Brown County Needs Your Votes for America’s Top Fall Destination

Indiana's Brown County is in the running to be crowned America's Best Destination for Fall Colors with the USA Today Readers' Choice Awards 2026.

Soaking in all the beautiful fall colors is something many people enjoy during the Autumn months. Whether it be taking a vacation somewhere to do a little leaf peeping, or just taking a trip locally to get away and enjoy the view, it's one thing that people look forward to doing after a brutal summer. The peace and tranquility of the views are worth the trip alone. Not to mention all of the other things that you can see and do in that area. It's that time of year when people are making plans to do just that.

USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards just launched a new category for the Best Destination for Fall Colors. One Indiana destination is among the top spots to visit when the leaves turn. Let's take a look.

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Is Brown County, Indiana, the Best Destination for Fall Colors?

Among the twenty finalists for this category is Brown County, Indiana. Here's what USA Today had to say about this Indiana gem:

Brown County, Indiana, features thousands of acres of stunning forest which usually turn color in late September, peaking in mid-October to early November. Drive the winding backroads to the Bean Blossom Overlook, where you'll be above the treetops and sea of rolling hills. Or hike out to the lookout towers in Brown County State Park and do the short trail around Ogle Lake to see all the crimson leaves reflecting in the water.

 

It should come as no surprise to anyone who has been to Brown County, Indiana during the fall that this area landed on the list. It's absolutely beautiful at that time of year. Brown County has been nicknamed the “Little Smokies” because the area resembles the Great Smoky Mountains. There, you'll find nearly 16,000 acres of rugged hills, ridges, and fog-shrouded ravines.

Aside from the great fall foliage views, there really is a lot to see and do there. From the delicious food, numerous shops, and everything in between, there is something there for everyone in the family to enjoy. Plus, it's not far from Brown County State Park, which is perfect for camping and more outdoor fun.

How to Vote for Brown County

Vote once per day until voting ends on Monday, September 7 at noon ET. The 10 winning destinations will be announced on Wednesday, September 16. Now, Brown County is up against some pretty stiff competition, such as:

• Adirondacks, New York
• The Berkshires, Massachusetts
• Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia
• Hocking Hills, Ohio
• Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
• Mount Rainier, Washington
• Mountaineer Country, West Virginia
• Roanoke, Virginia
• White Mountains, New Hampshire
• Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho

As you can see, Brown County definatley needs your help to take home the number one spot. A win for Brown County is a win for everyone in Indiana. So, let's rally together to help Brown County take home the "W" in 2026. You can vote now by clicking here.