Indiana's Most Breathtaking Fall Foliage Drives (And The Perfect Used SUV For The Trip)
- Harry Tepe
- Sep 5
- 12 min read
Finding the best route to see fall colors can be tough in Indiana. Did you know that some of the top Midwest drives for autumn leaves are right here, near Cincinnati and Indianapolis? This blog will help you discover the most beautiful Indiana Fall Foliage Drives and show which used SUV is perfect for your trip.
See where your next adventure could begin.
Key Takeaways
Indiana's fall foliage peaks in October. Northern areas shine from October 5-21 and southern spots from October 12-28.
Top drives include Brown County State Park, Clifty Falls State Park, and Parke County’s Covered Bridges. Each offers unique views like waterfalls, historic bridges, and bright leaves.
SUVs are ideal for these trips because they offer more space, a higher view, and can handle varied terrain. It's good to pick one with AWD or 4WD.
Used SUVs should have reliable history reports and safety features. Fuel efficiency is also important for long trips.
Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country offer pre-owned SUVs ready for road adventures. They help with financing and finding the right car for your budget.
The Beauty of Indiana’s Fall Foliage
Moving from trip planning to the heart of the journey, Indiana’s forests offer a vivid display each autumn. Deciduous trees break down chlorophyll and bring out bold reds, oranges, and yellows.
Overcast skies make these colors stand out even more. Rainy or windy days can end leaf-peeping early as leaves drop quickly.
Peak fall foliage comes between October 5–21 in Northern Indiana and October 12–28 in Southern Indiana. Scenic byways like Autumn Loop II, which runs for 80 miles across Eastern Greene County, showcase some of the state’s best countryside views for any SUV road trip.
Leaf peepers crossing Harrison, Ohio, to Aurora or Milan, Indiana, will see why this region ranks high for best fall foliage in America.
“Deciduous trees are artists in autumn; they use every shade from deep crimson to golden yellow,” says Harry Tepe at Tom Tepe Autocenter.
Travelers enjoy exploring Brown County State Park or Hoosier National Forest since both serve picture-perfect snapshots on scenic drives. Each bend offers a fresh burst of color that keeps every mile exciting for families enjoying their Indiana fall road trips.
Top Fall Foliage Drives in Indiana
Indiana’s scenic byways come alive in autumn with brilliant leaves and peaceful views. Our team highlights the best routes for Indiana leaf peeping, offering unforgettable drives near Aurora, rolling hillsides, waterfalls, and historic covered bridges.
Brown County State Park and State Road 46
Brown County State Park covers nearly 16,000 acres and is the largest state park in Indiana. Nearly 20 miles of roads wind through forests that glow with orange, gold, and red each fall.
The drive along State Road 46 connects Bloomington to Nashville and passes right through the park’s heart. Sunrise at West Lookout Tower offers one of the best views for leaf peeping in the Midwest.
The area features rare Yellowwood trees and a nature center home to species listed as endangered within Indiana. Activities include hiking rugged trails, mountain biking, fishing, picnicking under bright leaves, or joining guided horse rides.
Visitors receive alerts about park road conditions before arriving—ideal for planning trips in your SUV from Tom Tepe Autocenter or Car Country near Aurora, Indiana. This route ranks among the top scenic byways in Kentucky and southern Indiana during peak season thanks to its unmatched autumn displays.
Clifty Falls State Park and Ohio River Views
After exploring the rolling hills near State Road 46, set your sights on Clifty Falls State Park. The park sits on Route 56 and gives you wide views of the Ohio River in southern Indiana.
Four named waterfalls drop along rugged trails that stretch for nearly 15 miles, with each trail offering different levels of challenge for hikers.
Clifty Inn stands inside the park and has rooms facing either bright autumn trees or river bluffs. Geology fans will find shale and limestone rocks that are over 425 million years old along their hike.
There is a unique railroad tunnel beneath Oak Grove, now home to bats instead of trains. Families can enjoy playgrounds and picnic spots after snapping photos from scenic overlooks—a must-stop spot on any Indiana scenic drive in the fall.
