How to Capture Wisconsin's Best Autumn Colors While Hiking?

How to Capture Wisconsin’s Best Autumn Colors While Hiking?

Autumn in Wisconsin transforms the landscape into a breathtaking canvas of color, inviting hikers to explore its vibrant beauty. The air is crisp, the leaves are bursting with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, and everywhere you look feels like a postcard come to life. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just snapping some shots on your phone, fall is the perfect time to capture nature at its best. Let’s dive into some tips and places to help you make the most of those stunning.

Right Spot and Timing

First things first—timing is key. Fall colors in Wisconsin typically peak around mid-October, but it varies depending on where you are. Northern areas like Door County or Apostle Islands tend to hit peak color earlier, while southern spots like Milwaukee and Madison might peak a little later. The Fall Color Report from Travel Wisconsin is a lifesaver. I always check it before heading out to make sure I’m catching the colors at their most vibrant. Trust me, getting the timing right makes all the difference!

Choose the Right Spot

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to fall hiking spots in Wisconsin, but here are a few of my favorites that never fail to deliver incredible views:

Devil’s Lake State Park: This place is iconic for a reason. The 500-foot quartzite bluffs are stunning, especially when surrounded by fall colors. For the best shots, hike the East Bluff Trail—the view of the lake with the trees reflecting in the water is unbeatable.
Rib Mountain State Park: Head here for some of the highest views in the state. The observation tower gives you a sweeping panorama of the Wausau area, with rolling hills covered in a colorful patchwork quilt.
Peninsula State Park: In Door County, this park is a fall favorite. Take the hike up Eagle Tower for views of Green Bay, surrounded by fiery reds and oranges. You’ll catch some great lake views alongside the fall foliage if you’re lucky.

Play with Angles and Perspectives

Once you’ve found the perfect spot, don’t just settle for the standard straight-on shots. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to make your photos pop:

Look up: Sometimes, the most magical view is right above you. Point your camera up and capture the colorful canopy of leaves against the bright sky. It’s an easy but dramatic way to showcase fall’s beauty.
Get close to water: Reflections are your best friend when photographing fall colors. Look for a lake, pond, or even a small creek, and get close to the water’s edge. The way the trees reflect on the still water, especially during golden hour, creates a stunning mirror effect. The Great River Road along the Mississippi River is perfect for this, especially near Perrot State Park, where you can catch the bluffs and trees reflecting in the river.
Shoot during golden hour: Speaking of golden hour, this is the best time to shoot. The soft, warm light just after sunrise or before sunset enhances the richness of the fall colors. Holy Hill or Kettle Moraine State Forest are amazing spots to catch the sun hitting the fall leaves just right. Trust me, it’s worth the early wake-up!

This Picture was taken with an iPhone 13 Pro and edited in Lightroom

Use Simple Composition Techniques

Composition can take your fall photos to the next level. Even if you’re just using your phone, here are a few easy tricks to improve your shots:

Rule of thirds: This one’s a classic. Imagine your frame divided into nine equal parts. Try placing the horizon, trees, or other key elements along those lines to create a more balanced, visually appealing shot.
Leading lines: Trails, rivers, and fences can create natural lines that lead the viewer’s eye through the photo. Look for winding paths covered in leaves or rivers snaking through the forest.
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail has many opportunities for this, especially with its meandering paths through colorful forests.
Foreground interest: Adding something in the foreground—whether it’s a close-up of leaves, a rock, or even a fellow hiker—gives your photo depth. It pulls the viewer in and adds context to the larger scene. In places like Peter’s Dome in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, you can frame your shot with the rocky landscape in the foreground to make the vast expanse of trees even more striking.

Focus on the Little Details

While the sweeping landscapes are incredible, don’t forget to zoom in on the details. Sometimes the smallest things make the most beautiful photos. Close-up shots of individual leaves, tree bark, or clusters of berries can highlight the intricate patterns and textures of fall. For instance, when I hiked the Bearskin State Trail, I found myself taking as many photos of the ground as I did of the trees—bright red leaves scattered on a mossy trail just begged to be captured.

Bring the Right Gear

You don’t need fancy equipment to get great photos, but having a few key items can help:

Polarizing filter: If you’re using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a polarizing filter reduces glare from the leaves and water, making the colors even more vivid.
Tripod: A tripod is a game-changer for early morning or late evening shots with lower light. It’ll keep your camera steady, especially if you’re doing longer exposures of waterfalls, like those at Marinette County Falls.
Lens cleaning cloth: Autumn can be damp, and your lens might catch some mist or water drops. A quick wipe with a lens cloth will keep your shots sharp and clear.

Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Moment

At the end of the day, don’t forget to put the camera down every now and then and just enjoy the moment. Wisconsin’s fall season is short but oh-so-sweet, and sometimes the best memories are the ones we don’t capture on camera. Whether you’re sitting by the lake at Rib Mountain, walking through the colorful woods of Peninsula State Park, or just taking in the views from a bluff, take a deep breath and soak it all in. The best part of fall hiking is simply being out in nature, surrounded by all that beauty.

Did you know that we have over 50 wisconsin state parks to explore? I have created this Scratch-Off poster to help you kick off your adventure this summer; check it out!