By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The Rockford region is filled with photogenic forests that are perfect for anyone looking for vibrant fall foliage.
We asked a handful of professional photographers in town what their go-to spots are for fall photos.
“The Forest City boasts numerous locations for autumnal backdrops. My favorites include downtown Rockford where vibrant ivy clings to urban textures and vibrant hues highlight the cityscape,” said Mindy Joy Nutter Young of Mindy Joy Photography, who also mentioned Macktown Forest Preserve and Kinnikinnick Conservation Area as top choices. “But any park in greater Rock River Valley is idyllic this time of year.”
Local photographers helped us curate this list of seven photogenic spots to capture fall photos.
Rockford Arboretum
Where: 1875 N. Mulford Road, Rockford
Why: Rockford Arboretum was top of mind for several of the photographers we talked to for this story.
The Rockford Park District property is home to beautiful bur oaks that are more than 150 years old, said Brian Thomas, a photographer and the owner of Brian Thomas Photography. It makes for great fall portraits because of its low-hanging branches that provide a perfect fall backdrop.
“Some of the branches are so low they’re below our shoulders,” Thomas said. “That is the first place that comes to mind.”
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Photographer Albert Riley Jr., the owner of Cheeks Photography, said he recently discovered Rockford Arboretum and loves the scenery. The park can be easy to miss with its nondescript entrance off Mulford Road.
“If you need a location that gives you those vibrant fall colors with an abundance of leaves this is your go-to spot,” Riley Jr. said. “Best location in Rockford that I stumbled across.
Rock Cut State Park
Where: Rock Cut State Park, 7318 Harlem Road, Loves Park
Why: Rock Cut State Park offers plenty of space to find the perfect shot with more than 3,000 acres of land and two lakes.
That big space is also helpful for those weekend days when a multitude of photographers, hikers, bikers and runners may be around the state park.
“There’s so many options there,” said Amy Ryan of Amy Ryan Photography. “And if there are a million photographers there at one time, there’s still somewhere you can go where you’re not all on top of each other.”
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Ryan said she also likes to make use of Pierce and Olson lakes, as well as the winding roads and trails at Rock Cut.
“I love using the water,” she said. “There are just so many options. Whatever anybody’s looking for, it’s pretty much there.”
Anna Page Park
Where: 3102 N. Springfield Ave., Rockford
Why: Rockford has numerous golf courses with vibrant fall backdrops, but at Anna Page Park it’s disc golf that rules the day.
The 942-acre park has three disc-golf courses and it’s considered one of the best places to play. It’s also especially scenic this time of year, and you can find places away from the frisbees with piles of leaves that are perfect for portraits.
“There’s so many trees, but there’s also some really cool clearings,” said Xen Kingsley, owner of Xenaissance Photography. “You’ve just got to dodge the disc golf guys.”
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Hononegah Forest Preserve
Where: 80 Hononegah Road, Rockton
Why: Hononegah Forest Preserve is the oldest preserve in the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County and one of its most popular.
Its photogenic nature stems from plenty of maple and oak trees that border walking paths, picnic areas and the winding roads that run through the 228-acre preserve.
Hononegah Forest Preserve also features a historic bridge near its entrance, picnic areas in a maple grove and a canoe launch to take you along the Rock River.
Macktown Forest Preserve
Where: 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton
Why: This 280-acre preserve sits at the confluence of the Pecatonica and Rock rivers and draws thousands of people each year for historic reenactments, golf, boating, picnics and photography.
“Macktown Forest Preserve is ideal for their wide variety of backdrops including an oak tree grove, gravel paths, limestone staircase, rustic barn feature and riverfront views,” said Mindy Joy Nutter Young of Mindy Joy Photography.
There’s only a short hiking trail, but there is a picnic shelter and a canoe launch if you want to make use of reflections off the water for your photos.
Kinnikinnick Creek Conservation Area
Where: 3 miles north of Illinois 173 on Caledonia Road
Why: This nearly 430-acre area features oak and hickory woodlands and savannas with grasslands in between. The spring-fed Kinnikinnick Creek winds between beautiful limestone bluffs.
This time of year, Young says the conservation area stands out for its “lovely golden fields.”
Kishwaukee Gorge North
Where: 4643 Blackhawk Road, Rockford
Why: This 128-acre forest preserve has more than 3 miles of hiking trails that cover everything from woodlands to prairie ravines near the Kishwaukee River.
There are opportunities for colorful fall photos along the river, but be prepared for 50 or so man-made steps that take you down to the river.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas