Wondering when the color of fall leaves will peak in 2022 near Lincoln and where best to see them?
David Angotti can tell you. He is a statistical expert and the co-founder of the site SmokyMountains.com. His love for weather, travel, technology, and the autumn season led him to begin developing a nationwide fall leaf map in 2013 after one Smoky Mountains visitor too many inquired with him when the leaves would be at their fall best.
While not an exact science, the predictive map uses a complex algorithm that carefully analyzes several million data points and outputs approximately 50,000 predictive data pieces to determine when leaves will peak in each part of the country.
Check out the map below to see when the leaves will peak near us or another part of the country. Simply move the slider along the bottom to see when leaves are expected to reach peak color in Lincoln and the surrounding areas!
Where to go leaf peeping near Lincoln.
Here are my family's top five places near Lincoln to go leaf-peeping:
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Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway
Up for a drive, but not a hike? Get in the car and zoom over to the Lewis & Clark Scenic Byway. You'll have views of the Missouri River and the forests of Eastern Nebraska. This 82-mile route begins just north of Omaha and travels along U.S. Highway 75 to South Sioux City. Named for the famous explorers, the highway follows along much of the route they originally took in 1804. (I’m glad that I’m able to drive that route instead of walk it!)
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Indian Cave State Park
The drive to Indian Cave State Park is gorgeous and once you are there you can walk, hike or drive through the gorgeous scenery including stunning views of the Missouri River. They offer fantastic Halloween events like Haunted Hayrack Rides. Check our calendar for those dates.
 Gratisography from Pexels |
Schramm Park State Recreation Rea
Schramm is about 30-45 minutes from Lincoln, has short hiking loops, an education center and is a beautiful spot for a picnic. When our kids were young we did the figure 8 loop that is three miles in length but you can do one part of the loop for a little over a one-mile hike. Schramm is pet-friendly; it makes me smile to see so many four-legged friends walking the trails of the park. It would be much easier to backpack in a young child but you can do it with a stroller. When we had our stroller we had to carry our stroller in several spots where the trail had been washed out but we figured it made for good exercise. Schramm has a good-sized playground with swings and slides. The playground connects to the hatchery by a wooden walkway. The walkway is another fun find for kiddos. Schramm Park is clean, has lots of bathrooms, is well-taken care of and a great spot for a hike.
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Platte River State Park
Platte River offers hiking for everyone in the family-even your four legged ones! Platte River also recently added a huge, multi-level playground for the younger crowd. My kids could play in the waterfall and the Platte River for hours. The trails are well worn and you could easily bring a stroller, the trees are mature and provide shade and cooler temps and it is serene (even with screaming kids). It is a 5-10 minute walk from your car to the waterfall. Yes, it is a small waterfall but in my book a waterfall is a waterfall!
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Pioneers Park
Pioneers Park has 668 acres of woodland, wetland, and prairie habitat to explore and over 8 miles of hiking trails winding through the various habitats, gardens, and natural play area. It feels like an oasis in the city.
