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Live · updated todayTypical peak look

Hoosier National Forest, Indianafall foliage

No reports yet this season for Hoosier National Forest.

Right now in Hoosier National Forest · September

  • Caves closed for bats · Aug–May
  • Most campgrounds open · Apr–Oct
  • Tipsaw Lake beach open · May–Sep

22days to the next fall foliage seasonusually well under way by late October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)

Statewide timing
By late October
Statewide for Indiana: color is usually well under way by late October (USA-NPN volunteer observations, 2020–2025). Not this place's own timing, not a peak, and not a forecast.

Next 7 days

No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.

National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 2:25 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.

Frost near Hoosier National Forest

First frost usually in ~3 weeks

Oct 19Average first fall frost

Apr 17Average last spring frost

The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's English station (10.9 mi away, 510 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Hoosier National Forest through the year

  • Most campgrounds openNowApr–Oct
  • Tipsaw Lake beach openNowMay–Sep
  • Caves closed for batsNowAug–May

Best spots around Hoosier National Forest

  • Buzzard RoostCliff-top views over the Ohio River into Kentucky
  • Northern fall loop by Lake MonroeRecommended color route southeast of Bloomington
  • Ohio River Scenic BywayPart of the 967-mile byway crosses the forest

How we know

National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, Buzzard Roost Recreation Area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Hoosier "Autumn Splendor" flier (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Hoosier scenic drives (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Hoosier seasonal cave closure (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Hoosier National Forest camping (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)

All our sources and how we use them →

Questions people ask

When is peak fall foliage in Hoosier National Forest in 2026?

We don't have local timing for Hoosier National Forest yet. Statewide for Indiana: color is usually well under way by late October (USA-NPN volunteer observations, 2020–2025). That's for the whole state and isn't a peak or a forecast.

How is the fall color in Hoosier National Forest right now?

Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 22 days (usually well under way by late October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)).

Where are the best spots in Hoosier National Forest?

Buzzard Roost: cliff-top views over the Ohio River into Kentucky; Northern fall loop by Lake Monroe: recommended color route southeast of Bloomington; Ohio River Scenic Byway: part of the 967-mile byway crosses the forest.

Are there closures or permits to know about in Hoosier National Forest?

Caves closed for bats (Aug–May).

What is Hoosier National Forest like through the year?

Caves closed for bats (Aug–May), Most campgrounds open (Apr–Oct) and Tipsaw Lake beach open (May–Sep).