use in school.
mountvernon.org
Fall Foliage Cruises from Washington DC
These are easy ways to see leaves in their autumn glory. If you want to just relax and watch it all go by, take a 90-minute cruise along the scenic Potomac River. The cruises depart from an area near the Jefferson Tidal Basin and the Smithsonian Metro stop for easy access. Adult tickets are $36 and kids are $18. In addition to the beautiful scenery, cruisers get a complimentary glass of locally grown apple cider.
dc-cruises.com
You can follow travel writer Ted Sherman on twitter, @travel4seniors and check out his blog, travel4seniors.com
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