Brown County holds the title as Indiana’s largest state park. The nearly 16,000-acre park is visited by about 1.3 million people annually and has earned the nickname “The Little Smokies” for its resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains to the south. Visitors flock to Brown County State Park from around the nation to bear witness to the changing leaves of fall and enjoy over 21 miles of hiking trails, about 21 miles of mountain biking trails, and a whopping 70 miles of bridle trails that the state park has to offer year round.

A trip around Ogle Lake and Strahl Lake at sunset or sunrise makes for a hike that feels like you are walking through a painting. Green, orange, red and yellow leaves are paired with a rolling fog while streaks of light from the golden rays of the sun beam through.

A few minutes from Brown County State Park is the small town of Nashville, Indiana. Outfitted with antiques, small restaurants and local artists, Nashville makes for a fun day trip filled with shopping, eating and more shopping. The small shops are accompanied with fun workshops and activities for all ages as well. Be sure to stop at the Nashville General Store and Bakery to bring back some homemade jams and jellies, or stop by the Big Woods Brewing Company and get a flight (or two!) of the region’s famous Quaff On! craft beers.

A weekend getaway will show you why the Little Smokies are Indiana’s favorite fall pastime.

All photos by Sean O’Leary.