My Top Fall Spots in Indiana
Fall in Indiana doesn’t mess around. It shows up fast, makes a scene, and vanishes before you even realize it. One morning, the forest glows gold and red; a week later, you’re crunching through what’s left of it. It’s a short season, and the only way to catch it is to get outside before it’s gone.
Whether you’re after a peaceful drive through the hills or a trail that leaves your legs burning, these are my favorite places to experience Indiana when it’s wearing its brightest colors.
Brown County State Park: The Classic
Brown County isn’t just Indiana’s best-known fall spot—it’s the definition of fall in the Midwest. It’s 16,000 acres look like they’ve been dipped in gold paint. From mid to late October, sugar maples, oaks, and hickories turn every ridge into a postcard.
Ogle Lake
Best Fall Views
Start your visit at Hesitation Point, one of the park’s most iconic overlooks. On a crisp morning, the view stretches endlessly. If you’d rather be in the color than above it, Trail 8 winds through dense hardwood forest and feels like walking through a living painting.
Fun fact: Brown County is nicknamed The Little Smokies because its forested hills resemble the Great Smoky Mountains.
Scenic drive through Brown County
What to Expect
The scenic drive offers jaw-dropping views without much effort, making it ideal for families, beginners, or anyone who prefers a leisurely pace. Wildlife lovers will enjoy spotting deer and migratory birds throughout the park. The Nature Center is an excellent family stop, with interactive exhibits and trails that make learning about the environment fun.
Must-See Spots
Ogle Lake at sunrise: The reflections are unreal.
West Lookout Tower: Climb to the top for a panoramic sweep of fall color.
Tips for Visiting
Peak color: Mid to late October.
What to bring: Layers, a camera, and some patience—it gets busy.
Grab a bite: The Restaurant at Hard Truth in nearby Nashville hits the spot after a long day.
Stay: The Abe Martin Lodge for cozy vibes, or one of the park’s campsites if you prefer stars over ceilings.
West Lookout
Charles C. Deam Wilderness: The Quiet One
Hickory Ridge Fire Tower
If Brown County is a party, the Charles C. Deam Wilderness is the retreat that follows. Just south of Bloomington, it covers 13,000 acres of quiet trails, wildlife, and solitude.
When fall hits, Deam becomes a cathedral of color. The Hickory Ridge Fire Tower stands 110 feet tall and offers one of the most breathtaking views in the state. Hike up for sunrise and you’ll see fog curling through valleys of red and gold.
If you want to keep your boots on the ground, try the Sycamore Loop or the Peninsula Trail. Both offer that slow-burn kind of peace that makes you forget you even own a phone.
Fun fact: Deam is Indiana’s only federally designated wilderness area, meaning no permanent structures or vehicle traffic are allowed.
Must-See Spots
Hickory Ridge Fire Tower: Sunrise is unbeatable.
Peninsula Trail: Ends at a secluded cove on Lake Monroe, perfect for golden-hour photos.
Trail mushrooms: Keep an eye out for puffballs and other fall fungi along the forest floor.
Puffball Mushrooms found on the trail
Tips for Visiting
Peak color: Late October.
What to bring: A paper or downloaded map—no service here. Sturdy shoes and extra water.
Stay: Primitive camping is best, but Bloomington has great inns if you want comfort.
Post-hike food: The Scenic View Restaurant for fresh, local fare.
View from Hickory Ridge Fire Tower
McCormick’s Creek State Park: The Comeback Story
In March 2023, an EF-3 tornado ripped through McCormick’s Creek State Park, destroying nearly 300 acres in under a minute. But like the people who love it, the park is coming back strong.
Waterfall at McCormick’s Creek
Today, more than seven miles of trails are open again, including the iconic Falls Canyon Trail, where a waterfall spills through layers of limestone framed by fiery leaves. Visiting here in fall feels like witnessing resilience—in nature and in community.
Fun fact: McCormick’s Creek was Indiana’s first state park, established in 1916. Many of its trails and shelters were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Must-See Spots
Falls Canyon Trail: A short, scenic hike to the waterfall.
Canyon Inn: A historic lodge that’s been serving visitors for over a century.
Wolf Cave Trail: Great for families and a little adventure.
Tips for Visiting
Peak color: Early to mid-October.
What to bring: Boots, camera, and curiosity.
Stay: Canyon Inn or family cabins—book early, they fill fast.
Nearby eats: Local diners in Spencer for post-hike comfort food.
Bonus: Griffy Lake Nature Preserve - The Local Gem
Just minutes from downtown Bloomington, Griffy Lake feels like a hidden pocket of wilderness tucked inside the city. It’s one of my favorite spots for quick fall hikes, kayak mornings, or last-minute sunset shoots when the light gets good.
The lake itself covers 109 acres and sits inside a 1,200-acre nature preserve, surrounded by hardwood forest that turns every shade of red and orange come October.
If you want to stretch your legs, the North Shore Trail is a 3.3-mile loop that hugs the waterline, rising and falling gently through oak and beech trees. For something shorter, the Wetland Trail is a leisurely half-mile stroll where you might spot herons, woodpeckers, or the occasional deer.
Fun fact: Griffy Lake was built in the 1920s as Bloomington’s primary water source. Today it’s protected for recreation and wildlife—but the reservoir's history gives it a sense of calm permanence that locals love.
Must-See Spots
Causeway Overlook: Great for reflections at sunrise or sunset.
Boathouse Area: Rent a kayak or paddleboard for a calm morning paddle.
Accessible Pier: A peaceful spot to sit, fish, or take in the view.
Tips for Visiting
Peak color: Mid to late October.
What to bring: Good shoes, a camera, and maybe a kayak bag if you’re heading on the water.
Good to know: Swimming isn’t allowed, but dogs are welcome on leash.
Nearby fuel: Stop by Needmore Coffee on your way out for a post-hike treat.
Griffy doesn’t need an itinerary. It’s the kind of place you visit because it’s right there. If you live nearby, go often. The light, the reflections, and even the sound of the leaves on the water shift by the day.
A Final Note
Fall in Indiana is short, but it hits hard. Every trail, overlook, and lakeshore feels fleeting… like nature reminding us to slow down and pay attention. Whether you’re climbing a fire tower above the fog, watching waterfalls framed in color, or paddling a quiet lake near home, this season is a reminder that beauty doesn’t wait.
Take care of these places. Follow Leave No Trace, stay on the trail, and pack out what you pack in. And if you see me out there with my camera, say hey. I’ll probably be doing the same thing you are—trying to hold onto fall for just a few more minutes.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Before you pack your gear and head out, here’s a quick reminder: let's keep these places as incredible as they are now. Follow "Leave No Trace" principles—pack out what you pack in, respect wildlife, and stay on designated trails. Safety first: wear appropriate gear, watch the weather, and tell someone your plans.
See you out there—don't forget to wave when you pass me on the trail.
