Cover Photo Credit: Eagle Cliff-Miles Cemetery

When the calendar flips to late October and the leaves start to show their vibrant colors, there really is nothing like it. The great news is that with a 21-county coverage area, there isn’t a shortage of places to enjoy nature’s beauty.

By Car

There are a lot of folks that like to take scenic drives during the fall, right? One of the best in our region is the 60-mile stretch of the Kaskaskia Cahokia Trail that runs through St. Clair, Monroe, and Randolph Counties. Bluff Road provides awesome views as you’re driving along, and there are a ton of different places to stop for coffee, craft beer, or even a gorgeous hike.

By Bike

Bike trails are another great spot for soaking in the beautiful autumn colors, and there are plenty of those in Downstate Illinois as well. Mill Creek Park in Clark County features 11 miles of trails to ride while enjoying the view of millions of leaves that you don’t have to rake! The Goshen Trail from O’Fallon into Madison County is another great spot to experience the beautiful fall foliage.

By Boat

Boats provide a different point of view of autumn colors as well! Pyramid State Recreation Area in Perry County boasts 27 different lakes to float on while taking in the sights of acres and acres of trees. Lincoln Trail State Park in Clark County is another great spot to take the boat out and just relax under the yellow, red, and orange colors of nature.

Hiking is another great form of exercise that is perfect for enjoying fall foliage. Bird Haven near East Fork Lake in Olney has a walking path where you can stroll and view tons of wildlife, including the famed White Squirrels! Beall Woods State Park in Wabash County is home to one of the last remaining tracts of virgin timber east of the Mississippi River, so you can discover trees that are 120 feet tall.

For more ideas of where to enjoy fall foliage, make sure to visit downstateil.org/Play/Outdoor-Recreation

**This article comes from the 2023 Fall/Holiday Tourism Times. To learn more about how to read the publication, click here.