7 Fall Foliage Trails In Kentucky To Explore During Our State's Best Hiking Season
By Andrea Limke|Published September 19, 2019
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
When fall arrives in Kentucky, it’s difficult to stay indoors. From walking down the street to climbing up the side of a gorge, there are so many ways to experience autumn in the Bluegrass. During this time of year, you have the beauty of the colorful trees, along with the cooler temperatures, making this arguably the best season for hiking in Kentucky. If you’re looking for a new spot to explore this year, check out these 7 fall foliage trails in Kentucky. They are just a sampling of the best places to visit this season, but any one of them are perfect for exploring in the fall.
It's impossible to talk about fall hiking in Kentucky and not include Red River Gorge. Now of course this is not a specific trail, but you have your choice of so many scenic hikes in a variety of difficulty levels. Some of the must-see spots include the Natural Bridge, Creation Falls, and Chimney Top Rock. And for one of the best ways to see the fall colors in the Gorge, check out this exciting zip line here.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park Address: 2135 Natural Bridge Road, Slade, KY 40376
Located within Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, the Eagle Falls Trail often gets overlooked thanks to Kentucky's largest waterfall. But you can actually see both waterfalls along this beautiful, rocky trail. The length of the hike is fairly short, but there are a lot of ups and downs. The views and the scenery of Eagle Falls make it worth it! Learn more about this favorite trail in Kentucky here.
Carter Caves is of course known for its underground adventure, but its hiking trails in the daylight are magical, as well. Especially in the fall, this park is a wonderful place to visit, hike, and even spend the night. They offer many different accommodations, as well as seasonal events that take place during the fall. Learn more about this park that has it all here.
Address: Address: 344 Caveland Drive, Olive Hill, KY 41164
Fall is a wonderful time of year to hike along trails that have scenic overlooks. The Berea Pinnacles are known for these views and they are downright magical in the peak of fall foliage. Look out over the hills and farmland and get a true sense of the beauty of our state. One of the best ways to hike in Berea is to experience the East Pinnacle at sunrise and you can see some of that experience here.
As much as we'd all love to really get out into nature in the fall, sometimes we need something a little closer to home. If you live in Louisville, then plan a visit to Cherokee this fall. Its 2.4-mile Scenic Loop is bordered by incredible fall colors and will leave you relaxed and in the mood for pumpkin carving and apple cider. Learn more about this park on its website here.
Address: 745 Cochran Hill Road, Louisville, KY 40206
This lesser known waterfall in Eastern Kentucky is a part of a nature preserve that is bursting with color in the fall. You'll reach the waterfall after about a mile on the trail, and hopefully you'll visit after a good rain to experience crashing views like the one above. Learn more about this adventure-filled trail here.
Grand Rivers and Lighthouse Landing are known as ideal summertime destinations, but this area of Kentucky is also wonderful in the fall. You can take in the beauty on a fall foliage trail that takes you right along the water. Stay in a cabin on the lake and make a fall getaway out of your visit. Learn more about this lighthouse walk in Kentucky here.
Address: 320 W Commerce Avenue, Grand Rivers, KY 42045
These fall foliage trails in Kentucky show the best of our state this season. Hike to an overlook, stroll along the water, or chase a waterfall that’s surrounded by fall color. No matter which one you decide to explore, be sure to spend time outside in our beautiful state this autumn. What’s your favorite fall foliage trail in Kentucky? We’d love to hear your opinions in the comments!
And if you need more suggestions of where to see fall colors in Kentucky, check out our scenic road trip here.
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