10 Picture Perfect Fall Day Trips To Take In Kentucky

There are many reasons to love fall in Kentucky, and one of them is the wide variety of activities that are perfect for a lovely autumn day. During these few short months of cooler temperatures and vibrant color, we want to be outside, soaking it in before winter creeps into the Bluegrass State. If you’re looking to explore our beautiful state this season, check out our list of 10 picture perfect fall day trips to take throughout Kentucky.

Facebook/Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

Bernheim is a picturesque retreat any time of the year, but in the fall the 15,625 acres of land come to life with stunningly brilliant color. There are many events held at the Arboretum throughout the season and more than 40 miles of trails available to take in the gorgeous scenery.

Facebook/Pine Mountain Zipline Canopy Tour

Fall is the most beautiful time of year for a zipline tour and the scenery doesn't get better than that within Pine Mountain State Resort Park. Have an adventure on 7 ziplines, 2 bridges, and 2 rappels; fly through this historic area and even over a picturesque waterfall. Be sure to reserve your spot through their website or give them a call.

Flickr/Juan Monroy

The Bourbon Trail is an excellent day trip any time of year, but it has certain appeal in the fall. As the weather cools, the bourbon seems to taste even better and the properties of these beautiful distilleries come to life with vibrant fall color.

The Waverly Hills Sanatorium

What would fall be without a trip to a haunted house? And why not go to one of the most terrifying places for the ultimate experience? The Waverly Hills Sanatorium Haunted House is open Friday and Saturday evenings from 7:30pm to Midnight, now through October 28th. If you've been looking for an opportunity to check out one of the most haunted places in America, now is your chance.

Facebook/Country Pumpkins

Country Pumpkins is the ultimate fall on the farm experience, located in Dry Ridge. Although it's just minutes from the highway, you'll love your time on this peaceful, working dairy farm where the staff are extremely friendly and the activities are festive and authentic. It's the perfect family day trip to find that one-of-a-kind pumpkin in the patch, take a hayride, and try your luck at a massive corn maze.

Facebook/Belle of Louisville Riverboats

You may not think of taking a riverboat cruise in the fall, but now is actually an excellent time to hop aboard one of these historic boats. The Belle of Louisville Riverboats has cruises through October, so you can still enjoy the sightseeing, history and food while also taking advantage of lovely autumn scenery.

Facebook/Big South Fork Scenic Railway

Enjoy the brilliant fall color aboard the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. The 14-mile trip is full of scenic vistas, lush vegetation and mountain streams as the train descends 600 feet into the Big South Fork River Gorge. It's an unforgettable fall excursion.

Flickr/J. Stephen Conn

All of the Kentucky State Parks are favorite fall destinations, but Natural Bridge State Resort Park holds special charm this time of year. Witness one of our state's spectacular natural wonders and through October, take a trip up the sky lift for the best views of the colorful fall foliage.

Facebook/Keeneland

Starting October 6th through the 28th, Keeneland hosts its fall meet and it's the quintessential Kentucky fall experience. Vibrant fall color, beautiful horses, lovely surroundings and a festive crowd ready to have a good time.

TripAdvisor/joyjim

Visit Kentucky's most enchanting small town that is filled with history, lovely restaurants and cafes, shops and My Old Kentucky Home State Park. There's plenty to do here to keep you busy for an entire day, or better yet, stay in one of the delightful B & B's nearby and make a fall weekend of it.

If only we could fit in all of these fun excursions in one short season! There’s always next year, too! How many of these fall day trips have you taken? Do you have another favorite spot in Kentucky to explore during fall? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

And to find out when the best time will be to head to these spots this fall, check out our previous article here.