Scenic Autumn Getaways
Midwest and Appalachia Showcase Diverse Fall Foliage and Scenic Outdoor Escapes
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Key Points
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Mackinac Island is accessible by ferry from either Mackinaw City, at the northern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, or St. Ignace, near the southern end of the Upper Peninsula.
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Brown County’s Trail 3 is a demanding route featuring ladders and steep sections that may become slippery after rain, making it better suited to experienced hikers.
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Chain O’Lakes contains 13 kettle lakes, with nine connected for paddling, and prohibits gas-powered motors on the connected lakes to preserve a quieter experience.
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At West Virginia’s Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, visitors reach the Ohio River island by sternwheeler riverboat and can tour a reconstructed early-1800s Palladian mansion with costumed docents and horse-drawn carriages.
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Berkeley Springs State Park’s mineral-rich water remains at 74.3 degrees; visitors can use the main bathhouse for massages, saunas and baths or rent soaking tubs in the historic 1815 Roman bathhouse.
The Midwest and Appalachia offer a showcase of fall destinations for travelers seeking autumn colors, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm. Travel guides spotlight Michigan's car-free Mackinac Island with its 70 miles of biking and hiking trails peaking in mid-October, Indiana's diverse state parks ranging from rugged hikes to quiet paddle routes, and West Virginia's mountain overlooks paired with historic riverboat excursions and natural hot springs.
Mackinac Island: Peak Colors and Car-Free Adventure
Mackinac Island sits between Michigan's two peninsulas in Lake Huron and bans all motor vehicles. Visitors reach the island by ferry from either Mackinaw City on the Lower Peninsula or St. Ignace near the Upper Peninsula. The island offers 70 miles of trails for biking and hiking, horse-drawn carriage tours, and restaurants serving seasonal treats like pumpkin fudge.
Peak foliage typically arrives around mid-October, making it the ideal time to visit. Island tourism sources note that fall is considered the island's "best-kept secret," with fewer crowds than summer but vibrant colors transforming the wooded landscape. The season extends through October, with Halloween Weekend marking the close of fall tourism before winter slows visitation.
Indiana's Brown County: Hiking Challenges Amid Woodland Beauty
Brown County State Park in southern Indiana features dense woodlands and rugged terrain perfect for experienced hikers. Trail 3 is the park's most demanding route, featuring steep ladders and sections that become slippery after rain. The trail tests hiking skills and rewards adventurers with views of the park's rolling hills and autumn foliage.
Indiana DNR sources highlight Brown County as a top fall destination where challenging hikes contrast sharply with the quieter recreational options nearby. The park's wooded hills display peak colors in mid-October. Visitors should plan for muddy conditions after rainfall and arrive with proper hiking gear for steep elevation changes.
Chain O'Lakes and Quieter Paddle Routes Without Motors
Chain O'Lakes State Park protects 13 kettle lakes formed by glaciers, with nine interconnected lakes open for paddling. State park information notes that gas-powered motorboats are strictly prohibited on the connected lakes to preserve a peaceful paddling experience and protect the ecosystem. Kayakers and canoeists enjoy autumn reflections off the water as trees turn color around the shorelines.
The ban on motors keeps Chain O'Lakes acoustically quiet, allowing paddlers to hear wildlife and water sounds. Fall visits typically peak in mid-October when temperatures cool and tree colors reach their height. The lake chain sits alongside other Indiana parks like Shakamak State Park, known for scenic drives, and Fort Harrison State Park, offering urban-accessible trails near Indianapolis.
West Virginia's Mountain Escapes: Riverboats, Springs, and Historic Estates
West Virginia State Parks combine mountain overlooks, historic sites, and wellness attractions. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park sits on the Ohio River near Parkersburg. Visitors ride the *Island Belle* sternwheeler riverboat for a 20-minute journey to an island where they tour a reconstructed early-1800s mansion staffed by costumed docents and explore the grounds via horse-drawn carriages.
Berkeley Springs State Park offers year-round mineral springs flowing at a constant 74.3 degrees Fahrenheit. West Virginia tourism highlights the park's main bathhouse for massages and saunas, plus the historic 1815 Roman Bathhouse where visitors rent private soaking tubs. Fall visits pair thermal water soaks with autumn hikes through the surrounding forests and nearby Madison, Indiana's historic brick-storefront river town and Clifty Falls' dramatic waterfall gorge trails.
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