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Posted by: Bridgett Hernandez

  • 10/06/2021

Fall Foliage Road Trip with ACRES

Thanks to member and volunteer support, ACRES offers many places to explore throughout our region. Each preserve is unique, featuring diverse landscapes. If you’re looking for some new-to-you trails, why not make a day of it?

In the second part of our road trip series, we encourage you to get out and take in the best this season has to offer: crisp air, blue skies, colorful foliage and generally drier trails! For our fall road trip itinerary, we’re sharing recommendations in Wabash and Miami counties. We hope you’ll enjoy exploring ACRES preserves, learning about local landmarks and discovering some fun stops along the way.

1. Start at Asherwood

Located southwest of Wabash, Asherwood’s wooded trails are a great place for a fall hike. Enjoy the fall foliage as you hike among deep ravines that divide beech/maple and oak/hickory forests on narrow ridge tops. The 160-acre property features 2.6 miles of trails, including paved trails, wide and flat earthen trails and narrow, winding trails climbing steep grades. ACRES protects several acres of sugar bush, a forest stand of maple trees that can be tapped for syrup, at this preserve. Here, you can see the historic sugar shack that is still used at the end of winter to make fresh syrup.

2. Next Stop: Seven Pillars of the Mississinewa Landmark

Take the scenic route. From Asherwood, travel south, taking the scenic Mississinewa Dam Road for a view of the 3,180-acre lake which provides flood reduction and recreational opportunities for the region.

Your next stop is Seven Pillars of the Mississinewa Landmark in Peru, Indiana. A pull-off is located near 3985 E. Mississinewa Road that affords a view of the 25-foot high limestone pillars on the north side of the river. The formation is sacred to the Miami Nation of Indians of the State of Indiana, whose members continue to gather at the site.

3. Hike the trails at Seven Pillars Nature Preserve

Next, drive just .4 miles west to visit Seven Pillars Nature Preserve at 3667 Mississinewa Road. The 148-acre preserve features 1.8 miles of trails through woods and open meadow.

Nearby Points of Interest

Here are a couple fun stops to make while you’re in the area:

Doud Orchards

8971 N. State Road 19
Denver, IN 46926
Hours: Vary seasonally—call or check online Doudsorchards.com

One of the oldest orchards in Indiana, Doud Orchard has been growing apples and other produce since 1894. A vintage barn storefront offers produce, cider and other goodies.

Roann Covered Bridge

6000 Roann Lukens Lake Road
Roann, IN 46974

Originally built in 1877, the restored Roann Covered Bridge spans 288 feet over the Eel River. Its walls and roof were built to protect oak deck timbers against rot.

Never miss a story!

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2021 ACRES Quarterly, mailed to members each season. The 20-page Quarterly features ACRES news, stories and events. You can subscribe by becoming an ACRES member with a donation of $20 or more. Click here to learn more!