Autumn in North America 🍂

Columbus, Nebraska is seriously in the middle of nowhere… 🌽 Stayed by the highway, surrounded by endless cornfields. Almost zero attractions—questioned my life choices in that village 😂 So I drove to South Dakota for a weekend leaf-peeping adventure! 800 km in two days 🚗💨 Just barely caught the tail end of fall. Newton Hills State Park Entry fee: $8 per vehicle 🚙 | They also have campsites (different fee for overnight camping). You can drive through the park and choose from multiple trails. Leaves covered the ground—walking felt soft and crunchy 🍁 Overall, it was past peak but still beautiful. Palisades State Park Entry fee: $8 per vehicle 🚙 The highlight here is the dramatic rock formations—rugged and picturesque 🪨 Paired with the river and autumn leaves, it had a unique charm. But like Newton Hills, fall colors were fading fast. By November, probably no leaves left! 🍂❌ Verdict: Both parks were decent—not mind-blowing, but perfect for a crisp autumn drive and hike. For someone like me living in the middle of nowhere, it felt like a luxury escape! 😆 If you live within a 2-hour drive, it’s worth a visit. Otherwise, maybe not a special trip—especially since peak autumn has passed. #FallHiking #ScenicJourney #AutumnDestinations #USA #NorthAmericanLife #SouthDakota