About 1 hour, 20 minutes southeast of Indianapolis, the ski hills at Perfect North Slopes look very different once October rolls around. Instead of snow, ColorFall at Perfect North Slopes fills the Lawrenceburg property with glowing jack-o’-lanterns, illuminated trees and fall light displays along a one-mile trail around the lake.
ColorFall runs Friday and Saturday evenings from Oct. 2 through Nov. 7, 12 nights in all. Along with the lighted walking trail, admission includes tractor-pulled wagon rides and a ride on the Red Chairlift, giving families a few different ways to see the property after dark.
Related Article: Find more fall fun around Indianapolis
ColorFall includes a one-mile lighted trail around the lake
The centerpiece of ColorFall is a self-guided, one-mile gravel loop around the lake at Perfect North Slopes. The trail is lined with large LED-lit trees, fall scenes, illuminated jack-o’-lanterns and Halloween displays.
This isn’t set up as a haunted attraction. Perfect North describes the trail as not scary, although a few sections can get a little spooky. That distinction matters for families who like Halloween decorations but have kids who want nothing to do with actors jumping out of the bushes.
The lighted trail opens once it gets dark. Early in the run, that’s well after the 6 p.m. gate opening, so there’s time to eat first. By the final weekend, after the time change, the trail opens not long after the gates do. Perfect North says most visitors spend about one to one and a half hours between the entry area and the walking loop, although families can take the trail at their own pace.
Chairlift and wagon rides are included with admission
The ticket covers more than the walking trail. Guests can ride the Red Chairlift up the hill or take a tractor-pulled wagon ride, both included with admission. Wagon rides start at dark, same as the trail.
The chairlift ride can take up to 25 minutes round trip, so it’s worth factoring that into the evening rather than treating it as a quick add-on at the end. Children ages 3 and younger get in free but can’t ride the chairlift, so if you’re bringing a baby or toddler, plan on someone staying on the ground with them.
Food, drinks and the stroller situation
Food, snacks and seasonal hot and cold drinks are available for purchase on the patio outside the East Lodge and at a second stop about halfway around the trail. Seasonal alcoholic drinks are also available for guests ages 21 and older. Outside food and drinks are not permitted. Perfect North posts the ColorFall menu online.
Families with younger kids should pay attention to the trail surface. This is a gravel hiking loop, not a paved light display. Perfect North allows off-road or large-wheeled strollers and off-road wagons, which make considerably more sense here than the tiny-wheeled stroller that usually lives in the trunk.
Restrooms are inside the East Lodge and again halfway around the trail, so nobody has to make it all the way back to the entrance.
ColorFall tickets, dates and hours
- Dates: Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 2–Nov. 7
- Gates open: 6 p.m.
- Lighted trail and wagon rides: Open at dark
- Last entry: 9:30 p.m. for the walking trail, wagon ride and chairlift
- Adults: $18
- Kids (ages 3 to 12): $9
- Ages 3 and younger: Free admission, no chairlift rides
Buy tickets online through Perfect North Slopes or outside the East Lodge when you arrive. Advance tickets are not required. Enter through the pumpkin arch on the left side of the building.
ColorFall operates in rain, snow or sunshine and closes only if severe weather or damage makes the property unsafe. Tickets are nonrefundable.
Plan your visit to ColorFall at Perfect North Slopes
- Location: Perfect North Slopes
- Address: 19074 Perfect Lane, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
- Drive from Indianapolis: About 1 hour, 20 minutes, according to Perfect North Slopes
- Restrooms: Inside the East Lodge and halfway around the lighted trail
- Strollers and wagons: Off-road or large-wheeled strollers and off-road wagons only
- Pets: Service animals only
- Website: perfectnorth.com/colorfall
- Phone: (812) 537-3754
From Indianapolis, ColorFall sits in a nice middle ground for a fall outing: far enough away to feel like a destination, but close enough to make the trip without giving up the entire weekend. The one-mile trail, chairlift and wagon ride give families enough to do once they get there to make the drive worthwhile.
