Road trips through Kentucky are always going to be scenic, especially in the autumn when the colors are changing. It can be hard to pick a route since there is so much to see in the Bluegrass State, but try this 521-mile road trip across Kentucky. It should take roughly 12 hours and 40 minutes without stopping, but you’re definitely going to want to pull over and take in your surroundings for a few hours, or even days! Take your time with this one to soak it all in as you visit the best fall foliage in Kentucky. Check out the map below, or click here to adjust it.
The Route:
Google This route completely avoids interstate highways and instead takes state roads. Feel free to adjust the route if you do prefer to take the highway, but the state roads are going to give you a much better opportunity to experience the fall colors in Kentucky.
- Old Louisville
Flickr/Stephanie White
Flickr/loreth_ni_Balor This historic neighborhood is not only home to the University of Louisville, but it also contains the largest collection of Victorian mansions in the United States. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Be sure to explore St. James and Belgravia Courts and admire the architecture. If you’re lucky enough to be there the first weekend in October, the streets of the neighborhood will be bustling with people visiting the St. James Court Art Show, where over 700 artists set up booths to show and sell their work. Old Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Woodford Reserve Distillery
Flickr/Rick Ready for a break? Just before you reach Versailles, stop in at the Woodford Reserve Distillery. Grab a quick (but delicious) meal at their restaurant, Glenn’s Creek Cafe, or stay awhile and take a tour of the distillery to see how Kentucky’s native spirit is made. It’s a beautiful destination and one of the best things to do in fall in Kentucky. Address: 7785 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY 40383 Woodford Reserve Distillery, 7785 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY 40383, USA
- Horse Country
Flickr/Chris Nelson
Flickr/Kyle McKenzie The drive from Woodford Reserve through Versailles will take you through Kentucky Horse Country. The views you will see are probably what most people think of when they hear the word “Kentucky”— stone fences along a narrow country road, rolling green hills, and horses grazing in the distance. These rolling hills are the ideal place to view peak fall foliage.
- Lexington
Flickr/keithreed01 Your views of horses won’t end as you enter Lexington, the “Horse Capital of the World,” until you get into the heart of the city. Be sure to check out the University of Kentucky campus. Even if you’re not a Wildcat fan, there’s just something pleasant about a college campus in fall. Address: Lexington, KY 40506 Lexington, KY, USA
- Red River Gorge
Flickr/Stuart R. Saffen Say goodbye to big cities for a while after leaving Lexington. Soon you’ll enter Daniel Boone National Forest and the Red River Gorge area. If you can, spend a night or two here, whether it be in a tent in the woods or a cozy cabin. There’s so much to see in Red River Gorge that it’s definitely worth the extra time. Go for a hike and see one of the many natural sandstone arches in the region, or explore the dense forests that will show off the best fall foliage in Kentucky. Red River Gorge, Kentucky 40387, USA
- Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Flickr/Kentucky Photo File
Flickr/Becky From here, the route will take you south through and beside Daniel Boone National Forest until you reach Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. This is another area worth staying for a couple of extra days. Like Red River Gorge, there is so much to see. Be sure to check out Cumberland Falls, which is known as “Niagra of the South,” and the lesser known, but equally beautiful Dog Slaughter Falls. These waterfalls are best viewed at peak fall foliage. Address: 7351 Hwy 90, Corbin, KY 40701 Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, 7351 KY-90, Corbin, KY 40701, USA
- Bowling Green
Wikipedia/Western Kentucky University You’ll start heading west across the state now, and your next stop will be Bowling Green. Another beautiful college campus is here at Western Kentucky University. Trek to the top of the hill, and you’ll discover why WKU’s mascot is a “hilltopper.” Bowling Green is also home to the National Corvette Museum. Address: 1906 College Heights Boulevard, Bowling Green, KY 42101 Bowling Green, KY, USA
- Land Between the Lakes
Flickr/Land Between the Lakes KY/TN After leaving Bowling Green, continue to head west to the Land Between the Lakes. This national recreation area is nestled between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. Along with fall foliage, it’s very likely you’ll spot some wildlife. Bison, wild turkeys, deer, elk, and various birds and prairie mammals are common here. Address: 238 Visitor Center Drive, Golden Pond, KY 42211 Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA
The great thing about this trip is that you could modify this route however you like, and you’re still going to see some of the best fall foliage in Kentucky! This road trip allows you to see the autumn season in the wide variety of landscapes Kentucky has to offer: bustling cities, horse country, mountains, forests, and lakes. What other stops in Kentucky could be added to this road trip? Isn’t the Bluegrass State absolutely breathtaking in the fall?
