Okay, we all know that when you think of fall foliage in Indiana — you think of Brown County.
Maybe you don’t want to travel that far or you just want to discover a new neck of the woods. Thanks to Central Indiana Land Trust, we’re sharing a few nature preserves that are great for viewing fall colors and bonus: they don’t get as crowded as Brown County.
- Oliver’s Woods | Indianapolis | Right in the heart of Keystone at the Crossing is this hidden gem along the White River. The wooded paths offer an array of autumn colors. To get on the river and experience fall’s beauty from a different vantage point, use Oliver’s Woods’ canoe launch.
- Meltzer Woods | Shelbyville | This is one of the last old-growth forests in Indiana —meaning it has trees older than 150 years that have been left undisturbed for more than a century. Its 1.2-mile loop trail is easy for hikers of all levels. Bonus: Not far from the parking lot is a self-serve pumpkin patch where you can pick one of 20 varieties off the vine.
- Burnett Woods | Avon | A stroll through this diverse forest provides a close-up view of the many layers and strata of colors that come from a wide range of tree species. Pro tip: It’s an easy walk, so it’s good for young kids or those with mobility challenges.
- Blossom Hollow | Johnson County | You’ll find a more traditional, hilly leaf-peeping adventure at Blossom Hollow, but you’ll enjoy being away from the crowd. Round out your fall outing by making a stop at Apple Works for apples, U-pick pumpkins, and fresh-squeezed cider.
