Hit Hoosier back roads for fall color

The view from Skyline Drive in Jackson/Washington State Forest.

 One of my favorite things to do on a crisp fall day is to hop into the car, find a country road and see where it takes me.

Sightseeing along rural highways and byways is one of the best ways to connect with Hoosier culture while you take in beautiful fall color. And take some time to find great one-of-a-kind places to dine on genuine Hoosier cuisine.

I think my favorite tour takes me along Skyline Drive in Jackson/Washington State Forest near Brownstown. The winding road features five remarkable vistas.

Starve Hollow State Recreation Area near Vallonia is a great place to camp, hike and fish in the fall. And another important feature is that you get all the fall color in rolling hills that are free from traffic jams found in better known destinations.

Another great out-of-the-way place is Deam Lake State Recreation Area near Borden. It features campsites bordering a scenic lake.

Deam also is on the Knobstone Trail. There is a nice loop north from the Deam trailhead, so take your hiking shoes.

Further south is Wyandotte Woods in Harrison and Crawford counties. The rolling, forested hills can be breathtaking in the fall. Visitors bring their horses to Wyandotte for some great trail riding on nearly 20,000 acres overlooking the Ohio River valley.

Stop by on Saturday, Oct. 2 to witness a demonstration of an 18th century haypress. This magnificent press was used for decades to bale hay for shipment on the Ohio River to cities in the Northeast. The press is operated on special occasions, pulled by an ox named Andy.

Also, I recommend visiting any of the Upper Wabash Reservoirs to camp, hike, fish and picnic. A special reason to go is the 17th annual Autumn Camping Weekend, Oct. 1-3 at Mississinewa Reservoir.

Hundreds of families camp and participate in games and crafts on a weekend that, weather-wise, can be one of the best of the year. Sing-alongs and the annual chili supper under the big tents are Hoosier classics.

Lawrence County has marked driving tours. Hoosier National Forest and Martin State Forest are incredible in October with dozens of breathtaking vistas.

Visit DNR on the Web at www.IN.gov/dnr for more information about your destination, and reserve a campsite or room at an inn.

Again this year, the Leaf Line (317-232-4002) starts Oct. 1 with forester Sam Carman’s description of changing leaf color and Leafcam is back at www.Enjoyindiana.com.

Pick a place you have never been, take your time and enjoy the back roads to get there. Meet some local folks and try to find the best tenderloin or piece of pie. Then, send me an e-mail at dnrnews@dnr.IN.gov with the restaurant’s name and location.