Some of the best fall colors in the Midwest can be found along the high bluffs and ridges of the Upper Mississippi River Valley, which holds the remnants of what was once known as the Big Woods—a massive hardwood forest that stretched from Michigan to Minnesota and Iowa. Much of it has been cleared for agriculture, now, but the parks and protected lands along the Mississippi still hold large swaths of oaks, maples, and cottonwoods, all of which explode into glorious oranges, reds, and golds come autumn. Hitting the Trout Valley Trail on your ATV is a fantastic way to get out and experience the area’s foliage. Camping is available in several nearby state parks, as well as within the Richard J. Dorer Memorial State Hardwood Forest. The Big River Resort makes an excellent basecamp for your adventures.
