Aside from all the pumpkin patches, opportunities to go apple picking, and harvest festivals combined, there’s nothing like fall foliage in Kentucky. The colors of autumn are Mother Nature’s most glorious artistic masterpiece and there’s nowhere more beautiful than fall in Kentucky. We’ve put together the following weekend road trip adventure that puts you in the heart of Kentucky’s best fall foliage. Fill up the tank and get ready for an amazing autumn adventure in the Bluegrass State!

Our weekend fall foliage road trip through Kentucky spans about 400 miles and is designed to be spread out over three days and two nights, with suggested accommodations and dining along the way.
Google Maps
View Kentucky's fall foliage map and customize your leaf peeping adventure!
Best fall town in Kentucky? That's easy: Cynthiana! This charming town of around 6,200 has peak "small town" vibes, with a delightful Main Street district, proud local businesses, and scenic beauty. But what this Northern Kentucky town truly prides itself for is its fall foliage.
Cynthiana, KY 41031, USA
Cynthiana Tourism/Facebook
From its cheeky skeletons welcoming visitors downtown in September and October to pretty much every house featuring pumpkins, mums, skeletons, and other fall decor, no town celebrates fall colors in Kentucky bigger than Cynthiana.
Next, we're heading into the beauteous Daniel Boone National Forest, which is drop-dead gorgeous during fall in Kentucky.
Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky 40447, USA
Anthony/Flickr
Red River Gorge is one of the most scenic places in the country, and you can experience its grandeur on the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway, which we're going to enjoy on this road trip featuring fall colors in Kentucky.
Red River Gorge Geological Area, Robbie Ridge Rd, Stanton, KY 40380, USA
Kirkikis/iStock via Getty Images Plus
This 46-mile scenic byway is one of most beautiful drives you’ll ever take, and is a perfect way to take in the resplendence of Red River Gorge -- without planning a bigger trip! Sit back and enjoy the spectacular dashboard views.
Our last stop for Day 1 of this fall foliage road trip in Kentucky is none other than Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, 7351 KY-90, Corbin, KY 40701, USA
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook
It’s no secret we adore Cumberland Falls, revering it as the single best Kentucky State Park. One of the reasons for this praise is that it’s a perfect year-round destination, no matter the season. But in the autumn? Cumberland Falls State Resort Park takes on a sublime splendor that’s downright irresistible, making it the best place for a fall weekend getaway in Kentucky. Come and enjoy the eponymous falls -- hailed as the Niagara of the South -- from your room at the historic Dupont Lodge. Get some rest -- you'll need it for Day 2!

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We're kicking off another day of epic autumn adventures at one of our all-time favorite places in Kentucky: Bernheim Arboretum.
Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest, 2075 Clermont Rd, Clermont, KY 40110, USA
Visit Bardstown/Facebook
Bernheim Arboretum is a favorite destination all year long, with each season offering new shades of splendor. At this delightful arboretum, you can explore over 16,000 acres of natural beauty, for an enchanting escape in nature -- especially in the height of fall foliage. In terms of treks, the canopy walk is an easy, paved stroll that's accessible for everyone, and puts visitors 75 feet high in the treetops! Hence it's the ideal destination to view Kentucky fall foliage.
We're spending the rest of the day in beautiful Bardstown, a friendly and walkable locale that's at its prettiest in the fall.
Bardstown, KY 40004, USA
Visit Bardstown/Facebook
With charming shops, historic points of interest, and loads of scenic beauty, you'll be swept off your feet by Bardstown during fall in Kentucky.
For dinner and the night's lodging, we're recommending booking a table and room at the Old Talbott Tavern.
Old Talbott Tavern, 107 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004, USA
Visit Bardstown/Facebook
The state's oldest and most haunted restaurant, the Old Talbott Tavern is a total step back in time. Since the late 1700s, the Old Talbott Tavern has provided shelter, sustenance, and spirits to the good folks of Bardstown, Kentucky. Oh, and did we mention it might be haunted? Level up your adventure viewing Kentucky's fall foliage with some ghost-hunting fun!
The final day of our fall foliage road trip brings us to Horse Country. Kentucky is known for its beautiful horses and the rolling blue pastures where they roam and run. The state is filled with fence-lined fields, each one more picturesque than the last, where majestic horses graze and gallop in a way that's truly magical. And in the autumn, when the rolling blue hills become scarlet red and golden yellow? Sublime.
Horse Park Road, Horse Park Rd, Kentucky 41008, USA
Kentucky Horse Park/Facebook
This magic is celebrated at one of Kentucky’s most iconic attractions, the Kentucky Horse Park. Located just outside of Lexington (but in an idyllic area that feels quite rural and remote), the Kentucky Horse Park is the perfect day trip destination. We highly recommend a carriage ride or horseback tour of the park, to soak up the autumnal colors!
Continuing through Horse Country, Pisgah Pike, and Old Frankfort Pike is easily the most scenic drive through Kentucky.
Pisgah Pike, Kentucky 40383, USA
Anthony/Flickr
Just outside of Lexington, the route along Old Frankfort Pike and Pisgah Pike is a drive every Kentuckian should take. These beautiful backroads allow drivers to sit back and enjoy the fall colors in Kentucky in a peaceful setting.
And because every great road trip ends with a meal, break for a late lunch at Wallace Station. This darling little eatery is housed in a building that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was built around the turn of the 20th century.
Wallace Station Deli and Bakery, 3854 Old Frankfort Pike, Versailles, KY 40383, USA
Wallace Station Deli and Bakery/Facebook
While rustic and unassuming, this restaurant is led by Ouita Michel, a highly respected, James Beard Award-nominated chef. And while the menu at this beautiful little eatery is comprised of humble classics like sandwiches and burgers, the fare here is truly Top Chef level. The fried chicken sandwich? A must-try, and delicious conclusion to this wonderful weekend road trip in Kentucky.

Where’s your favorite spot for leaf peeping in the Bluegrass? Did you discover any new places on this fall foliage road trip through Kentucky? Let us know your thoughts in the following comments section.

To help you plan for this epic adventure, I suggest checking out our ultimate road trip packing list. In this resource, you’ll find useful tips to make your road trip more fun and memorable.

If you’d like to explore some more, take a look at these Kentucky road trips too.

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More to Explore

Fall Foliage in Kentucky

Marla S. | September 07, 2023

What are some of the best road trips in Kentucky?

Aside from going on the above fall foliage adventure, here are some more of the best road trips in Kentucky:

  • Natural Wonders Road Trip: We think you'll impressed on this 12-hour tour that includes some of the most scenic landscapes in the state.
  • Horse Country Road Trip: During this outing, you'll drive by numerous farms and fields featuring some of the most stunning horses in the world.
  • Small Towns Road Trip: Although the driving time for this journey is less than four hours, there's so much to do in town you'll pass along the route.

 

What are some popular fall hikes in Kentucky?

Along with taking a road trip to see fall colors in Kentucky, check out these hikes in the Bluegrass State too:

  • Eagle Falls Trail: This picturesque trail is based in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and takes you to the largest waterfall in the state.
  • Grand Rivers Walking Trail: Along with soaking in Kentucky's fall foliage, you'll be treated to water views.
  • Bad Branch Falls Trail: The short and sweet hike in the eastern part of the state leads to a waterfall framed by vibrant fall colors in Kentucky,

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