Indiana Fall Foliage: A MapQuest Guide

Indiana fall foliage features brilliant hues and spectacular scenery. The changing colors of leaves in autumn is one of nature’s most beloved rites of passage -- and makes for one of the most popular and inexpensive getaways for families. As part of LeafQuest -- a MapQuest series helping leaf peepers across North America find easy and rewarding destinations -- here are three recommended spots for viewing Indiana fall foliage. — Andres Jauregui

Brown County State Park

Indiana's largest state park is an easy drive east of Bloomington and is home to some of the best fall foliage viewing in the state, featuring, maple, oak, and sassafras trees. Opened to the public in 1929, the park received additional infrastructure over the following decade -- including its picturesque covered bridges, which were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Its serene natural beauty, navigable by numerous horse, bike and hiking trails, has made it a popular destination for campers, families and honeymooners alike. It's not uncommon for newlyweds to head to the park for a romantic getaway after getting hitched in the Hoosier artist colony of Nashville.

1405 State Road 46 E., Nashville, IN 47448 | Get Directions

Corydon, Indiana

Founded in 1808, Corydon was Indiana's first state capital. While the town is known for its history -- several well-preserved buildings, such as the limestone brick Old State Capitol, are a boon for local tourism -- it is also a short drive from Harrison-Crawford State Forest, where fall colors abound in such trees as oak hickories and chestnut oaks. Located along the Ohio River in southern Indiana, the 24,000-acre forest boasts myriad natural attractions, including (when adjacent O'Bannon Woods are taken into account) more than 80 miles of foliage-rich hiking trails and haunting Wyandotte Caves. Start your quest at the stump of a tree that is no longer alive: the Constitution Elm on West High Street provided shade to Indiana's founding fathers, who signed the state's constitution under its welcoming leaves.

Constitution Elm, West High Street, Corydon, IN 47112| Get Directions

Parke County Covered Bridge Area

Parke County in western Indiana bills itself as the "Covered Bridge Capital of the World," and with good reason. The region's 32 covered bridges are cause for an annual celebration that more often than not coincides with peak leaf-peeping season in mid- to late October. Tour the historic bridges amid a brilliant backdrop of fall colors, then swing into town for arts, crafts and local food. A recommended starting point is the Tourist Information Center in the county seat of Rockville, which has a picturesque town square.

Parke County Information Center, 401 E. Ohio St., Rockville, IN 47872 | Get Directions

Fall scenes from Brown County, Indiana.

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Want other great fall-foliage destinations? Check out more LeafQuest.