There is no doubt that Kentucky is beautiful year-round, but there is something about autumn that creates a special feeling in the crisp air. From impressive mountains to pristine rivers, there are plenty of spots in the Bluegrass to explore the beauty of fall. We may be known as the "Horse Capital of the World," but discover another side of the state with some of my favorite places to enjoy fall!
Mammoth Cave National Park
Did you know the world's longest known cave system is located right here in Kentucky? Though Mammoth Cave National Park is known for its awesome cave tours, you can also find rolling hills, deep river valleys, a rich diversity of plant and animal life, and fun activities such as horseback riding, kayaking, and hiking.
Make sure you don't miss the stunning fall foliage on your visit, either. Mammoth Cave is a popular destination for those searching for warm hues of gold, orange, and red. I recommend visiting from early to middle October to get the best fall views, and packing a picnic to enjoy with your friends and family is a must!
>>Must Eat: Blue Holler Cafe
>>Must See: Mammoth Cave's Star Chamber
>>Must Do: Mammoth Cave Guided Cave Tour
Red River Gorge
The best-kept fall vacation secret this side of the Mississippi, Red River Gorge is known for its world-class hiking and climbing, with breathtaking beauty every way you look. Luckily, you don't have to be an expert climber to enjoy the Gorge. Enjoy opportunities to canoe or kayak down the Red River, take a leisurely drive on the scenic byway, zipline 300 feet above the Gorge at 55 miles per hour, or stare at the stars in your private cabin...or even treehouse!
Some of the best hiking spots at the Gorge include Double Arch Trail, Laurel Ridge Trail, Rock Bridge Loop, and Hidden Arch. For an adventurous experience you'll never forget, check out the Gorge Underground. Kayak into the darkness of the Gorge Grotto, listening as your knowledgeable guide explains the cavern's history and how it came to be flooded. Reservations are strongly recommended for this particular experience, so book early!
>>Must Eat: Miguel's Pizza in Slade
>>Must See: Natural Bridge
>>Must Do: Kayak at the Gorge Underground
Daniel Boone National Forest
Spread across 21 counties in eastern Kentucky, Daniel Boone National Forest provides ample opportunities for visitors to explore the state's culture, heritage, and beautiful landscape. The forest has plenty of places to stay, from glamping to roomy cabins; water activities like tubing and canoeing; and hiking, biking, and climbing galore with more than 600 miles of trails. With the sheer size of Daniel Boone National Forest, you can be sure every visit will bring a new, exciting adventure.
>>Must Eat: The Wrigley Taproom & Eatery (Corbin)
>>Must See: Wolf Creek Dam on Lake Cumberland
>>Must Do: Swim at Eagle Falls (Flat Lick Falls)
Cumberland Falls
Known as the "Niagara of the South," Cumberland Falls is just about as majestic as waterfalls in Kentucky can get. What makes Cumberland Fall extra unique is the chance for visitors to see a moonbow - a rare phenomenon that only occurs naturally in one other location in the world!
While at Cumberland Falls, you can also enjoy horseback riding, birding, camping, fishing, and more. But with 17 miles of hiking trails that wind through the park, this is a hiker's paradise!
>>Must Eat: Brown Cow Drive-In >>Must See: Moonbow! 2024 Dates: November 13-17 & December 13-17
>>Must Do: Hike Dog Slaughter Falls Trail
Big South Fork
From easy to extreme outdoor recreation, Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area has it all. Located along Kentucky's southeastern border with Tennessee, this region of Kentucky boasts unrivaled natural beauty, with many ways to experience it.
One way to experience Big South For is by taking a relaxing train ride 600 feet into Red River Gorge, chugging past scenic views, impressive cliffs, and pristine mountain streams. Halfway through your journey, you'll make a stop at Blue Heron Mining Community, a mining town once owned by the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company.
If you'd rather be on your feet, Big South Fork has plenty of natural features along its roughly 150 miles of hiking trails, including overlooks, waterfalls, and large sandstone arches. Try whitewater rafting in the Big South Fork River, mountain biking through the backcountry, or go horseback riding on miles of horse trails.
>>Must Eat: The Whistle Stop
>>Must See: Needle Arch
>>Must Do: Big South Fork Scenic Railway
Cumberland Gap
In the spot where Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia meet, Cumberland Gap serves as a legendary passageway and the first great gateway to the west. With 24,000 acres of wilderness and flourishing vegetation, experience the place where approximately 300,000 settlers, including Daniel Boone, passed through to their next destination.
Discover spectacular overlooks and mountain ranges, unique rock formations, underground caves, and cascading waterfalls all while learning about the history of the park. To learn even more history and to hear the stories of early pioneers, Civil War solders, and mountain communities, head over to the historic Hensley Settlement.
>>Must Eat: Gap Creek Coffee House
>>Must See: Pinnacle Overlook
>>Must Do: Hensley Settlement Tour
Land Between the Lakes
Located in both western Kentucky and Tennessee between Kentucky and Barkley Lakes, Land Between the Lakes provides ideal settings for camping, boating, spotting wildlife, hiking, fishing, hunting, and more. With 300 miles of natural shoreline and 170,000 acres of forests and wetlands, LBL offers good family-friendly fun and one of the largest blocks of undeveloped forest in the eastern United States!
Exciting attractions at LBL include the Elk & Bison Prairie, where elk, bison, and other wildlife roam free on 700 acres of land; the Golden Pond Planetarium, the Woodlands Nature Center, and the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm, where you can take a step back in time and relive history before the Civil War.
>>Must Eat: Ralph's Harborview Bar & Grill
>>Must See: Elk & Bison Prairie
>>Must Do: Catch a show at Golden Pond Planetarium
Bernheim Forest
If you're looking to connect with the world around you, the 16,000-acre Bernheim Forest is the place to do so. During autumn, Bernheim Forest is perfect for viewing spectacular fall foliage, with sugar maples showing hints of orange, sassafras and black gum trees with vibrant hues of yellow and red, and dogwoods with deep purples and bright reds.
If you'd rather experience the outdoors another way, Bernheim is also full of outdoor adventures with diverse hiking and biking opportunities, a one-of-a-kind Edible Garden, a Canopy Tree Walk suspended 75 feet above the forest floor, and of course, their trademark Forest Giants designed by Thomas Dambo.
>>Must Eat: Isaac's Café (food made with ingredients from the Edible Garden just steps away!)
>>Must See: Forest Giants in a Giant Forest
>>Must Do: Canopy Tree Walk
Bluegrass Country Driving Tour
Prefer a drive? This popular route in central Kentucky takes you through country roads, lush pastures, and scenic views. There is no better way to discover the historic landscape of the Bluegrass than by driving (or cycling) directly past original limestone fences, expansive thoroughbred farms, and of course, mommas peacefully grazing with their newborn foals. Check out VisitLex for great itineraries!
I suggest taking Old Frankfort Pike or Pisgah Pike for some of the best views in Lexington.
>>Must Eat: Wallace Station
>>Must See: The Kentucky Castle
>>Must Do: Tour a horse farm
Article originally published in TOPS Magazine