If you live in Indiana, you might be getting excited about the many opportunities to experience the outdoor colors and textures of the fall season. Brown County, Indiana has thousands of acres of state park and national forest land that are ideal for observing the fall foliage. If you live at Hayden Flats apartments in Bloomington, Indiana, you’re in the perfect location to easily reach any of these spots for a weekday nature walk or a longer weekend hike, camping trip, or mountain bike ride. Here are some of our favorite places for outdoor fun in the fall.
Brown County State Park
Brown County State Park comprises more than 100 miles of hiking, bridle, mountain biking trails, picnic shelters, camping, pools, playgrounds, horseback riding, and more! Trail 10 is just over two miles and will lead you to the 90-foot tower you can climb to view the entire park.
Hoosier National Forest
Hoosier National Forest is made up of four sections spread across more than 200,000 acres. It has a little something for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts, from camping and hiking to horseback riding and mountain biking. Make a plan to climb the 110 feet up the Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower where you’ll have an amazing view of the Charles C. Deam Wilderness area all the way to Lake Monroe!
McCormick's Creek State Park
Explore the spectacular limestone canyons, creeks, and waterfalls of Indiana’s very first state park! You’ll find hiking trails for all skill levels as well as the Wolf Cave Nature Preserve and recently renovated nature center. From the Wolf Cave, take Trail 7 for a unique view along the ridgeline.
Morgan-Monroe State Park
Morgan-Monroe State Park offers more than 25,000 acres. If you’re feeling adventurous, a popular but moderately difficult trail is the Low Gap Trail, which is 10.3 miles with an elevation gain of 1,190 feet! If you’re looking for something a little easier, the 2.8-mile Mason Ridge Trail offers less of a climb (only 223 feet in elevation) with just as much to see.
Yellowwood State Forest
Somewhat lesser known than Brown County State Park but no less beautiful, Yellowwood Forest offers more than 25,000 acres and 20 miles miles of hiking trails and it’s a terrific place to take a picnic lunch and spend the day. The 4.5-mile loop around Yellowwood Lake is one of the most popular, as it offers great views down the ravines and across the lake. If you take the 2.2-mile Fire Tower Trail, you can climb the 90-foot tower for a stunning view across the park.
The B-Line Trail in Bloomington
If you live at Hayden Flats, you can actually enjoy the fall season right here at home! Clear Creek is right behind the apartment community, and you can jump on the B-Line Trail and enjoy the trees along the trail south to Dillman Road, or north through Switchyard Park all the way up to Adams Street.
If you too are making a change this season and you’re searching for brand-new luxury apartments for rent, Bloomington, Indiana is ready to welcome you home. Hayden Flats provides modern finishes and architecture nestled within the best of Bloomington's nature and outdoor fun. Call (812) 993-4407 to schedule your tour today.