The best places to leaf peep in Indiana
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Looking up from the Knobstone Trail. Photo: Arika Herron/Axios
Peak fall foliage in central Indiana will be here before you know it, so it's time to start making your leaf-peeping plans.
Why it matters: Brown County may be the most obvious choice (for good reason), but that means it's also one of the busiest.
- Here are our favorite alternatives, closer to home or a little off the beaten path.
The best place, without leaving the city: Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park or Eagle Creek Park
- Fort Ben, the 1,700-acre park in Lawrence, has trails for all levels — including a 3.2-mile paved path for bicyclists — and the forest surroundings can make you easily forget you're still in Marion County. If you're looking for a longer bike ride, take the Fall Creek Trail in or out of the park.
- If you're on the west side of town, Eagle Creek is the place to go. You can enjoy the fall colors while hiking or biking — or even while out on the water in a kayak or canoe.
- Bonus: Do leaf peeping and bird watching together and stop by the Ornithology Center, which overlooks a bird sanctuary, at Eagle Creek.
The best place for views all to yourself: The Knobstone Trail in Brownstown
- The 60-mile backcountry trail is great for a weekend-long through hike or a pick a section for a day hike.
- At the south end, the Top of the Rock Loop trail starts in the scenic Deam Lake State Recreation Area. The 7.5-mile loop provides incredible views of southern Indiana's high ridges.
- From the north, you can park at picturesque Delaney Creek Park and take in the views around the 88-acre lake before hopping on the trail for an out-and-back hike of the distance you prefer, or for a 6-mile loop.
The best day trip for more than just views: Celery Bog Nature Area and Prophetstown State Park
- A quick drive up to Tippecanoe County provides the perfect one-two punch for anyone who wants to blend wildlife watching and local history with their leaf peeping.
- Amphibians, small mammals and nearly 120 different species of birds hang out at the Celery Bog, which features walking trails that wind through a tranquil marsh. Bring boots because it can get wet.
- At Prophetstown, Indiana's newest state park, visitors can interact with exhibits and displays that tell the story of the Shawnee leaders who previously called the land home, and the Battle of Tippecanoe that resulted in the fall of Prophetstown.
Pro tip: If you still want to see the beauty of Brown County, use the live leaf cam to check for peak color!