9 Top Places To Visit In Kentucky This Fall

Bordered by the scenic Ohio River Valley to the north and the stunning Appalachian Mountains to the south, the Southeastern state of Kentucky is blessed with a bounty of natural beauty. This is even more evident in the autumn, when the the state's rolling green hills are dotted with vibrantly colored trees. Kentucky's fall foliage peaks at any time from early to late October, depending on what part of the state you are in. If you are planning a trip to the state this fall, you will have an abundance of festive destinations from which to choose, including these top nine places.

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum

If you are looking for a relaxing place to appreciate all the sights, sounds, and colors of fall in Kentucky, the expansive Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest may be the perfect place to do it. The pretty nature reserve was founded in 1929 and welcomes over 500,000 visitors a year, with a high turnout during the scenic autumn months. You'll have 1,600 acres to explore, complete with more than 8,000 varieties of trees and other types of foliage, many of which transform into a fiery fall palette each year.

You can take in all that the arboretum and surrounding land has to offer by walking or biking along its more than 40 miles of trails, which wind through and around forests, wetlands, creeks, and other waterways. If you are visiting Bernheim during early November, don't miss the Annual ColorFest, a festive event that celebrate's the area's vibrant autumn landscape.

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

As summer turns into fall each year, the grounds of the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Hodgenville transform into a vibrantly colored landmark, complete with two farm sites and a spring. The park welcomes about 200,000 visitors per year, and the fall months are the ideal place to check it out, as the temperatures are mild, and the grounds are scenic in all their autumn splendor.

The park consists of an early 19th-century log cabin and the grounds that the former president lived on from age two through eight. It also includes a historic tavern, rustic trails where you can spend a beautiful fall day exploring, and picnic areas for al fresco lunches amid the vibrantly hued foliage. In addition, visitors can enjoy ranger-led tours and special programs and activities for kids.

Daniel Boone National Forest

The pretty Daniel Boone National Forest is one of Kentucky's more popular destinations and offers more than 708,000 acres of national forest system to explore. Although the nature retreat is a pleasure to visit all year long, it's especially delightful in fall, when the landscape becomes ablaze with shades of gold, orange, and red. The forest appeals to more adventurous autumn travelers, as it features some of the most rugged terrain, such as steep slopes, sandstone cliffs, and lush ravines, west of the Appalachian Mountain range.

You can enjoy panoramic views of the stunning fall foliage from the forest's higher elevations and take in the scenery on its 600 miles of hiking and biking trails. There is also a 269-mile horseback course and opportunities for fishing and camping.

Mammoth Cave National Park

The impressive Mammoth Cave National Park, which is known as the longest cave system on Earth at more than 400 miles, is located in South Central Kentucky. The park offers 10 miles of passageways for exploring inside the cave, and guided tours are available. The park really comes to life in the fall and may even be considered the best time to visit, as the temperatures are cooler and the air is drier.

The foliage explodes in an autumnal spectrum of color, and late fall even sometimes brings pretty frost flowers, which are the ice crystals that emerge from plants. By autumn, the bustling summer crowds have dissipated, and the park's campgrounds present a quieter, more relaxing atmosphere. You can also stay warm and cozy by booking a room in the Lodge at Mammoth Cave.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is another must-visit attraction during fall in Kentucky, as it's known for the spectacular phenomenon referred to as a "moonbow," which is a rainbow that is created by waterfall sprays under the moonlight. During the day, visitors are treated to 20 miles of hiking trails, which lead you through a vibrantly colored forest and past a 68-foot-tall and 125-wide waterfall. The Eagle Falls Trails provides stunning cliff-top views of the fall foliage, as well as the best view of the falls.

You can also go horseback riding amid the firey-hued Eastern Kentucky landscape and get warm around a bonfire at an onsite campsite. If you are an angler, go fishing for seasonal fish, such as panfish and catfish, while at the park as well.

Evans Orchard and Cider Mill

Located in quaint Georgetown, the Evans Orchard and Cider Mill is a quintessential autumn destination when visiting Kentucky. The attraction provides fall fun for the entire family and tempts tastebuds with seasonal treats such as homemade fried apple pie and apple cider slushies. While on the farm, kids can spend a pretty fall day playing on playground equipment, such as slides, and going on tractor rides.

There is an ongoing fall festival from mid-September through early November each year, during which you can experience a corn maze, pick your own perfect pumpkins, visit animals in the barnyard, and more.

Devine's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

Another must-see attraction everyone should check out during fall in Kentucky is Devine's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch, which is located in charming Harrodsburg. With each paid admission, you get a pumpkin from the patch and free activities such as wagon rides, a feedlot challenge, duck races, a hay maze, a corn maze, critter pettings, a bonfire with roasted marshmallows, and more. The onsite Corn Cafe offers a cozy place to warm up during cooler fall days, as well as treats such as candy, fountain drinks, and traditional fair food.

Buckmeadow Farms

In September and October each year, charming and quaint Buckmeadow Farms springs to life with all of autumn's splendor. The farm boasts traditional fall family fun, including hay rides, a patch where you can pick your own pumpkin for decorating or cooking, a corn maze, and other seasonal activities.

The Annual Buckmeadow Farm Fest is an entire day of festivities and kid-friendly adventures, such as a jump pad, a ninja warrior course, hayrides to the pumpkin patch, and animal petting. Each year right before Halloween, the farm offers a special trick-or-treat corn maze experience.

Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum

Climb aboard a pumpkin patch train departing the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum, which is located in the town of Versailles. From late September through late October each year, the attraction operates a festive train that winds along the Kentucky River and ends up at a patch where riders can purchase their own perfect pumpkins for carving. The train has three different levels of seating, first class, coach, and the open-air "hobo" class, depending on your preference. The excursion also offers complimentary apple cider and admission to the Bluegrass Railroad Museum.

From north to south and east to west, the beautiful state of Kentucky offers unforgettable fall adventures that will create memories to last a lifetime. Whether you want to enjoy nature on rustic, colorful trails or take in the firey-hued landscape aboard a comfortable train, your desired fall experience awaits. While you are out exploring, don't forget to sample freshly pressed apple cider or pick a Halloween pumpkin from a local farm.