Scenic Drives and Colorful Trails: Fall Adventures in Montgomery County, Virginia

When autumn settles over Blacksburg – Christiansburg – Montgomery County, Virginia, the entire landscape becomes a masterpiece of color. The surrounding ridges of the New River Valley and nearby Blue Ridge Mountains blaze with shades of scarlet and gold, and every bend in the road or stretch of trail offers a new view worth pausing to admire. This is the season when the outdoors calls most strongly, inviting travelers to slow down, take in the scenery, and experience the rhythm of fall.

The winding beauty of U.S. Route 460 between Christiansburg and Giles County transforms under fall’s glow. Fiery foliage frames historic overlooks, and the route still whispers stories of travelers drawn long ago to the healing springs of Yellow Sulphur Springs, now home to the Healing Arts studio.

Less than an hour’s drive from Montgomery County, the Blue Ridge Parkway, often described as “America’s Favorite Drive, unfurls across ancient ridges. Travelers can access the Parkway via Interstate 81 Exit 114, where Route 8 winds south toward the mountains, a favorite trek for motorcyclists and auto enthusiasts alike. Before beginning the ascent, treat yourself to a sweet stop at Route 8 Donuts in Christiansburg, a local favorite that sets the tone for the journey. From late October into early November, the Parkway’s overlooks glow with some of the most stunning vistas in the East, making it an ideal extension of any Montgomery County road trip.

U.S. Route 11 offers another classic drive, running north and south through Montgomery County and linking small towns like Shawsville, Elliston, and Christiansburg with communities across Southwest Virginia. First dedicated in 1926 to mark the county’s 150th anniversary, the highway soon became lined with diners, motels, and filling stations that welcomed generations of travelers. While Interstate 81 now carries the bulk of modern traffic, Route 11 remains a scenic alternative. In Christiansburg, pause to hunt for treasures at Cambria Station Antiques before continuing your journey along Route 11, framed by rolling hills and the distant Allegheny Mountains in their autumn colors.

Just a short detour away, downtown Blacksburg adds even more charm to a fall road trip. Stroll along Main Street to discover spots like Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea or Blacksburg Books, where a cozy cup or a good read pairs perfectly with the town’s lively yet laid-back atmosphere.

For those who prefer to leave the car behind, the county’s trails are just as captivating. The Huckleberry Trail, stretching more than fourteen miles between Blacksburg and Christiansburg, is part of the nation’s rail-to-trail system and welcomes walkers, runners, and cyclists alike. In the fall, it becomes a natural corridor of color, offering glimpses of farmland, forests, and historical sites along the way.

Deeper into the wilderness, the Jefferson National Forest provides more than two thousand miles of paths for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Just outside Blacksburg, Pandapas Pond Recreation Area offers a perfect starting point, with easy lakeside strolls and access to the Poverty Creek Trail System. In autumn, the forest is alive with migrating birds and the crunch of leaves underfoot — a multisensory celebration of the season.

For those building confidence on two wheels, the Blacksburg Rotary Mountain Skills Bike Park offers a controlled environment where riders can practice balance and technique before venturing onto the more demanding mountain trails.

Meanwhile, birders will find a quieter kind of adventure at Heritage Community Park, a 169-acre landscape of meadows, wetlands, and floodplains where more than 120 bird species have been recorded. During migration season in the fall, the park is alive with movement, from warblers darting through the trees to raptors gliding on crisp thermals overhead. Afterwards, continue the experience with a craft beverage or farm-to-table meal at Rising Silo Brewery, located just minutes away.

After a day of winding drives and colorful trails, Montgomery County offers plenty of ways to settle in for the night. Step back in time at The Oaks Victorian Inn in Christiansburg, where historic charm meets modern hospitality. Or retreat to the Manor House at Beliveau Farm Winery, surrounded by vineyards and mountain views that feel especially magical in autumn. Travelers with RVs or a love of camping can find riverside sites at New River Junction. Whether you prefer the elegance of an inn, the warmth of a vineyard stay, or the simplicity of a campfire evening, Blacksburg – Christiansburg – Montgomery County makes it easy to match your stay to your style of autumn getaway.

Peak foliage typically arrives from mid-October through early November, when the mountains are alive with color and the air turns crisp. Cooler weather makes layering clothing essential, and most trailheads and scenic pull-offs provide convenient parking. Weekdays often bring calmer experiences, giving you the chance to enjoy the scenery at your own pace. Plan your autumn escape at GoToMontVA.com, your hub for itineraries, event listings, and insider tips. However you wander, go to town in Blacksburg – Christiansburg – Montgomery County, Virginia, and let fall color guide the way.