Camp, Picnic, And Hike At This Underrated Indiana Forest With Stunning Fall Foliage

Autumn leaves are a common sight across the U.S. once the temperatures drop and the days start to get shorter. However, fall foliage doesn't look quite as beautiful as it does in the middle of a lush, hardly touched forest. For some of the best views of flame-colored trees in the Midwest, plan a trip to Indiana's Morgan-Monroe State Forest.

The 24,516-acre destination is situated southwest of Indianapolis, open to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Chances are, it's not on your radar the way nearby Indiana Dunes National Park or Turkey Run State Park may be. Still, this underrated gem is worth a road trip, especially during the fall season. Once the leaves begin changing colors, the forest's hardwood trees create a vibrant, painting-like scene, which you can immerse yourself in during a hike or camping trip. For a different vantage point, head to the Mason Ridge Fire Tower to take in a spectacular view over the treetops. Note that the tower is only open during the forest office's regular weekday business hours, so time your trip wisely.

Just because there's a chill in the air doesn't mean you have to stay indoors. Morgan-Monroe State Forest offers plenty to explore, so throw on a jacket and get ready to spend all day in the woods. To navigate the expansive area, follow one of the forest's trails, available in a range of lengths and difficulty levels. For a short and easygoing walk, follow the mile-long Trail 1 route from the forest office parking area. For a serious multi-day trek, try the rugged Tecumseh Trail, which stretches a whopping 40 miles. You'll also find several other paths to choose from during your visit.

During a long day of hiking, you'll likely need to stop and take a break. Seek out one of the forest's picnic tables or shelter areas for a peaceful meal in nature. Tables are generally available on a first come, first served basis, though shelter houses can be reserved in advance. You may also want to rest your legs and cast a line in one of the forest's lakes. For prime fishing, visit Cherry Lake, Bryant Creek Lake, or Prather Lake (an Indiana fishing license is required).

For a longer break, consider spending the night camping in Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Backcountry campgrounds are open during the fall, though guests must register before pitching a tent and spending the night. There's also the Draper Cabin, a primitive log cabin, as well as the more modern Cherry Lake Lodge, both of which can be rented by visitors.

Before making the trip to Morgan-Monroe State Forest, be sure to research the current foliage conditions for the best chance at seeing the richly colored leaves. Thefoliagereport.com is one resource dedicated to tracking the changing leaves that's updated annually. As a guideline, expect peak fall foliage during the second half of October.

When visiting the forest, be aware that there aren't many food options nearby. It's best to take advantage of the area's picnic facilities and grills and prepare your own meals. If you're coming from the south, stop in the town of Bloomington to pick up hot dogs, sandwiches, and other groceries. If you're coming from the northeast, you'll find plenty of supermarkets in the Indianapolis area.

Indiana is rich with parks and nature preserves, so you might want to consider extending your vacation to include a few additional stops. Just 19 minutes from the entrance of Morgan-Monroe State Forest is the Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve, a wetland preserve where you can take a peek at bald eagle nests, frog ponds, rare flowers, and other stunning sights. Lake Lemon is another nearby spot where you can go boating or fishing. If you don't mind driving a little further, devote a day to exploring Shades State Park, a lush, Midwest state park favored by hikers and campers.