Hungry Mother State Park
A 108-acre lake that reflects the surrounding fall color, popular for photography and easy walks.
Forest Composition
Conditions & 5-Day Forecast
Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Hungry Mother State Park
Peak fall color is predicted around October 23. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 18 to October 28.
The prediction comes from 14 years of fall color records at this spot, checked against what observers on the ground saw. Where state foliage spotters report peak (New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Missouri), it has landed inside our ±5-day window about two years in three. An unusual summer or autumn can still move it further. Explore fall color around Smyth County and across Virginia.
That is 3 days later than usual (October 19): the six weeks to October 13 ran 2.8°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Hungry Mother State Park
1 to 2 hours
2 to 3 hours
- Roan Mountain State Park94 mi · 2 hr 7 minTennesseePeak: Oct 20Status: Moderate color
- Pilot Mountain State Park99 mi · 2 hr 8 minNorth CarolinaPeak: Nov 4Status: Moderate color
- Blue Ridge Parkway90 mi · 2 hr 17 minNorth CarolinaPeak: Oct 20Status: Moderate color
- McAfee Knob110 mi · 2 hr 18 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Blue Ridge Parkway112 mi · 2 hr 21 minPeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color