This route completely avoids interstate highways and instead takes state roads. Feel free to adjust the route if you do prefer to take the highway, but the state roads are going to give you a much better opportunity to experience the fall colors in Kentucky.
Flickr/Stephanie White
Flickr/loreth_ni_Balor
This historic neighborhood is not only home to the University of Louisville, but it also contains the largest collection of Victorian mansions in the United States. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Be sure to explore St. James and Belgravia Courts and admire the architecture. If you’re lucky enough to be there the first weekend in October, the streets of the neighborhood will be bustling with people visiting the St. James Court Art Show, where over 700 artists set up booths to show and sell their work.
Old Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
Flickr/Rick
Ready for a break? Just before you reach Versailles, stop in at the Woodford Reserve Distillery. Grab a quick (but delicious) meal at their restaurant, Glenn’s Creek Cafe, or stay awhile and take a tour of the distillery to see how Kentucky’s native spirit is made. It’s a beautiful destination and one of the best things to do in fall in Kentucky. Address: 7785 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY 40383
Woodford Reserve Distillery, 7785 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY 40383, USA
Flickr/Chris Nelson
Flickr/Kyle McKenzie
The drive from Woodford Reserve through Versailles will take you through Kentucky Horse Country. The views you will see are probably what most people think of when they hear the word “Kentucky”— stone fences along a narrow country road, rolling green hills, and horses grazing in the distance. These rolling hills are the ideal place to view peak fall foliage.
Flickr/keithreed01
Your views of horses won’t end as you enter Lexington, the “Horse Capital of the World,” until you get into the heart of the city. Be sure to check out the University of Kentucky campus. Even if you’re not a Wildcat fan, there’s just something pleasant about a college campus in fall. Address: Lexington, KY 40506
Lexington, KY, USA
Flickr/Stuart R. Saffen
Say goodbye to big cities for a while after leaving Lexington. Soon you’ll enter Daniel Boone National Forest and the Red River Gorge area. If you can, spend a night or two here, whether it be in a tent in the woods or a cozy cabin. There’s so much to see in Red River Gorge that it’s definitely worth the extra time. Go for a hike and see one of the many natural sandstone arches in the region, or explore the dense forests that will show off the best fall foliage in Kentucky.
