Lawrence County, Indiana shows off stunning fall foliage among its gentle hills, tree-lined landscapes and limestone terrain. Limestone creates dramatic ridges and unique topography providing dazzling backdrops for spectacular panoramas. Typically, peak colors appear in mid to late October here, just 1-1/2 hours from Indianapolis or Louisville.
While you’ll have to drive to different spots in Indiana to visit magnificent state parks, historic covered bridges, pioneer villages and dramatic landscapes, in Lawrence County it is all right here. One trip. One destination. Just driving around, you’ll get a brilliant show from the car. Delightful ice cream mom & pops, antique shops and boutiques could make for some fun stops to break up your trip. However, here are some places to stop and immerse yourself in the radiant colors of the season.
Spring Mill State Park
This state park is rich in oak trees which turn a beautiful shade of deep red in the fall. While driving through or hiking, you’ll also see evidence of the limestone topography with rolling hills, caves, sinkholes and creeks. The natural terrain provides several gorgeous hiking trails for varying abilities.
During your exploration, you’ll encounter 20 restored mid-1800 buildings in Pioneer Village. The historic working grist mill is its dramatic centerpiece. In the fall, the village is decked out for harvesting and demonstrates the lifestyle the fall bounty brings. This is definitely a selfie spot!
At Spring Mill State Park, there is so much you won’t see at other state parks. So, make sure this park is on your leaf-peeping route. Also, check out Dairy Bell on your way in or out of the park (or both ) for a special treat.
Milwaukee Trail
This crushed stone trail is open to bikers, hikers and runners offering several scenic stops along the way. The trail is 11 miles long. It connects from Lincoln Avenue in Bedford to Williams Dam State Recreational Area in nearby Williams, Indiana.
As you reach the end of the trail, which is beautifully scenic already, you can venture onward to the Williams Covered Bridge. While the Milwaukee Trail does not continue to the bridge, you can take a short drive to walk across the bridge, which is open to foot traffic only. Built in 1884 by Joseph J. Daniels, it is Indiana’s longest double span covered bridge. As such, it is another gorgeous selfie spot with the colorful leaves surrounding it and its sparkling reflection in the East Fork of the White River I magical. Be sure to include it in your leaf peeping endeavor.
Hoosier National Forest
The dense Hoosier National Forest is a fall-lover’s playground. Maple and beech trees prevail which turn brilliant red and yellow. With over 200,000 acres, the list of amenities is long. Here you can choose solitude or adventures with friends and family. Horse trails (permit required), bike trails (permit required), all types of camping, hiking, swimming beach and boat launch on Monroe Lake are all available. With convenient access off State Highway 50 West, Tincher Pond in the Hoosier National Forest is a special fishing spot. Moreover, It offers water view picnic spots and fascinating bird watching.
Why drive to several Indiana counties for the best fall has to offer? In Lawrence County, the rolling hills, wide open landscapes and limestone terrain provide a stunning stage for nature’s preeminent fall show. The longest double-span covered bridge in Indiana, a pioneer village decked out for the harvest bounty, an exceptional state park and a huge national forest all combine for a spectacular fall experience all in one place.
For more Lawrence County attractions, click here.
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