It's a perfect time to explore the district's national parks and nature trails. Here is a list of ways to experience the beauty of fall foliage by boat, train, and more:

Shenandoah National Park

Enjoy the fall sights of Shenandoah National Park with a drive along Skyline Drive or take an adventurous hike up Old Rag Mountain. For an even more immersive leaf-peeping experience, take a train ride from historic Staunton through the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tickets for the Virginia Scenic Railway ride and dining excursions are sold out, but reservations may be available in case of cancellations ($15-30 for Shenandoah National Park, $120 for train ride).

Discover nature at the National Arboretum

If you missed the National Arboretum's blooming rose gardens and azaleas in the summer, don't worry: This Washington DC oasis still goes all out in the fall. Experience the red and orange leaves on 451 acres of nature as the trees reach peak season. There are also huge capitol building porticos and indoor exhibits (free).

Paddle or bike the Potomac Heritage Trail

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is easily accessible from Georgetown, Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia. You can bike through wooded trails and vibrant forest areas or kayak along the Potomac River to the Chesapeake Bay (free).

Tractor Tours in Mount Vernon

The Mount Vernon Trail is a great place for unobstructed views of DC's fascinating monuments and access to the area's historic monuments surrounding Arlington and downtown DC. Along the way, you can also visit George Washington's Mount Vernon estate for further glimpses of fall foliage. From November 1-5, guests can take a guided tractor ride through the Mount Vernon countryside and learn about the process of forest regeneration ($28).

Cruise the C&O Canal

The Great Falls Canal Boat Program runs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in October. Up to nine cruise ships can sail along the C&O Canal in 30-foot-long barges from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, surrounded by the glowing forests of Great Falls (free but available on a first come, first served basis).

Stroll through the gardens at Dumbarton Oaks

Explore this historic Georgetown landscape—designed by gardener Beatrix Farrand in collaboration with art collector Mildred Bliss—at your own pace. There are 10 hectares full of gardens, sculptures, colorful shrubs and Elaeagnus trees ($11).

Take a history walk at Rock Creek Park

If you're looking for some adventure and education, then this history walking tour is a cool option. On November 11, join DC Design Tours for a four-mile stroll through the photo-worthy sights and stunning fall foliage of Rock Creek Park. You'll visit the rustic Boulder Bridge, the Smithsonian National Zoo, the Pierce-Klingle Mansion and other attractions ($35 for public tours, $250 for private tours).

Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian and tour guide who specializes in researching DC history and culture. She is the author of the Black History Book, Black Broadway in Washington, DCa story first published in Washingtonian in 2016.