Updated OCTOBER 2025.
Coastal publications love to call Indiana "flyover country."
They don't know what they're missing at 30,000 feet, especially in October. Our front seat to this deciduous sunset makes the Midwest the prime location for the leaf change, so throw the bike rack on the car and go see Indiana in her most brilliant outfit.
Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower
Norman, IN
At the Charles Deam Wilderness Area, you can climb many stairs to look out from the Hickory Ridge tower over the tops of the entire Hoosier National Forest. Less than 2 hours drive from Indianapolis, even on country roads, this is the absolute prime spot to see the trees and take breathtaking photos. When we say you can see all the trees, we mean all of the trees. About halfway up the stairs, you're going to question whether or not it's worth it, so put a granola bar in your pocket and power through.
Hoosier National Forest
Norman, IN
If you're afraid of heights, the tower will not be your jam, but a hike on the hard ground around the tower might be. The park has many long trails, with their longest clocking in at 48.7 miles. This is one park where it pays to stick to the trails during the fall, which is also hunting season, as you might cross over into private property. The Forest Service recommends hikers wear high-visibility orange once hunting season is full.
Cataract Falls
Lieber State Recreation Area
If we're listing our favorite day trips in the state, this has to be top of the list. It's the largest waterfall in the state, cascading down wide shale cliffs that used to drive a sawmill. Jennings Township was once a bustling center of commerce, largely driven by businesses along Mill Creek, the artifacts of which are still visible around town.
Clifty Falls State Park
Madison, IN
Madison's most famous locale is also prime leaf change viewing, with the gentle trickle of the falls swelling with the increase in seasonal rains. The falls empty into a concave "bowl," and the property is covered in hilly tails with stairs and walking paths installed to help you traverse the topography. Check out the information provided on the trails about the native bat population and how the DNR is helping to protect them from winter temps and disease.
Garfield Park
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis's oldest park maintains many original trees, which have spread into enormous canopies that turn brilliant gold and orange in fall. The park's conservatory is an indoor tropical paradise, so if you come during the change, you can see nearly every foliage color in nature's rainbow.
Riley's Tomb at Crown Hill Cemetary
The highest point in the city happens to be standing on the gravesite, and not just any gravesite, James Whitcomb Riley. The Hoosier Poet, as he was known, wrote many children's books and was, at least until Vonnegut changed the game, Indiana's most famous literary figure. Standing on his gravesite, you get a glorious 360-degree view of the city, with the old foliage taking center stage. As massive cemeteries go, it's hard to beat Crown Hill in the old-growth tree game, with large herds of deer visible at dawn and dusk.
Fountain Square Rooftop
Fountain Square
You've only got 'til the end of September (weather pending), but there's no better place to see the city lights while you watch the trees change. We're lucky in Indy to have many old trees in our urban spaces, and this vantage point ensures you can see it all.
Turkey Run
Marshall, IN
Are you ready to show your Instagram audience who takes THE best fall color photos in the state? Because Turkey Run's got a suspended bridge with your name on it. Hanging over Sugar Creek, you can get a pic of the trees on both sides of the water as they turn every shade of the sunset. The best time to go is when it's warm enough to keep the moss green but right when the trees start to change so you can get the full spectrum of colors.
Shades State Park
Waveland, IN
Just up the road and to the east is Shades State Park, which features much of the same rock formations as Turkey Run, carved out by Sugar Creek. The Solange of sandstone cliffs, if you will. They've got the signature Parke County covered bridges, well, covered.
Parke County Covered Bridges
Parke County, IN
In what was once known as the Covered Bridge Capital of the World, you can still find lots of covered bridges perfect for photographing or painting. If you're looking for a real adventure, head that way during the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival!
McCormick's Creek State Park
Spencer, IN
To quote the SNL character Stefan, this park has everything: waterfalls, hiking, indoor recreation areas, and, yes, horseback riding. You can throw on your pack and hoof it on your own two feet, or head over to their saddle barn and hoof it down the ol' dusty trail in the most literal sense. You can find primitive camping all the way up to a full-service inn on the property, with electric hookups available for your camper.
Brown County State Park
Nashville, IN
Its nickname is the "Little Smokies," as there are just enough hills to climb to give it that foothills feel. Brown County is also just the quaintest little spot in the state, made for long weekenders and — hint hint — a prime location for folks to pop the question to their leaf-loving lovers. You can thank us in your wedding program.
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN
We're already prepared to catch hell from Purdue students and alumni, but IU has the best campus look of every big state school in Indiana. Many of the campus' trees have been standing since the university's founding, and the university has preserved spots like Dunn's Woods and the IU Arboretum, making it one of the most gorgeously green campuses around. Fall turns it into something out of a college-based romcom, so save enough time before the next tailgate to take a walk and see it all.
Butler University
Indianapolis, IN
Holcomb Gardens on Butler's campus becomes one of the best fall foliage spots for about two months a year. You can and should walk the canal as long as your legs can take it, as the towpath will tour you through the best sections, lined on both sides with changing trees.
White River Trail
Indianapolis, IN
Yes, walk the canal during fall, but keep walking once you hit the White River trail, which always delivers on the tree-lined vistas from spring through autumn. You can see the entire downtown skyline, and the trail bends with the river, offering the ultimate spot to memorialize with a selfie.
Where's your favorite place to enjoy the fall colors?
Let us know at [email protected]!
