Rockbridge County turns into one of Virginia’s best-kept fall secrets every October — winding river gorges, farmland framed by mountains, and a stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway that rivals anywhere else on the 469-mile route. Peak color in the area typically arrives mid-to-late October, so plan your visit accordingly. Here are the real, local drives worth taking — and why a scheduled ride beats navigating narrow mountain roads yourself.
Route 39 Through Goshen Pass — the essential local drive
If you only do one fall drive near Lexington, make it this one. Route 39, part of the Appalachian Waters Scenic Byway, follows the Maury River west from Lexington through Goshen Pass — a 3.7-mile gorge that’s been protected as Virginia’s oldest state-managed natural area since 1954. The drive winds past the Virginia Horse Center, through Rockbridge Baths (don’t miss the swinging bridge), and into the gorge itself, flanked by Hogback Mountain and Jump Mountain.
Fall is when this drive earns its reputation — reviewers consistently call it one of the most beautiful stretches of road in Virginia, with the gorge’s oak and pine forest reflecting in the Maury River below. There are marked pull-offs for photos, and a wayside picnic spot partway through if you want to stop and take it in.
Good to know: the road through the gorge is narrow, two lanes, and genuinely winding — beautiful, but not a relaxed drive if you’re behind the wheel and trying to look at the scenery at the same time.
Route 252 — the Avenue of Trees
Known locally as the Brownsburg Turnpike, this quieter route runs from Route 39 just outside Lexington up to the village of Brownsburg, lined with trees that give the road its nickname. It’s a slower, more rural alternative to Goshen Pass — rolling countryside, farmland, and a good pick if you want fall color without the winding mountain curves. Pick up Route 606 along the way for historic sites and access to some of the area’s wineries.
The Blue Ridge Parkway — 20 Miles Through Rockbridge County
The Parkway’s run alongside Rockbridge County covers about 20 miles of the full 469-mile route, and mid-October puts it near peak color — oranges, reds, and yellows across the mountains, with the Shenandoah Valley spread out below. Start from the Buena Vista Overlook, where House Mountain dominates the western horizon, and continue onto the Parkway itself for one of the most scenic stretches in the state.
Quick Comparison
| Drive | Distance from Lexington | Best For |
| Route 39 / Goshen Pass | ~15–20 min to the gorge | The single best local fall drive; river gorge views |
| Route 252 / Avenue of Trees | ~15 min | Quieter countryside, less winding |
| Blue Ridge Parkway (Rockbridge stretch) | ~20 min to Buena Vista Overlook | Classic mountain overlooks, longer drive |
Why Book a Ride Instead of Driving Yourself
Goshen Pass and the Blue Ridge Parkway are genuinely beautiful, but they’re also narrow, winding, two-lane roads with drop-offs and blind curves — not the easiest drive when everyone in the car is craning their neck at the scenery instead of the road. A private shuttle lets your whole group actually watch the foliage instead of splitting attention between driving and looking, with stops at overlooks and pull-offs built into your route.
This is also one of the best times of year to pair a foliage drive with a stop at a local winery — several of Rockbridge County’s wineries sit along or near these same routes. See our Lexington winery and brewery tours if you want to build fall color viewing into a full day out.
FAQ
When is peak fall foliage near Lexington, VA?
Peak color typically arrives mid-to-late October in Rockbridge County, though it can vary year to year depending on weather. Higher elevations along the Blue Ridge Parkway tend to peak slightly earlier than the valley floor.
Is Goshen Pass a difficult drive?
The road itself is paved and maintained, but it’s narrow, two-lane, and winds through the gorge — manageable for any driver, but not a relaxed drive if you’re also trying to enjoy the scenery. Many visitors prefer to be a passenger rather than drive it themselves.
Can I combine a fall foliage drive with a winery visit?
Yes — several Rockbridge County wineries sit along or near these same scenic routes, making it easy to combine a foliage drive with tastings. See our winery and brewery tour services for details.
Do you offer private group tours for fall foliage viewing?
Yes — we can build a custom route around Goshen Pass, the Avenue of Trees, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, with stops for photos and overlooks along the way. Contact us to plan your fall foliage tour.
Ready to book? Contact Traveller Shuttle Services or call (540) 784-4022 for availability — fall weekends fill up fast.
