Fall is the season of leaf peeping, the unofficial term used to describe travelers who seek out fall foliage to view and photograph. The leaves overhead will soon be ablaze in a stunning array of yellow, orange, and red, making it a gorgeous photo opportunity as well as a chance to enjoy a therapeutic color walk. Use the HamCo Hubway to request a trail map and for your source to all fall day on the trails. Here's a list of places to view fall foliage in Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, and beyond - and fun family activities to enjoy along the way.
Flat Fork Creek Park
Located at 101st Street and Cyntheanne Road is Flat Fork Creek Park, one of Fishers’ most popular parks. The 60-acre park has hiking trails, a progressive mountain bike course, a fishing pond, and three treehouses, one of which is ADA accessible. Climb to the top of the 60-foot sledding hill, also ADA compliant, to see the trees in their glorious fall blaze.
Family activity idea: Bike the picturesque wooden boardwalk to immerse yourself in the fall colors, hopping off the path to explore the hidden tree houses. Can you find all three?
Monon Trail
The Monon Trail runs north-south from Westfield to Carmel, connecting to Indianapolis. Lining most of the paved pedestrian path are trees that will change from green to orange and red once the temperature drops. Start in the Carmel Arts and Design District on Main Street and pedal north to 151st Street to see the canopy of trees.
Family activity idea: Rent an electric bike from Pedego Electric Bikes Carmel.
Potter's Bridge Park
Potter's Bridge is Hamilton County’s only covered bridge, built in 1870 and spanning across the White River. While it’s closed to vehicles, pedestrian traffic is welcome to walk across the wooden planks. Find two viewing windows on each side of the bridge to peek at the stunning fall foliage.
Family activity idea: Have a picnic at one of the picnic areas and enjoy fall snacks like pumpkin- or apple-flavored sweets.
Conner Prairie
Conner Prairie’s historic grounds are spectacular any time of year, but they’re even more beautiful when autumn arrives. Get a birds’ eye view from Treetop Outpost and the new White River Outlook.
Family activity idea: Ride the 1859 Balloon Voyage 350 feet in the air to see the grounds from above, including the corn maze. Once back on the ground, explore the corn maze by foot.
White River
The scenic White River is spectacular year-round, but its beauty truly shows during the autumn season. Observe the changing flora and fauna on the banks of the river and take in the scenery.
Family activity idea: Rent a kayak or canoe with White River Canoe Company to float or paddle down the water.
Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve
Located off Hague Road, Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve is truly the hidden gem of Fishers. One of only two nature preserves in Hamilton County, this 127-acre park boasts 9 nature trails totaling 2.25 miles, perfect for walking, running, and biking. Wander down the Creek Ridge Trail leading you to Cheeney Creek to unplug and take in all the vibrantly colored fall leaves.
Family activity idea: Known for being one of the best spots for bird watching and wildlife sightings, see how many critters you can find while hiking!
Nickel Plate Trail
When walking the Nickel Plate Trail in Fishers south toward 106th Street, discover a vibrant tunnel of autumn leaves and trailside flowers planted by local residents. “Fall” in love with the warm tones of foliage and be sure to snap a picture to remember your adventure.
Family activity idea: Find what stage the leaves are in! In early stages, leaves will be green and yellow. Then, they turn orange and end in red before they fall off the trees.
Nickel Plate Express
Looking for a unique way to enjoy the foliage? Take a ride on the Nickel Plate Express and enjoy the view from your seat aboard a historic train. They offer a variety of fall-themed train rides, or you can explore the area on railbike and take in the sights while you take a relaxing bike ride though the countryside.
Family activity idea: For families with littles, hop aboard the Fall Foliage Express and enjoy the leaves along with some apple cider and a sweet fall treat. For families with older kids, hit the trails on a family railbike adventure.
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