Downtown Madison waits nearby if you want to stroll through history during your visit to see some of the best fall foliage Indiana offers.
Hoosier National Forest and Scenic Trails
Hoosier National Forest stretches beside Brown County State Park, adding about 50 miles to Indiana's scenic drives. The rolling hills light up in orange and red during peak fall colors, usually around October.
This area includes part of the Indiana Historic Byways route, attracting people who love exploring by car.
Scenic trails invite hikers and birdwatchers. Many stop at the Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower, built in 1939; it has 133 steps that lead to sweeping autumn views. Folks enjoy wildlife spotting or taking photos of bright leaves across valleys and ridges.
An SUV gives plenty of space for gear while tackling forest roads throughout your adventure on these scenic byways. Indiana is proud to offer.
McCormick’s Creek State Park for Waterfalls and Canyons
Indiana’s oldest state park, McCormick’s Creek, offers rugged limestone canyons and flowing creeks. Trail Two leads visitors to a scenic waterfall framed by colorful leaves each fall.
Families and nature lovers enjoy well-kept trails, picnic spots, historic sites, and easy parking areas for SUVs. Educational programs share local geology and history from spring through autumn.
Recreational activities include hiking on marked paths where views of vibrant foliage impress every visitor. Winter changes the landscape into icy canyons with frozen waterfalls. "McCormick’s Creek never fails to show Indiana's wild side," says my team at Tom Tepe Autocenter.
The park is open all year; peak leaf color shines brightest in mid-October for those planning the perfect fall drive in a reliable SUV.
Parke County’s Historic Covered Bridges
Parke County boasts 31 historic covered bridges, earning the title “Covered Bridge Capital of the World.” Many of these bridges date back to the 1800s, bringing true history to every drive.
The county hosts Indiana’s largest festival, the Covered Bridge Festival, from October 10–19, 2025. During this time, visitors enjoy arts and crafts markets, local foods like homemade pies and apple dumplings, and live entertainment in small towns across the area.
Plan your route with a downloadable Parke County map for easy SUV travel between bridge sites. A scenic 30-mile covered bridge tour lets you see vibrant fall leaves while exploring Turkey Run State Park trails on foot or horseback.
Early lodging bookings are smart since festival dates draw heavy crowds. Motorists can join special events too; a Model T covered bridge tour is set for September 27 to October 1, 2025.
These winding routes highlight why shoppers need an SUV built for adventure from Tom Tepe Autocenter or Car Country—perfect for leaf peeping and safe travel over these classic wooden spans.
When to Experience Peak Fall Colors
October is the best time to see Indiana's woods show bright, bold colors. Check local fall color trackers to plan your SUV road trip at just the right moment.
Mid to Late October for Vibrant Hues
Southern Indiana shines with peak fall color from October 12 to 28 in 2025. Brown County State Park glows with vibrant red, orange, and gold on hiking trails and roads during this time.
Clifty Falls State Park offers stunning views of waterfalls framed by bold leaf colors in mid to late October.
Northern Indiana hits its best color between October 5 and the 21 in 2025. Parke County hosts its Covered Bridge Festival from October 10 through the 19, pairing bright foliage with over thirty covered bridges.
Local festivals fill calendars across the state as forests reach their brightest shades.
Indiana's second and third weeks of October bring out nature's grandest show, says Harry Tepe.
Our team recommends checking local fall foliage reports online before heading out for your road trip adventure.
Using Local Fall Foliage Reports for Planning
Local fall foliage reports can help you plan your SUV trip for the best views. In Indiana, peak colors hit northern areas between October 5 and 21, while southern spots shine from October 12 to 28.
State parks and tourism boards share weekly color updates online. These guides track leaf changes and show where colors look most vibrant each week.
Weather affects the timing of fall hues. Reports will highlight if rain or wind could dull the leaves early or bring brighter shades later than usual. Using this info helps you avoid bad weather and crowds, making it easier to adjust your route last minute if needed.
Some sites reveal hidden drives with great scenery outside popular destinations, too—perfect for discovering additional routes in your next pre-owned SUV from Tom Tepe Autocenter & Car Country.
