Fall Foliage Across Indiana

Brown County State Park

Often called the “Little Smokies” for its rolling hills resembling Appalachia, Brown County State Park is one of the best places in the state to catch the fall colors. Overlooks like Hesitation Point provide breathtaking panoramic views of the expansive forest. You can immerse yourself in the changing leaves out on the trails, whether you are hiking, mountain biking, or even horseback riding! Want to see how the foliage is progressing before your visit? Watch the colors change daily with the Brown County leaf cam and time your trip for peak color.

O'Bannon Woods State Park

There are plenty of trees to watch change with the cooler weather at O’Bannon Woods State Park on the Ohio River. You can pitch a tent, take a hike, and climb the fire tower to get a sweeping view of the autumnal landscape. Afterward, drive over to Indiana Caverns for more natural beauty—above and below ground!

Ohio River Scenic Byway

You can cruise down the road on the Ohio River Scenic Byway, surrounded by awe-inspiring sights of fall foliage. This route runs through cities, open countryside, and historic small towns all across the southern border of Indiana. Stop for lunch at the Overlook Restaurant to enjoy some Southern home cooking while looking out across the Ohio.

Hoosier National Forest

This massive expanse of trees spreads over 203,000 acres and offers everything you could want for an autumnal leaf-peeping adventure! You can camp or rent a cabin, or if you’re not into roughing it, you can stay at the French Lick Resort and take day trips into the Hoosier National Forest. If you like to get out on the water in the fall, head over to Patoka Lake where you can rent kayaks and canoes or reserve a spot on one of their Fall Foliage Wine Cruises.

Parke County Covered Bridges

Parke County calls itself the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World.” The county hosts an annual 10-day Covered Bridge Festival in mid-October, when you can explore these historic structures, enjoy delicious food and, of course, see the striking fall leaves. While you’re driving around the county, visit Turkey Run State Park and Shades State Park to see autumn colors alongside magnificent rock formations.

Holliday Park

One of Indianapolis’ oldest parks sits just six miles north of downtown on 94 acres along the White River. Holliday Park offers a retreat to nature within the city, so it’s a great place to observe the beauty of fall while staying close to all the exciting things to do in Indy. Walk along the paved trails and get transported back in time at The Ruins!

Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area

Enjoy a nature walk at Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area in Festival Country, just south of Indy. You can spot all kinds of animals and birds in the diverse array of habitats that flourish here, along with wildflowers and, of course, the changing colors of the trees.

Mounds State Park

Mounds State Park has a rich history reaching back over 2,000 years. Among the 10 unique earthworks, the largest is the Great Mound, which archaeologists estimate was constructed around 160 B.C. There are several scenic trails to hike where you can see the beautiful autumnal colors come in over the White River.

Ouabache State Park

Located near Bluffton along the Wabash River, Ouabache State Park was once called the “Greatest Wildlife Laboratory” in the country. This is a wonderful place to hike, camp, and see the fall leaves. Climb the fire tower for a panoramic view of the forest or take a walk around Kunkel Lake to see the autumn colors reflected in the water. While you’re there, you’ll also want to check out the 20-acre bison habitat.

Chain O’Lakes State Park

This is lake country and a small boater’s paradise, an outdoor extravaganza perfect for leaf peeping. Chain O’Lakes is a must for your autumn adventure. Paddle through the chain of nine of the park's 13 serene kettle lakes, angle for fish, hike the 29 miles of forested trails, stay overnight in a hillside family cabin, visit the park’s historic one-room Stanley Schoolhouse, and explore the Nature Center this fall. You can rent watercraft or bring your own, but there are no gas motors allowed.

Prophetstown State Park

Indiana’s youngest state park is a great place to get out in nature this fall and see the orange leaves and golden fields of prairie grass. Prophetstown State Park has a handful of beautiful hiking trails, a bicycle trail, and campsites where you can spend the night. You can learn about farm lifestyles from the 1920s and Native American culture at The Farm at Prophetstown, which includes 900 acres of restored prairie.

Indiana Dunes National Park

Along the south shore of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park is an excellent destination for leaf peeping. This park is home to a diverse community of wildlife and plants, including more than 350 species of birds. There is so much history and natural beauty to explore through the many landscapes and the shoreline of the second-largest Great Lake. And while you’re in the area, be sure to stop by some of the South Shore’s U-Pick apple orchards and pumpkin patches!

Efroymson Prairie at Kankakee Sands

The Indiana chapter of The Nature Conservancy manages this preserve, which is home to over 86 threatened and endangered species. There is so much wonderful fall foliage to see here, along with tall prairie grasses that turn golden as autumn sets in. But the real stars of the show on the Efroymson Prairie at Kankakee Sands are the bison. The Bison Viewing Area provides the best experience for catching sight of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.