Hiking in Kentucky is especially unforgettable during fall. You could spend the entire season discovering new adventures and the natural beauty of our lovely state. But if you want to experience the colorful fall foliage views, but aren’t quite ready to tackle a challenging hike, then this list is your perfect guide. These 7 short and sweet fall hikes in Kentucky will end with a spectacular view and make for the perfect autumn adventure.
- Canopy Walk at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest - 2075 Clermont Rd. Clermont, KY 40110
Facebook/Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest The short walk to this epic viewing spot may just be the highlight of your fall. The entire forest comes alive with color in autumn, but this wooden pathway will lead you out amongst the treetops as you hover 75 feet above the ground. The views are sweeping and as you can see from the photo, vibrantly filled with fall color. Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest, 2075 Clermont Rd, Clermont, KY 40110, USA
- Bison Trail at Big Bone Lick State Park - 3380 Beaver Rd. Union, KY 41091
Yelp/Business Owner You’re uniquely rewarded on this short hike within Big Bone Lick State Park in Union. The Bison Trail is only .5-mile, and about halfway along, the wooded trail will open up to a large fenced-in field, where you’ll find a herd of bison grazing and roaming. The trail takes you along the field so you can watch the bison and take in the breathtaking views of fall foliage. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, 3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY 41091, USA
- Princess Arch in Red River Gorge
GoogleMaps/Darth Annoyance This .6-mile out and back trail takes you to some of the most unique landscape in the state and it’s especially interesting in autumn, surrounded by fallen leaves. Go a little further past the arch for even more beautiful views of the fall foliage in the area. Princess Arch Trailhead, Pine Ridge, KY 41360, USA
- Cumberland Falls Trail - 7351 Highway 90 Corbin, KY
Flickr/Kentucky Photo File No matter how many times you’ve seen Kentucky’s most popular waterfall, if you haven’t seen it in the fall, then you must plan another trip. It’s a short .5-mile hike, and in the peak of fall color, it is absolutely breathtaking. Cumberland Falls, Kentucky, USA
- Chained Rock Trail - Pine Mountain
AnnaBeth Dye Hiking through Pine Mountain in the fall is simply enchanting. The 1-mile out and back Chained Rock Trail will take you to the infamous rock that is literally secured by a chain, but you’ll also experience sweeping views like the one in the photo above. Chained Rock Trailhead, Chained Rock Rd, Pineville, KY 40977, USA
- Flat Lick Falls - Gray Hawk
Peter McDermott If you want to feel like you’ve discovered something extra special, check out the short and easy hike to Flat Lick Falls. You can view the falls via a short .4-mile paved trail with designated overlook, so everyone can experience this magical spot that is particularly wonderful in autumn. Flat Lick Falls Recreational Area, McKee, KY 40447, USA
- Raven Run Nature Sanctuary - Lexington
Alltrails/Ben Jones There are several trails at Raven Run, but the red trail is the most popular. It’s a bit longer at 4 miles, but you can easily choose to do a portion of it and still enjoy a perfect fall hike. Be sure to follow signs for the white trail as well. They are offshoots to take you to the scenic views, like the one in the photo above of the Kentucky River. Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, 3885 Raven Run Wy, Lexington, KY 40515, USA
Choose one or two of these short and sweet fall hikes and get outside to enjoy the colorful beauty of Kentucky this season. Did your favorite short hike make our list? What is your favorite trail to hike during fall in Kentucky? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Facebook/Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
The short walk to this epic viewing spot may just be the highlight of your fall. The entire forest comes alive with color in autumn, but this wooden pathway will lead you out amongst the treetops as you hover 75 feet above the ground. The views are sweeping and as you can see from the photo, vibrantly filled with fall color.
Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest, 2075 Clermont Rd, Clermont, KY 40110, USA
Yelp/Business Owner
You’re uniquely rewarded on this short hike within Big Bone Lick State Park in Union. The Bison Trail is only .5-mile, and about halfway along, the wooded trail will open up to a large fenced-in field, where you’ll find a herd of bison grazing and roaming. The trail takes you along the field so you can watch the bison and take in the breathtaking views of fall foliage.
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, 3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY 41091, USA
GoogleMaps/Darth Annoyance
This .6-mile out and back trail takes you to some of the most unique landscape in the state and it’s especially interesting in autumn, surrounded by fallen leaves. Go a little further past the arch for even more beautiful views of the fall foliage in the area.
Princess Arch Trailhead, Pine Ridge, KY 41360, USA
Flickr/Kentucky Photo File
No matter how many times you’ve seen Kentucky’s most popular waterfall, if you haven’t seen it in the fall, then you must plan another trip. It’s a short .5-mile hike, and in the peak of fall color, it is absolutely breathtaking.
Cumberland Falls, Kentucky, USA
AnnaBeth Dye
Hiking through Pine Mountain in the fall is simply enchanting. The 1-mile out and back Chained Rock Trail will take you to the infamous rock that is literally secured by a chain, but you’ll also experience sweeping views like the one in the photo above.
Chained Rock Trailhead, Chained Rock Rd, Pineville, KY 40977, USA
Peter McDermott
If you want to feel like you’ve discovered something extra special, check out the short and easy hike to Flat Lick Falls. You can view the falls via a short .4-mile paved trail with designated overlook, so everyone can experience this magical spot that is particularly wonderful in autumn.
Flat Lick Falls Recreational Area, McKee, KY 40447, USA
Alltrails/Ben Jones
There are several trails at Raven Run, but the red trail is the most popular. It’s a bit longer at 4 miles, but you can easily choose to do a portion of it and still enjoy a perfect fall hike. Be sure to follow signs for the white trail as well. They are offshoots to take you to the scenic views, like the one in the photo above of the Kentucky River.
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, 3885 Raven Run Wy, Lexington, KY 40515, USA
And for more short hikes throughout the Bluegrass State, check out our previous article here.
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