Kentucky is not just about fried chicken and Bourbon. It is also a great place to witness the stunning colors of fall, and one can do this while enjoying a plate of some exceptional fried chicken or taking a bourbon tour. From mid-September to late October, the abundant trees across the state shed their leaves and transform the entire landscape into a scene of yellow and orange colors. This alone makes the state worth visiting, and to make the adventure even more exciting, here are some colorful places in the state to visit this fall.
10 Red River Gorge
Red River Gorge is a stunning canyon in Daniel Boone National Forest, but while the waterfalls, natural bridges, and other natural creations are impressive, it's the surrounding fall colors that make this place a hot spot during Fall. Visitors to this part of Daniel Boone National Forest in the fall will be met with orange and yellow colors. With trails leading to waterfalls and so many other recreational activities available, the fall scenery is not the only thing one will enjoy when visiting this park.
9 Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
There may be so many things to do in Cumberland Gap National Park, but those who visit the park in the fall cannot ignore the scenery they will be presented with. This period in the park is characterized by trails carpeted with colorful rustling leaves and trees full of yellow and orange colors. With the Cumberland Mountain Fall Festival held during fall in Kentucky, one can easily visit to enjoy some fall scenery while enjoying some live music and delicious food.
8 Daniel Boone National Forest
Daniel Boone National Forest is a park in Kentucky that features a great diversity of trees and plants, many of which shed their leaves in fall. This makes the area the perfect place to witness fall foliage in the State. Besides the numerous trees, the national forest also features impressive waterfalls and scenic trails for some outdoor adventures. While summer and spring are great times to explore all the forest has to offer, fall is the best time to visit the forest for natural scenery.
7 Taylorsville Lake State Park
The stunning lake in Taylorsville State Park may be impressive year round, but fall gives it a kind of scenery that makes it special and worth visiting. During this period, the trees beside the lake, as well as those on the trails, transform into mesmerizing colors that are Instagram-worthy and relaxing. There are campgrounds in the camp, and one can also engage in adventurous activities such as - biking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, and hiking to discover more fall foliage.
6 Mammoth Cave National Park
The largest national park in Kentucky is also one of the best places to witness the falling leaves, the beautiful sunsets, and the peaceful atmosphere of autumn in Kentucky. Here, the beautiful glow from the autumn colors can be seen even in the caves within the park. While in the park, one can engage in cave tours, camping, hiking, and biking to witness more of the park’s fall scenery.
5 Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is a great place to enjoy nature in Kentucky as it features a scenic river, numerous trees, scenic trails, and crystal-clear streams. While one can enjoy these natural attractions all year round, fall brings a colorful transformation to the sanctuary and makes it even more exciting and appealing to explore.
4 Natural Bridge State Resort Park
The stunning rock formations and the lush forests of Natural Bridge State Resort Park are best explored during fall as the views come with the added advantage of autumn colors. Visitors to this park during fall can camp in one of the campgrounds before hiking some scenic trails to enjoy some fall foliage. Besides the amazing fall scenery one will enjoy here, the Park also offers great opportunities for fishing, stargazing, and birdwatching.
3 Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway
There are lots of scenic drives in Kentucky, and the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway is for those who wish to witness the beauty of fall. This scenic road stretches for approximately 42 miles, and the ride through the road will have one witnessing the charming fall colors in every direction. One will also have the flexibility to stop and spend some time getting more intimate with the area.
2 Bernheim Arboretum And Research Forest
With towering forest giants, exciting hiking trails, and scenic water bodies, Bernheim Forest is a great place for nature lovers. During fall, the forest transforms into a magical wonderland, making the natural attractions even more interesting and appealing. With leaves turning yellow and orange and running on the forest floor, hiking here will be a pleasant and scenic experience. The Canopy tree walk is one of the best places to witness the scenery of this forest as it places one at the height of up to 75 feet above the forest floor.
1 Big South Fork Scenic Railway
Taking a train ride on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway is an experience not to miss out on when in Kentucky, especially during fall. This railway will have one riding for up to 14 miles through the Big South Fork Area, where one will be presented with views of scenic mountains with trees filled with colorful leaves.