When Indiana's leaves will peak this fall
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Don't let a few hot September days fool you — actual autumn weather and the Hoosier state's peak foliage period are fast approaching.
The big picture: Leaf-peeping season starts in the North and at high elevations in the U.S. before making its way South, per travel brand SmokyMountains.com.
- SmokyMountains.com used historical weather reports, tree species info and user data to put together 2025 foliage prediction maps of the U.S.
- Leaves in Indiana should reach near peak around mid-October in the northern part of the state, with the lower portion of the state reaching past its peak around late October.
- For Indianapolis and the majority of Central Indiana, plan for a peak between Oct. 20-27.
Yes, but: AccuWeather forecasts a mixed fall foliage season. While Indiana may see brilliant colors, large stretches of the Smoky Mountain and Appalachian regions are expected to look duller than usual.
What they're saying: "There will be drastic differences in fall foliage across this country this year," AccuWeather's Paul Pastelok said in a statement. "We expect vibrant colors across much of New England and the Midwest this autumn."
- "Don't wait too long to check out the leaves as they approach peak color. The fall foliage may not last very long this year."
Zoom in: Some fantastic fall colors can be found right here in the Circle City at spots like Eagle Creek, Fort Harrison, Holliday Park and the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at Newfields. But we also love:
- Brown County State Park — About 58 miles away from Indianapolis.
- Turkey Run State Park — 70 miles away.
- Clifty Falls State Park — 101 miles away.
The bottom line: Even with warmer weather shifting timelines, there will still be plenty of reds, yellows, oranges and purples to see across the country.
📫 We want to know: Where are your favorite leaf-viewing spots in Indiana? And for the road trippers, where are the best out-of-state viewing spots around the Midwest?
- Email us at [email protected] and share your recommendations (and photos!) so we can spread the beauty of fall colors.