October brings a steady stream of travelers to the Blue Ridge Parkway. They make the drive with one goal in mind: chasing fall colors. Mile after mile, the Parkway drive runs through ridges and valleys that turn brilliant with maples, oaks, and hickories.

If you’re leaf-peeping this year, Galax makes sense as a stop; its Parkway exit (near mile marker 213) is minutes from town. From there, you can reach nearby overlooks during the day and have a comfortable place to eat, sleep, and explore in the evening. That combination makes the trip more relaxed than driving all day, eating snack food, and getting home exhausted.

Timing the Peak

Fall color doesn’t happen all at once. Higher elevations usually turn first, with the show moving down the slopes as October goes on. In Virginia, the best viewing often falls between the middle and end of the month.

That short window means timing matters. Staying in Galax gives you flexibility. You can head out in the morning, see how the leaves are changing at different spots, and come back without feeling rushed.

Overlooks and Trails Nearby

Just a short drive from Galax, you’ll find spots along the Parkway that show off fall colors without taking you far from town.

At milepost 213, the Blue Ridge Music Center blends scenery with culture. The visitor center museum highlights the region’s music traditions with exhibits on old-time, bluegrass, and country roots, featuring instruments, recordings, and stories from the musicians who shaped the sound of the Blue Ridge. If you’d like to stretch your legs, the Music Center’s High Meadow Trail leads to sweeping mountain views, while the Fisher Peak Loop winds through mixed forest and streams.

The Groundhog Mountain Picnic Area at milepost 188 has tables, grills, and a hewn-log observation tower with a broad view of the ridges. It’s an easy place to pause for lunch and take in the season.

These Parkway stops keep you close to Galax while offering a mix of overlooks, history, and trails, all set against a backdrop of fall color.

Galax: More Than a Parkway Exit

Some of those chasing fall colors see Galax as just a marker on their Parkway map. Spend an evening here, though, and you’ll get a different picture. Unlike many small communities along the Parkway, Galax sits just minutes from the Parkway, yet offers the services of a much larger town. Visitors find full-service hotels, a range of restaurants, and evening entertainment that goes beyond a quick stop. That convenience makes Galax one of the best bases for anyone enjoying fall colors along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Lodging ranges from chain hotels to small bed-and-breakfasts. Restaurants serve a variety of dishes, from barbecue to down-home breakfasts, and there are five independent specialty coffee shops. Music is part of the town’s identity. The Rex Theatre hosts live shows, and downtown often has live performances that carry on the region’s old-time and bluegrass traditions.

Choosing Galax as your base supports local businesses and makes your trip easier. Instead of piecing together meals and rooms along the way, you can settle in and enjoy the Parkway at your own pace.

Planning Your Trip

A few simple steps will help. Check Parkway conditions before heading out, since weather and maintenance can close sections. Bring clothing layers, as the temperature can feel very different at 3,000 feet than it does down on the Piedmont. Weekdays see lighter traffic, but weekends are fine if you plan ahead.

Most important: book early. Hotels and restaurants in Galax fill up quickly when the colors peak. Think of the town not just as a place to pass through, but as the hub that lets you enjoy chasing fall colors without the stress of constant travel.

The Blue Ridge Parkway in October is busy for good reason. The scenery is worth it, and with Galax as your anchor, chasing fall colors becomes more than a day trip; it’s a full fall getaway.

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Wayne Jordan is a Galax-based writer and storyteller. His Scots-Irish ancestors settled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1760, and he has deep roots there. The author of four books, Wayne is a retired Senior Editor for WorthPoint Corporation, a long-time columnist for Kovels Antique Trader Magazine, and a contributor to regional newspapers and travel publications. He blogs at BlueRidgeTales.com.