October is a special treat for I-95 travelers in the Northeast. That’s when fall foliage colors are at their peak all along the I-95 corridor… From Northern Virginia to Maine. This three-part series showcases fall foliage road-trips along I-95 state-by state. Let’s check out Virginia to Delaware…
Beginning in Fredericksburg, Virginia and northward to Washington, Baltimore, Maryland and Wilmington, Delaware you’ll find wonderful displays of color all around. The topography of I-95 is relatively flat along this route so you won’t get those panoramic views like you do in the mountains, so your best bet is to tour all those rural roads just off I-95 exits. You’ll find plenty of photo opportunities everywhere you turn.
In Northern Virginia, check out the fall colors along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Designed for recreational driving, it links sites that commemorate important episodes in American history and preserve habitat for local wildlife. The parkway and its associated trails provide a scenic place to play and rest in the busy Washington, DC metropolitan area.
For northbound I-95 travelers, the Parkway begins approximately 10 miles from I-95, exit 161 (US Route 1). Take US Route 1 north to the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway (VA Route 235) east to the George Washington Memorial Parkway. From there, the Parkway is approximately 25 miles long. For southbound I-95 travelers, the George Washington Memorial Parkway begins approximately 16 miles from I-95, exit 27 (I-495). Take I-495 north to exit 43. From there, the Parkway is approximately 25 miles long. You should allow about one hour (without stopping) to drive this route or one full day to visit attractions along the way.
Maryland’s Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway is designated as an official America’s Byway. It’s an autumn road-trippers heaven providing an awe-inspiring fall displays.
For northbound I-95 travelers, the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway begins approximately 31 miles from I-95, exit 19 (US Route 50). Take US Route 50 east to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. From there, the Byway is approximately 85 miles long. For southbound I-95 travelers, the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway begins approximately 9.5 miles from I-95, exit 109 (MD Route 279). Take MD Route 279 south to MD Route 213 south to Chesapeake City. From there, the Byway is approximately 85 miles long. You should allow about two and a half hours (without stopping) to drive this route or 2-3 days to stop and visit various attractions along the route.
Take an unforgettable journey through the rolling hills of Delaware’s Brandywine Valley landscape via the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway. The route leads to an unparalleled concentration of historic sites, magnificent estates, glorious gardens and mesmerizing museums all wrapped around splendid fall foliage colors. The Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway is designated as an official “America’s Byway“.
The Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway is easily accessible from I-95, exit 7 (Delaware Avenue, DE Route 52) inWilmington, Delaware. From there, the Brandywine Valley Scenic Highway is approximately 12 miles long. You should allow about one hour (without stopping) or 2-3 days to visit attractions along the way.
Next stop… Part Two – New Jersey to Massachusetts.
Check out this handy fall foliage map to find peak colors in your area.