All Foliage Signs Point to Dazzling Colors This Fall

 

We are owed something nice right about now, aren’t we? Fingers crossed, it looks like Mother Nature is coming through for us.

The fall foliage forecasts are starting to roll in, and by all accounts, we’re in for a more colorful season this fall compared to years past. The summer lovers have won out the last couple years when we’ve had 90-degree days well into September and even early October: great for more time by the pool, not so much for leaf viewing. 

This year, it looks like all you fall traditionalists can finally rejoice.

Weather largely tells the tale of how vibrant the yellows, oranges and reds will be, and this page on the Smoky Mountains website gives a good rundown of the science-y explanation behind it all. The Cliffs Notes version: Fall colors are at their most brilliant when we have a warm, wet spring followed by tranquil summer weather leading into mild, sunny fall days with cool nights.

Sounds like our year pretty much to a T.

The Smoky Mountains page also has a nice interactive map of how fall colors are expected to look week to week. That can always change, of course, but here in Orange County, our timeline looks like this: October 5 (patchy color); October 12 (partial color); October 19 (near peak) and October 26 (peak). That means plenty of opportunity for a fall getaway to French Lick or West Baden to admire the foliage at its best and brightest.

A couple of ways to savor these best days of fall in and around the resort:

Guided walks and hikes: Offered six days a week October 2 through 31, members of our Activities and Concierge staffs will guide you on a morning walk or hike (all complimentary) and pass along some info and history about the resort along the way. Tuesdays and Thursdays are a trail hike into the woods, while Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are an easier stroll on paved paths. Find the full schedule here.

Walk, hike and bike on your own: If you’re looking to get out on your own time, you’ve got your pick of ways to admire the color in the Hoosier National Forest. The Ferguson Trail (running between French Lick and West Baden Springs Hotels) is a quick 1-mile walk full of colors that pop in fall. Rent a bike and explore more of the property, or bring your trail shoes and mountain bike and grab a map to venture further into the forest.

Play a round: Yeah, this view of The Pete Dye Course pretty much speaks for itself. And you’re in luck, because golf season lasts through the end of October at our Pete Dye, Donald Ross and Valley Links Courses.

Take a ride through the woods: What is it about a horse or pony ride in the fall that makes the memory extra special? Plan a trail ride through the Hoosier National Forest up at the Stables. And if you don’t mind a little bit of a climb, the mile-long walk from West Baden Springs Hotel up to The Stables is worth it during the fall, to admire the color along the way and the vistas that await you on The Stables grounds.

Fall Festival of Lights: Nearby Wilstem Wildlife Park will be glowing with over a million Halloween-themed lights in their drive-thru experience offered nightly from September 26-October 31. Mini animal encounters are also part of the show, and you can also upgrade to a double feature by adding on their Twilight Drive-Thru Safari.

Patoka Lake Wine Cruise: This is always a hot ticket, but if you jump on it soon, you can still grab a seat on one of the weekend Fall Wine Cruises at Patoka Lake. A different local winery is featured each week, and a tasting menu of light appetizers/dessert is always part of the show — along with the serene and vibrant lake backdrop, of course. If you’re visiting during the week, catch one of Patoka’s Wildlife Cruises on Wednesdays through October.