Top 5 Fall Foliage Destinations in Indiana

We love some good Indiana fall foliage. 

And according to the Farmers’ Almanac, peak fall foliage dates for 2023 are October 5-21 in northern Indiana and October 12-28 in southern Indiana, making this a great time to plan a scenic weekend road trip.

Related Article: Fall Fun Bucket List Ideas in Indianapolis

Here are the 5 best places to see fall foliage in Indiana: 

Clifty Falls State Park

Location: Madison, IN

Located on Route 56 just west of Madison, Indiana, this gorgeous state park sits atop the hills overlooking the Ohio River. Enjoy a scenic, winding drive through the park while taking in picturesque waterfalls, cliffs, and steep gorges, all bathed in the beauty of fall. There are also a number of well-established trails to explore by foot. This is a great park for photo enthusiasts.

Turkey Run State Park

Location: Marshall, IN

Nestled along State Road 47 southwest of Crawfordsville, Turkey Run State Park is glorious year-round, but especially in the fall. Walk in the footsteps of the Miami Indians along breathtaking trails that wind through sandstone cliffs and gorges. Get a sweeping view of the aged forests that line Sugar Creek from the park’s Suspension Bridge.

Related Article: 6 Best Indiana State Parks to Visit with your Kids

Spring Mill State Park

Location: Mitchell, IN

Set against a backdrop of stately oaks and rolling scenic hills outside Mitchell, Indiana, Spring Mill State Park offers scenic vistas bustling with activity. Explore the restored pioneer village that will transport you to the 1800s. Head underground on a guided tour through the Twin Caves. While in the area, be sure to visit the Virgil I. Grissom Memorial – a tribute to astronaut Virgil I. “Guss” Grissom, a native of Mitchell, who was a pioneer in the United States space program.

Brown County State Park

Location: Nashville, IN

Of course, no Indiana fall foliage list would be complete without Brown County State Park. At 16,000 acres, this is Indiana’s largest state park, offering ample hiking trails, scenic drives as well as guided horseback rides that get you up close and personal with the splendor of fall. Nearby, downtown Nashville, Indiana, is a great place to explore quaint shops and grab a bite to eat.

Parke County

Location: Parke County

With a whopping 31 covered bridges, Parke County has earned the title of “Covered Bridge Capital of the World”! And there’s no better time to drive through this scenic destination than fall. Each bridge has a story to tell – learn more here before setting out on your journey. While in the area, be sure to check out the area’s Amish Country. Note that the area will be more crowded than usual during the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival, October 13-22, 2023.