The Perfect Used SUVs for Fall Road Trips
SUVs give clear views, smooth rides, and space for everyone. Choose models with good ground clearance and advanced safety features for your next road trip.
Why an SUV is Ideal for Scenic Drives
A sport utility vehicle gives each passenger more space for comfort, gear, and luggage. The higher ride lets you see all the fall colors rolling by. All-wheel drive or four-wheel drive helps drivers tackle mountain roads, dirt trails near Brown County State Park, or gravel paths in Parke County.
Used sport utility vehicles blend safety features with smart fuel economy for long trips through Indiana’s scenic forests. Towing strength makes it easy to bring bikes or kayaks along the Ohio River or the Hoosier National Forest.
As our team always says, SUVs deliver freedom across any road trip adventure—from leaf-peeping to waterfall hunting.
At Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country, we focus on reliable options that fit your family and budget for every outing this October.
Features to Look for in a Used SUV
Choosing the right features in a used SUV can make all the difference for your adventures. It ensures reliability, comfort, and safety during long drives. Here are key features to consider:
Check vehicle history reports, like CARFAX, to ensure the SUV is reliable.
Look for spacious interiors that offer enough room for passengers and gear.
Ensure the SUV has either all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) for varied terrain.
Cargo capacity is important for carrying equipment; always check this.
Assess towing ratings if you plan to transport additional items like trailers.
Take a test drive to evaluate comfort and performance on the road.
Fuel efficiency matters for saving money on long trips; find economical models.
Advanced safety features and tech add value and security.
Next, let's explore affordable options at Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country.
Choosing Your Next SUV from Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country
Our team helps you find a dependable SUV that fits your needs and budget. Visit Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country to explore vehicles ready for every road adventure in Indiana.
Reliable Used SUVs for Every Adventure
At Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country, thorough evaluations ensure every pre-owned SUV is ready for any road trip. Top picks include the 2018 Honda CR-V EX-L with advanced driver safety features and roomy seating.
The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 handles rough trails thanks to its solid engine choices and all-wheel drive. Others like the 2020 Ford EcoSport SE, 2020 Kia Sportage, 2009 Saturn Outlook, and 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid also pass strict checks before hitting our lot.
Each vehicle comes with a detailed CARFAX history report for buyer peace of mind. Many reliable options cost less than $20,000, which helps families or solo travelers stay on budget.
Flexible financing fits different credit profiles; quick online tools let customers start approvals from home. These steps help drivers enjoy Indiana's fall scenery in a dependable used SUV built for adventure.
Affordable Options for Families and Solo Travelers
Our reliable used SUVs also fit many budgets. Explore Car Country Aurora’s wide selection, which includes pre-owned models from Chevy, Ford, Toyota, and Nissan. Find small crossovers for solo trips or three-row midsized vehicles for family adventures.
Browse online to see current options like the low-mileage 2024 Dodge Charger or a 2022 Ford Bronco. Choose between off-road-ready vehicles or city-friendly crossovers depending on your needs.
Inventory changes fast, making quick decisions important for the best value. Trade-ins are welcome and help lower costs even more; our team makes this process simple and clear every step of the way.
Explore Our Inventory for Your Next Adventure
Our team keeps a wide range of SUVs ready for your road trips. Browse our selection online or visit Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country to find your ideal ride.
New Inventory
Explore current arrivals like the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-50. These SUVs offer advanced safety systems, updated technology features, and excellent comfort for families or solo travelers.
Tom Tepe Autocenter updates its selection often to meet your road trip needs.
Check out vehicles with touchscreen displays, driver-assist tools, and smart storage spaces. Our team helps buyers arrange financing options on approved credit. Test drives are easy to schedule online or onsite at Car Country.
Keep an eye out for special deals designed for SUV shoppers each month.
Used Inventory
Find many used SUVs at Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country. Our four Ford Expedition SUVs give you strong choices with competitive pricing.
This SUV offers leather seats and a panoramic sunroof for your comfort.
Each used Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,600 pounds; perfect for road trips or hauling gear. Browse our selection online anytime or visit the lot for a test drive with one of our knowledgeable team members.
