Discover When Leaves Change Color in Kentucky (Plus 5 Places with Beautiful Foliage)

Crisp leaves, the smell of cinnamon, afternoons carving pumpkins, and finding your way out of a corn maze. These are just a few of the things that make autumn one of the best seasons. If you’re lucky enough to live in Kentucky, there are plenty of places to see the fall foliage shift into brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and red. 

Here is your guide to planning the ultimate fall day in Kentucky, including when the leaves start to change and the five best places to go leaf-peeping! 

When Should You See Fall Foliage in Kentucky?

There are many different and stunning landscapes in Kentucky, including the Appalachian Mountains, dense pine forests, and green fields. Since Kentucky’s territory is almost entirely blanketed by hardwood trees, it is a fantastic fall vacation with breathtakingly vivid foliage. 

In Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian Mountains, the first vibrant leaves start to emerge in September. Lower elevations start to get color around October. Late October often marks the height of the fall foliage in Central Kentucky. 

Southwest Kentucky is the final region to experience the foliage season, and it may persist there until early November.

1. Daniel Boone National Forest

With its over 600 miles of paths, Daniel Boone National Forest is the best place in Kentucky to view the changing leaves. With beautiful structures of rock, rock faces, and more than 100 natural stone arches, the Red River Gorge region is a veritable hiker’s dream. 

The many different species of birds, trees, plants, and animals coexist peacefully in this remarkable and unspoiled forest with the numerous families, hikers, birders, and cyclists who frequent it.

This enormous ecosystem, which spans over 2,000,000 acres and 21 counties, is as intricate and rugged as it is gorgeous and distinctive. Poplars and bigleaf magnolias create the best color display during the beginning of October. This is the best time to visit the area!

We highly suggest driving along Zilpo Road. This gives you an incredible view to see the leaves change in Kentucky!

2. Cumberland Falls State Park

Visiting Cumberland Falls State Park is ideal for an afternoon excursion. The most magnificent cascade in Kentucky is Cumberland Falls. This beautiful cascade is where the park gets its name.

White-water rafting and paddling are only a couple of the water sports that are available in the area, making it a natural fit for water enthusiasts. As the vibrant leaves encircle the waterfall, they nearly appear otherworldly, particularly in the fall. 

The Eagle Falls Trail offers the best vantage points for photographing the falls. The park has around 17 miles of hiking paths to immerse yourself in nature.

3. Natural Bridge State Park

The park’s name is derived from a naturally occurring sandstone arch that took millions of years to develop. The bridge, which spans 78 feet and is 65 feet high, is situated close to the Red River Gorge Geological Area.

Every season at Natural Bridge has its own allure, especially autumn. We suggest taking the skylift to get panoramic views of the entire landscape. If you want a more physical excursion, consider hiking the rugged and steep cliffs to get to the top. 

Enjoy the outdoors while camping in a park. 82 sites have utilities at two campgrounds: Whittleton Campground and Middle Fork Campground. There are an additional 12 undeveloped campsites accessible for a crisp night under the stars.

4. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

The 151,000 acres of Land Between the Lakes, which straddles the Kentucky-Tennessee border, are scattered with lakes and woodlands. Sumacs, black gums, and Virginia creeper are abundant in the area and give lovely crimson hues. 

Additionally, hickory, oak, and tulip poplar trees offer lovely golden tones. To enjoy this beautiful terrain, you can travel The Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway from Grand Rivers, Kentucky. In order to get the best view of fall foliage, visit Hematite Lake or The Pryor Creek Area.

5. Big South Fork Scenic Railway

The Big South Fork Scenic Railway is a fantastic weekend getaway option in the autumn months. It consists of a train ride through Kentucky, making stops along the way. As the locomotive lowers 600 feet into the Big South Fork Gorge, you can find out quite a bit regarding coal mining in the United States and take in the breathtaking scenery. 

The journey takes roughly three hours from start to end. This is a fantastic family-friendly activity that doesn’t require a lot of hiking or exploration outdoors. You can enjoy the view from the comfort of your seat!

Summary of the Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Kentucky