It’s that time of year again! The trees transition from deep shades of green to a vibrant collection of yellows, oranges, and reds. You want to be sure to experience the breathtaking views before the leaves fall to the ground. Mid to late October is peak color for the Rockford region. Visit these places to take in the autumn scenery.

fall with leaf

Rock Cut State Park

Beautiful all year round, but flourishes in the fall is the park loved by many. Rock Cut State Park hosts a variety of fauna that is sure to catch your eye in the fall. There are countless ways to enjoy it within the park. You can picnic in one of the designated areas, or hike amongst the changing leaves. You can even experience much of fall at Rock Cut with just a drive through the park.

rock cut fall

Rock River Recreation Path

Located near downtown Rockford, the Rock River Recreation Path winds past the beautiful Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. The Rock River paired with fall foliage is a view that is hard to beat. The distance of the path is sure to take you through many picture-perfect spots this fall. You can enjoy recreation on the bike path while immersing yourself in the season of change. The forested areas along the path bring many people to the bike path every fall.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden

Come to Klehm Arboretum for the fall color and stay for the Eerie Autumn Lights in evening. Klehm featured paved paths and rustic trails to experience beautiful trees. Klehm is open year-round to enjoy every season. 

Klehm Arboretum fall

Anderson Japanese Gardens

One of the best places to enjoy this fall is Anderson Japanese Gardens.  The colors are vibrant and the trees and plants are unique to the area.  There’s many spots to enjoy here including bridges and a waterfall set amongst burnt orange and fiery-colored trees.

Severson Dells

Just off Highway 20, south of Rockford, visitors will find Severson Dells.  In addition to over 5 miles of trails, children can enjoy the Grove Nature Playscape.  Hammocks are up in the playscape until mid-November, for visitors to relax and take in the beautiful scenery.

Severson Dells walkway

Forest Preserves of Winnebago County

You can find many Forest Preserves of Winnebago County scattered across the area. Each one is unique, but they all transform into an autumn wonderland during this time of year. There are 44 preserves, so you may be closer to one than you think. Blackhawk Springs, Colored Sands and Deer Run are just a few examples. Check out all the forest preserves and decide where to start your fall adventure!

Kishwaukee Gorge

One highlights of the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County is Kishwaukee Gorge. The three miles of trails are surrounded by beautiful trees that reach their peak in mid-October. This gem is located on the south end of Rockford. Visitors can take in all the sights on trails, through the prairie, or by the water. If you are looking for somewhere to take in the colors of autumn, this is surely a place to consider.

Seward Bluffs

Seward Bluffs is just over 20 minutes from Rockford. It is worth the short trip to experience the unique scenery within the park. Hiking on the trails to an unmatched view of the colors from above is a great way to see the foliage. The limestone bluffs along with the magnificent pops of colors from the leaves are sure to impress.  Don’t miss the stone staircase to take that perfect autumn photo. 

Baumann Park

Located in Cherry Valley, Baumann Park features a 1.25 mile loop around a lake, which allows fishing.  The scenic views of the trees along the lake are sure to delight.  There are multiple gazebos along the path to relax in and have a fall picnic. Nearby the park, grab a fall latte from Café Amore or visit Valley Orchard close by to buy apples, pumpkins and apple cider donuts. 

Nygren Wetlands

Pair wildlife and wetlands with your fall scenic walk at Nygren Wetlands, located nearby in Rockton.  The Dianne Nora Nature Trail is a 2.5 mile path circling the wetlands.   The Natural Land Institute has restored prairies, woodlands and wetlands to this beautiful land, which is 721 acres. 

sandhill cranes nygren wetlands

There are plenty more places that offer the opportunity to fully experience the season of color. After all, Rockford is nicknamed “The Forest City”. Get outside and enjoy the lively colors before winter creeps in. If you want to be sure you don’t miss the peak for foliage in your area, you can check out this interactive foliage map.