Used SUVs come in many sizes and price points to fit both families and solo travelers looking for their next adventure vehicle. Search easily by make, model, year, mileage or features using our website tools before coming in to see your pick in person.
Financing Your Fall Foliage Road Trip Vehicle
Our team makes it simple to start the financing process right from home. Get pre-approved online and see how your current car’s value can help you drive away in a dependable SUV for fall adventures.
Financing Application
Complete your SUV financing application online at Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country. Use pre-approval tools to see what you qualify for before visiting the dealership. Apply from home on any device; this speeds up processing and makes vehicle delivery faster.
Finance options are ready for both used and current-model SUVs.
Finance terms fit many credit profiles, helping keep monthly payments affordable. Apply in minutes, then review personalized finance offers tailored just for you. Online applications make the car-buying process smooth and easy for families or solo travelers alike.
All financing is available to qualified customers only.
Trade-In Form
An online trade-in tool gives an instant estimate based on current market data. Use this form to quickly find out how much your SUV or car is worth. Values update often, so you get the most recent price for your vehicle.
Apply your estimated trade value toward the purchase of any used SUV in our inventory.
Trade-ins are accepted for both pre-owned and like-new SUVs at Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country. Fill out the short trade-in form on our website from home, then see options with monthly payments starting as low as $157 per month for qualified buyers, or up to $371 per month depending on model and offer details.
Taking action now helps beat low inventory before prices change again. All finance offers require approved credit.
Conclusion
Indiana’s fall roads come alive with color each October. These scenic routes offer a perfect mix of bright leaves and local charm. An SUV from Tom Tepe Autocenter or Car Country helps you travel in comfort, no matter the trail or weather.
Let us help you find the right vehicle for your next adventure through Indiana’s breathtaking autumn views. Explore our selection and start planning your road trip today.
FAQs
1. What are the best fall foliage drives in Indiana?Some of the most scenic routes include Brown County State Park, Clifty Falls State Park, Hoosier National Forest, McCormick’s Creek State Park, and Parke County’s Covered Bridges. Each offers unique views such as waterfalls, historic bridges, and rolling hills filled with color.
2. When is the peak time to see fall colors in Indiana?Northern Indiana typically peaks between October 5–21, while southern Indiana shines from October 12–28. Checking local fall foliage reports helps you plan the perfect trip for the brightest colors.
3. Why is a used SUV ideal for Indiana fall foliage road trips?A used SUV gives you more passenger space, higher seating for better views, and the option for AWD or 4WD to handle winding hills and gravel roads. It’s a safe and practical choice for families and solo travelers alike.
4. What features should I look for in a used SUV for scenic drives?Key features include a reliable vehicle history report, fuel efficiency, comfortable interiors, AWD or 4WD, and advanced safety systems. Cargo space and towing capacity are also helpful if you’re bringing extra gear for your adventure.
5. Where can I find a reliable used SUV for fall road trips in Indiana?You can explore a wide selection of dependable pre-owned SUVs at Tom Tepe Autocenter in Milan, IN, and Car Country locations in Aurora, IN, and Harrison, OH. Each SUV is inspected and comes with a CARFAX history report, plus financing options available for qualified customers.
Harry Tepe, Owner and Dealer Principal, Tom Tepe Autocenter
Harry Tepe is a seasoned automotive expert and the owner of Tom Tepe Autocenter, a leading vehicle dealership serving the Midwest states of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. With a lifelong passion for automobiles.
Over the years, Harry worked his way up through various roles, absorbing valuable insights into sales management and dealership operations until he became the youngest GM Dealer Principal and owner of Tom Tepe Autocenter, expanding the business to include multiple locations and a standalone reconditioning center.
Under Harry's leadership, Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country in Aurora and Harrison, Ohio, have grown exponentially, selling over 2000 vehicles annually and generating over $50 million in revenue. His active involvement in the industry is further evidenced by his participation in the NADA 20 Group and his influential role on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Auto Dealers Association, even serving as its President in 2016.
Harry's journey embodies the essence of expertise, authority, and trustworthiness. His insights and experiences are not just stories of personal growth and business success; they are testaments to his deep understanding of and commitment to the automotive industry.
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