Pumpkin spice lattes and apple picking are already in season, and that means peak fall foliage is not far behind.
As temperatures drop, it's time to bundle up and go outside to partake in the seasonal spectacle that is leaf peeping . Dedicated leaf peepers traditionally flock to New England and Vermont , which boasts some of the largest and most colorful forests in the country.
But Hoosiers don't need to travel all that far to catch the visual wonders of the season before they flutter to the ground. Brown County State Park alone welcomes about 20,000 visitors each year from Kentucky, Ohio and other parts of Indiana and the Midwest. For those who prefer not to go deeper into the woods, several Hoosier colleges show off vibrant colors on their leafy campuses for students and leaf peepers alike to enjoy.
Here's everything to know, from when the leaves will change colors to what the weather could look like, to how best to be the expert on your leaf peeping outing this fall.
When will leaves change colors in Indiana?
Predicting exactly when leaves will change colors can be tricky, but trusted foliage forecasts can provide a good indication of the best times and places to see fall colors.
Leaves should start changing colors in Indiana by the first week of October and turn deeper colors through the first week of November, according to a Smoky Mountains foliage prediction map.
Northern Indiana trees will peak around October 23. Leaf colors in Central and Southern Indiana will peak one week later on October 30.
The window to catch leaves at their peak colors is short, with most areas only in peak season for about a week, so plan accordingly. Peak colors and timing vary based on tree type and various weather factors, but the most common trees turn the same color year after year.
Where to go leaf peeping in Indiana
Brown County State Park in Nashville, Indiana
1405 State Road 46 W., one hour south of Indianapolis
Spanning more than 15,000 acres, Brown County State Park is the largest state park in Indiana. Its hills are some of the highest points in the state, making it a great place to gain a higher elevation and overlook the forest and all its colors. Entry to the park is $7 for in-state visitors.
More than 100 miles of trials zigzag through the park, including 18 miles of hiking trails and 30 miles of mountain biking trails. Visitors can also go on horseback rides.
Brown County offers an online live leaf camera for potential visitors to take a look at the current state of its grounds.
"We have a live feed of the trees, and people can start planning their vacation based off how our leaves are looking," said Cristina Villani, executive director of the Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Common trees in Brown County include the American beech, sugar maple, black walnut, shagbark hickory and white ash. When these trees turn color, they range from a burnt red to orange, along with a few rare yellow leaves.
Campgrounds offer a space for parked RVS and trailers while nearby cabins and lodges are available for nightly stays.
Hoosier National Forest in Bedford, Indiana
811 Constitution Avenue , about 90 minutes south of Indianapolis
There may be no better place in Indiana to get lost in nature than at Hoosier National Forest , a 204,000-acre forest full of rolling hills and trails.
Located about halfway between Indianapolis and the Kentucky state border in Bedford, Hoosier National Forest covers several small rural communities and nine counties. General access to the forest is free.
The Hoosier National Forest website has a map with several trails on it for hiking and mountain biking. The area has two scenic byways for those who prefer to enjoy the view from the comfort of a car.
Turkey Run State Park in Marshall, Indiana
8102 Park Road, 90 minutes east of Indianapolis
Along Sugar Creek southwest of Crawfordsville in Parke County, Turkey Run State Park is filled with old trees and sandstone ravines, offering plenty of trails and paths to explore. The park, known for its famous covered bridges, also has a cabin dedicated to Colonel Richard Lieber, the father of Indiana's parks system.
The Turkey Run Inn, nestled in the middle of the park, offers a place to stay for those who want to immerse themselves in nature a little longer.
College campuses
With lots of trees and large green spaces, college campuses across Indiana make for autumn backdrops that are worth a visit on their own or a walk around campus before a football game.
In Bloomington, Indiana University sits 20 miles west of Brown County State Park and offers leaf peeping in a similar array of reds and oranges. Up north near the Michigan state line, the University of Notre Dame boasts two lakes and multiple quad spaces for people to meander.
In Indianapolis, a walk through the Holcomb Gardens at Butler University could be just the place to scratch an itch for autumn without having to travel too far.
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Best places to see fall foliage around Indianapolis
While dedicated fans of foliage venture hours south or out of state to see the season's vibrant colors, there are plenty of hidden gems around Indianapolis where one can soak up fall without making it a day-long trip.
Fort Harrison State Park
5753 Glenn Road, Indianapolis
Nestled in the northeast corner of Marion County, Fort Harrison State Park offers ample space for nature in the midst of its surrounding urban landscape.
Although the park is known for having one of the largest hills for sledding in the winter, it's worth an autumn trip before the snow falls to soak in the sun and autumn foliage.
Visitors can walk through trails, fish in Fall Creek, picnic with friends and family or visit the site's two historic districts. Entry to the park is $7.
Eagle Creek Park
6515 Delong Road , Indianapolis
For a fall destination minutes from downtown Indianapolis, visit Eagle Creek Park , where hundreds of trees line waterways and trails. The park contains nearly 4,000 acres of forest and 1,400 acres of water, providing space for fishing, boating and hiking.
Entry for a car costs $6 while entry for a pedestrian or biker costs $1.
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Potter's Bridge Park
19401 Allisonville Road, Noblesville
With the only covered bridge remaining in Hamilton County and 66 acres of forested land, Potter's Bridge Park boasts spots to take in fall foliage. The park also runs along the White River, making it a serene getaway.
Crown Hill
700 W. 38th Street, Indianapolis
Looking for a fall backdrop and a view of the Indianapolis skyline? Crown Hill Cemetery is the place. The Crown Hill Foundation offers a fall foliage tour where a staff arborist will teach guests about the trees at the cemetery. While you're there, you can also learn about interesting people buried at the cemetery.
Trees have tags that correspond to an online tree map that tells about the type of tree.
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The Monon Trail
Some of the best fall colors can be seen on a walk or bike ride through the city. Running from 10th Street north through Hamilton County, the Monon Trail, with its canopy of leaves, offers views of vibrant fall colors, with plenty of opportunities to hop on and off.
What will Indiana weather be like this fall?
The National Weather Service predicts a warmer than usual fall for Indiana and the rest of the Midwest after a summer of record-breaking heat . The months of September, October and November have a 40% to 50% chance of higher than normal temperatures.
The La Niña climate pattern is also expected this year, which typically means drier weather conditions and more variable temperatures, according to the NWS. Fall months already can vary greatly from year to year, said NWS Indianapolis meteorologist Josh Puma, so the effects might not feel as dramatic.
Weather largely does not impact the changing colors of trees, except in extreme drought or excessive rainfall.
Experts say to avoid leaf peeping on rainy or windy days, but if it's just overcast, don't fret. Cloudy days can cause bright colors to pop against gray skies and make for an even better experience.
On the first day of October, Indianapolis has an average high temperature of 72 degrees and low of 51 degrees. By October 31, the average high sits at 59 degrees with a low of 40 degrees. In November, when leaves are past their peak, the average high is 52 degrees with an average low of 35 degrees.
"Certainly, every year you feel the change in the season as you transition to early and later parts of fall," Puma said. "There's just better chances that [temperatures] will end up on the higher side of average this year."
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Alysa Guffey is a business reporter covering growth and development for Indy Star. Contact her at amguffey@gannett.com or on X: @AlysaGuffeyNews.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Fall splendor: Where to see vibrant fall colors around Indiana
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