I set out today to visit Warren Woods State Park, not to be confused with Warren Dunes State Park. I had heard that Warren Woods had plenty of colorful sugar maples and wanted to check it out.

Coming from New Buffalo, Waze wanted me to take Interstate 94, which I categorically rejected, as I always do, and took Hwy 12 to Red Arrow Highway instead, ending up on Lakeside Road, which took us past the delightful Lakeside Cemetery in Lakeside as we turned inland.

Can you even believe that cloud? Not to mention the tree.

Soon we turned left on Elm Valley Road, with a towering canopy of gorgeous trees, passing a massive property called Berrywood Farm, a 33-acre estate that I later discovered is a B&B. Originally homesteaded in 1836, it features an historic main farmhouse, in-ground pool and massive 19th century timber barn.

Before long we pulled into Warren Woods State Park. Judging from the leaves on the ground, we missed most of the red sugar maple leaves, but our little hike was still spectacular.

Warren Woods is a 311-acre nature preserve and hidden gem about 7 minutes drive from Warren Dunes State Park. The park features a towering beech and maple forest and the Galien River. A half-mile trail follows the river and a nice bridge crosses it.

Do yourself a favor: Get out there while the getting’s good.