Red River Gorge, Kentucky 40387, USA
Flickr/Kentucky Photo File
Flickr/Becky
From here, the route will take you south through and beside Daniel Boone National Forest until you reach Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. This is another area worth staying for a couple of extra days. Like Red River Gorge, there is so much to see. Be sure to check out Cumberland Falls, which is known as “Niagra of the South,” and the lesser known, but equally beautiful Dog Slaughter Falls. These waterfalls are best viewed at peak fall foliage. Address: 7351 Hwy 90, Corbin, KY 40701
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, 7351 KY-90, Corbin, KY 40701, USA
Wikipedia/Western Kentucky University
You’ll start heading west across the state now, and your next stop will be Bowling Green. Another beautiful college campus is here at Western Kentucky University. Trek to the top of the hill, and you’ll discover why WKU’s mascot is a “hilltopper.” Bowling Green is also home to the National Corvette Museum. Address: 1906 College Heights Boulevard, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Bowling Green, KY, USA
Flickr/Land Between the Lakes KY/TN
After leaving Bowling Green, continue to head west to the Land Between the Lakes. This national recreation area is nestled between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. Along with fall foliage, it’s very likely you’ll spot some wildlife. Bison, wild turkeys, deer, elk, and various birds and prairie mammals are common here. Address: 238 Visitor Center Drive, Golden Pond, KY 42211
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA
For more seasonal fun in Kentucky, be sure to bookmark this amazing guide.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Fall Foliage In Kentucky August 13, 2019 Andrea Limke What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Kentucky? There is truly nothing like the brilliant fall colors in Kentucky, especially when they are at their peak. Our state may not be massive, but there are many landscapes throughout, so the colors change at slightly different times in different parts of Kentucky. It starts in Northern Kentucky and heads south/east, but peak fall foliage for most of the state typically happens in late October. Of course the weather can have a lot to do with this, so keep an eye on maps and predictions so you have a better idea as Mother Nature plays her role. Where are the best places in Kentucky to see fall foliage? If you are wondering where to see fall colors in Kentucky, you’ll want to start with the list of places on the road trip, featured above. In addition to those, any of the Kentucky State Parks are ideal for hiking, fishing, and camping this time of year. We also love Bernheim Arboretum, the scenic trails of Pine Mountain, and the entire Big South Fork Scenic Area. What are the best Kentucky hikes to take in the fall? Hiking in the fall in Kentucky seems just about perfect. You are treated to cooler air, fewer bugs, and a colorful landscape that feels like you’re walking through a painting. Kentucky has countless hiking trails that would be wonderful to take in the fall. Again visit the Kentucky State Parks for some of the best, but also Red River Gorge, and the 7 fall hikes featured in our previous article here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Fall Foliage In Kentucky
August 13, 2019
Andrea Limke
What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Kentucky? There is truly nothing like the brilliant fall colors in Kentucky, especially when they are at their peak. Our state may not be massive, but there are many landscapes throughout, so the colors change at slightly different times in different parts of Kentucky. It starts in Northern Kentucky and heads south/east, but peak fall foliage for most of the state typically happens in late October. Of course the weather can have a lot to do with this, so keep an eye on maps and predictions so you have a better idea as Mother Nature plays her role. Where are the best places in Kentucky to see fall foliage? If you are wondering where to see fall colors in Kentucky, you’ll want to start with the list of places on the road trip, featured above. In addition to those, any of the Kentucky State Parks are ideal for hiking, fishing, and camping this time of year. We also love Bernheim Arboretum, the scenic trails of Pine Mountain, and the entire Big South Fork Scenic Area. What are the best Kentucky hikes to take in the fall? Hiking in the fall in Kentucky seems just about perfect. You are treated to cooler air, fewer bugs, and a colorful landscape that feels like you’re walking through a painting. Kentucky has countless hiking trails that would be wonderful to take in the fall. Again visit the Kentucky State Parks for some of the best, but also Red River Gorge, and the 7 fall hikes featured in our previous article here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There is truly nothing like the brilliant fall colors in Kentucky, especially when they are at their peak. Our state may not be massive, but there are many landscapes throughout, so the colors change at slightly different times in different parts of Kentucky. It starts in Northern Kentucky and heads south/east, but peak fall foliage for most of the state typically happens in late October. Of course the weather can have a lot to do with this, so keep an eye on maps and predictions so you have a better idea as Mother Nature plays her role.
Where are the best places in Kentucky to see fall foliage?
If you are wondering where to see fall colors in Kentucky, you’ll want to start with the list of places on the road trip, featured above. In addition to those, any of the Kentucky State Parks are ideal for hiking, fishing, and camping this time of year. We also love Bernheim Arboretum, the scenic trails of Pine Mountain, and the entire Big South Fork Scenic Area.
What are the best Kentucky hikes to take in the fall?
Hiking in the fall in Kentucky seems just about perfect. You are treated to cooler air, fewer bugs, and a colorful landscape that feels like you’re walking through a painting. Kentucky has countless hiking trails that would be wonderful to take in the fall. Again visit the Kentucky State Parks for some of the best, but also Red River Gorge, and the 7 fall hikes featured in our previous article here.
