Okay, so, let's be real about something: Indiana isn't exactly known for its amazing lookouts and scenic views. We're not the most mountainous of states, with a maximum elevation of just 1,257 feet, but that doesn't necessarily mean we're out of the "scenic view" picture entirely. There are a few places - and some good hikes - that will take you to the views the Hoosier State does have (including that 1,257-foot high point), but none are quite like the adventure that is the Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower. Nestled within the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, this tower is an awesome adventure waiting to happen. It's an overlook unlike any other perfect for fall colors in Indiana, and you'll want to check it out ASAP.

Bloomington, Indiana, is an adorable little town with lots of natural beauty surrounding it on all sides.

Some of that beauty is encompassed by the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, a scenic region of hardwood forest with plentiful miles of hiking, biking, walking, and... climbing?

Should you opt to embark upon the Terrill Ridge Trail, you'll find - right at the beginning - that there's a point of interest to check out. It's the 110-foot-tall Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower - and it's worth a climb if you're a fan of amazing views.

Just 133 metal steps stand between you and epic views.

The tower was originally used as a literal lookout tower for wildfires until as recently as the 1970s. Back in the day, there were no cell phones, so forest rangers watched over miles of forest canopy for signs of smoke. This is no longer necessary nowadays, though, and Hickory Ridge Tower is the last remaining of its kind in this part of the world.

We're glad it's still around; the views from the top are nothing short of stellar.

Making it to the summit of this man-made mountain means 360-degree panoramic views of some of the Midwest's most beautiful landscapes.

The best time to go is early in the morning, during the week; there are fewer people around at that time, and the sunrise from this little lookout point is worth waking up early for.

So, sure, maybe it isn't the summit of a 14,000-foot-high mountaintop, but it's still breathtaking and well-worth the journey up. It's not every day you get a birds-eye view of Indiana's beautiful wilderness like this. Enjoy it.

Of course, you'll want to bring some water with you; make the journey up, rest among the epic views at the top, and then clamber back down to continue your hike.

For more information about this awesome overlook in Indiana, check out the official Hoosier National Forest website. For information about the Terrill Ridge trail, be sure to visit its official AllTrails page. Are you an avid hiker and want to crank your hiking game up to 11? Check out all the benefits of AllTrails Plus - I don't know how I hiked without it.

Need more awe-inspiring Indiana hikes in your life? Check out this list of one dozen awesome hikes in Indiana - one for each month of the year.

Where & When to See Fall Foliage in Indiana

Where can you find the best fall foliage in Indiana? Luckily for us, there are all sorts of answers to this question. Indiana is home to 24 incredible state parks, as well as one breathtaking National Park - and all of these places are a great starting point for your ultimate autumn in Indiana adventure. Some of the best options are ones like Turkey Run State Park and Shades State Park - you can't go wrong with any of them, though! Typically, by mid-September, colors are changing, and by the end of October they've peaked, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Know Before You Go

Indiana's state parks have a $7 entry fee for folks with Indiana license plates; out-of-state folks will have a $9 entry fee. Some parks have additional fees, so be sure to do your research before you go to get the specifics of wherever it is you're heading for some leaf-peeping. Hungry for somewhere amazing to eat while you're exploring the Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower? Check out the incredible Story Inn to dine at one of Indiana's oldest establishments.

Need somewhere amazing to stay? You're in luck: this incredible lakeside vacation home in Norman, Indiana, looks ridiculously amazing when surrounded by fall colors.

...and best of all, it's quite affordable; you won't pay any more than you would for a nice hotel room, and in this case, you have a whole home to yourself (which will be entirely immersed in autumn amazingness come October).

It comfortably sleeps four guests, and it's perfect for solo trips or outings with your favorite human. For more information, including how to book your stay, check out the official Airbnb listing. Are you ready to enjoy all the best fall colors in Indiana this year? We think yes!