The 4 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Kentucky

At first blush, you may not think of Kentucky as an exceptionally colorful state. But trust me, it is! The Bluegrass State fully celebrates all four seasons, and no matter the time of year, there's eye-popping beauty. In the fall, fiery reds and golds are everywhere you turn. In the spring, vibrant wildflowers pop up on the hiking trails. During the Kentucky Derby Festival, Kentuckians take to wearing bright colors and even louder hats. The capital also reflects the state's colorful spirit with beautifully adorned buildings and vivid floral displays. We've made a list of the four most colorful places you can find in Kentucky, so you know just where to find the state's bright side.

1. Red River Gorge

Red River Gorge is a colorful place in Kentucky at any time of year, with a striking mix of geology and forests. The area's more than 100 natural sandstone arches offer gorgeous shades of rust, orange, and tan. Moss-covered rocks, lush greenery, and wildflowers offer a refreshing green palette with surprising pops of color. The rolling hills and forested hiking trails are bright green in spring and summer, turning to a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, yellows, and greens in the fall. One way to enjoy all the sites that Red River Gorge offers and to embark on an epic and unique adventure is to take an off-road UTV ride with Out the Top Adventures in Kentucky.

2. Bernheim Forest and Arboretum

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum in Clermont, Kentucky, is a haven of natural color. The 16,000-acre forest was founded in 1929 to connect visitors with nature and has since established a 17-acre natural playground, a canopy tree walk, a sensory garden, an edible garden, a visitor center, and more. Each of these areas offers seasonal color and visual interest. In spring, the blooming dogwood and redbud trees sparkle throughout the forest, while summer brings deep green canopies and welcome shade. In winter, the forest's numerous art collections stand out. Thomas Danbo's Forest Giants, which were completed in 2019, are scattered throughout the forest and add warm shades of tan and weathered brown to the naturescape. A fairy-tale hiking trail takes hikers along a two-mile out-and-back trail to see these majestic, magical sculptures in person.

3. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

A visit to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is pure color therapy. It is home to one of Kentucky's most dramatic waterfalls, a 68-foot-tall stunner. The falls' mist often creates a soft rainbow during the day and a moonbow on clear nights with a full moon. Some even claim that the falls are a Middle Earth look-alike. The forests surrounding the falls are just as colorful, with bright wildflowers in the spring and stunning foliage in the fall. Additionally, the dark river water and stacked stones nearby add unforgettable visual detail. Visitors of the state park can enjoy 17 miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, gem mining, fishing, birding, camping, and more.

4. State Capital, Frankfort, Kentucky

Frankfort, Kentucky, the state's capital, is bursting with color. The village town with European vibes sits along the Kentucky River, with tree-lined banks that offer gorgeous natural color year-round. It also has incredible historic architecture, like the Kentucky State Capitol building, a Beaux-Arts structure dedicated in 1910. The building is surrounded by bountiful gardens and even has a 34-foot floral clock on its West Lawn. The clock has thousands of plants that change seasonally and is framed by a fountain. Other unique locations in the city include the Salato Wildlife Education Center and Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Have you visited these colorful spots around Kentucky? Before you set out on your next adventure in the Bluegrass State, check out Only In Your State's AI-travel planner. It can create a personalized itinerary in just a few clicks, ensuring that your getaway is just what you're looking for.