A fall foliage road trip in Kentucky is always going to be scenic when the colors are changing. It can be hard to pick a route since there is so much to see in the Bluegrass State, but try this 521-mile road trip across Kentucky. It should take roughly 12 hours and 40 minutes without stopping, but you’re definitely going to want to pull over and take in your surroundings for a few hours, or even days! Take your time with this one to soak it all in as you visit the best fall foliage in Kentucky. Check out the map below, or adjust your map here.

The Route:
Google Maps
This route completely avoids interstate highways and instead takes state roads. Feel free to adjust the route if you do prefer to take the highway, but the state roads are going to give you a much better opportunity to experience the fall colors in Kentucky.
1. Old Louisville
Stephanie White/Flickr
Old Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
loreth_ni_Balor/Flickr
This historic neighborhood is not only home to the University of Louisville, but it also contains the largest collection of Victorian mansions in the United States. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Be sure to explore St. James and Belgravia Courts and admire the architecture. If you’re lucky enough to be there the first weekend in October, the streets of the neighborhood will be bustling with people visiting the St. James Court Art Show, where over 700 artists set up booths to show and sell their work.

Old Historic Louisville is filled with charming old mansions that date back to the Victorian Era. Enjoy a virtual tour of some of these classic structures in this video from Don Stailey:
2. Woodford Reserve Distillery
Woodford Reserve Distillery, 7785 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY 40383, USA
Rick/Flickr
Ready for a break? Just before you reach Versailles, stop in at the Woodford Reserve Distillery. Grab a quick (but delicious) meal at their restaurant, Glenn’s Creek Cafe, or stay awhile and take a tour of the distillery to see how Kentucky’s native spirit is made. It's a beautiful destination and one of the best things to do in the fall in Kentucky.
3. Horse Country
Chris Nelson/Flickr
Kyle McKenzie/Flickr
The drive from Woodford Reserve through Versailles will take you through Kentucky Horse Country. The views you will see are probably what most people think of when they hear the word "Kentucky" - stone fences along a narrow country road, rolling green hills, and horses grazing in the distance. These rolling hills are the ideal place to view peak fall foliage.

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4. Lexington
Lexington, KY, USA
Marcus Eubanks/Flickr
Your views of horses won’t end as you enter Lexington, the "Horse Capital of the World," until you get into the heart of the city. Be sure to check out the University of Kentucky campus. Even if you’re not a Wildcat fan, there’s just something pleasant about a college campus in the fall.

Lexington is a wonderful place to enjoy fall colors in Kentucky. In this video from Ben Childers, we are taken on an aerial tour of some of the best places in Kentucky to see fall colors:
5. Red River Gorge
Red River Gorge, Kentucky 40387, USA
TheDman / E+ via Getty Images
Say goodbye to big cities for a while after leaving Lexington. Soon you’ll enter Daniel Boone National Forest and the Red River Gorge area. If you can, spend a night or two here, whether it be in a tent in the woods or a cozy cabin. There’s so much to see in Red River Gorge that it’s definitely worth the extra time. Go for a hike and see one of the many natural sandstone arches in the region, or explore the dense forests that will show off the best fall foliage in Kentucky.
6. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Kentucky Photo File/Flickr
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, 7351 KY-90, Corbin, KY 40701, USA
Becky/Flickr
From here, the route will take you south through and beside Daniel Boone National Forest until you reach Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. This is another area worth staying in for a couple of extra days. Like Red River Gorge, there is so much to see. Be sure to check out Cumberland Falls, which is known as the "Niagra of the South," and the lesser-known, but equally beautiful Dog Slaughter Falls. These waterfalls are best viewed at peak fall foliage.
7. Bowling Green
Bowling Green, KY, USA
Western Kentucky University via Wikipedia
You’ll start heading west across the state now, and your next stop will be Bowling Green. Another beautiful college campus is here at Western Kentucky University. Trek to the top of the hill, and you’ll discover why WKU’s mascot is a "Hilltopper." Bowling Green is also home to the National Corvette Museum.
8. Land Between the Lakes
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA
Land Between the Lakes KY/TN/Flickr
After leaving Bowling Green, continue to head west to the Land Between the Lakes. This national recreation area is nestled between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. Along with fall foliage, it’s very likely you’ll spot some wildlife. Bison, wild turkeys, deer, elk, and various birds and prairie mammals are common here.

Kentucky in the fall is simply magical, especially in the Land Between the Lakes area. Take a hiking journey with AdventureArchives in this video showing off some of Kentucky's best hiking trails:

Isn’t the Bluegrass State absolutely breathtaking in the fall? The great thing about this trip is that you could modify this route however you like, and you’re still going to see some of the best fall foliage in Kentucky! This road trip allows you to see the autumn season in the wide variety of landscapes Kentucky has to offer: bustling cities, horse country, mountains, forests, and lakes. If you have taken a fall foliage road trip in Kentucky, what other stops would you add to this road trip?

For more seasonal fun in Kentucky, be sure to bookmark this amazing guide to seasonal events in Kentucky. Then, rent an RV and take a fun fall-colors road trip.

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More to Explore

Best Fall Foliage In Kentucky

Andrea Limke | August 13, 2019

What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Kentucky?

The best time to see peak fall foliage in Kentucky depends on what part of the state you are in. There is truly nothing like the brilliant fall colors in Kentucky, especially when they are at their peak. Our state may not be massive, but there are many landscapes throughout, so the colors change at slightly different times in different parts of Kentucky. It starts in Northern Kentucky and heads south/east, but peak fall foliage for most of the state typically happens in late October. Of course, the weather can have a lot to do with this, so keep an eye on maps and predictions so you have a better idea as Mother Nature plays her role.

Where are the best places in Kentucky to see fall foliage?

Some of the best places in Kentucky to see fall foliage include:

 

If you are wondering where to see fall colors in Kentucky, you'll want to start with the list of places on the road trip, featured above. In addition to those, any of the Kentucky State Parks are ideal for hiking, fishing, and camping this time of year. We also love Bernheim Arboretum, the scenic trails of Pine Mountain, and the entire Big South Fork Scenic Area.

What are the best Kentucky hikes to take in the fall?

Some of the best Kentucky hikes to take in the fall include:

 

Hiking in the fall in Kentucky seems just about perfect. You are treated to cooler air, fewer bugs, and a colorful landscape that feels like you're walking through a painting. Kentucky has countless hiking trails that would be wonderful to take in the fall. Again visit the Kentucky State Parks for some of the best, but also Red River Gorge, and the seven fall hikes featured in our previous article about fall hikes in Kentucky you don't want to miss.

How long does it take to drive across Kentucky?

If you were to drive across Kentucky from north to south it would only take you three hours as it is about 182 miles. The east-to-west route is double that at about six hours, with a total distance of 417 miles.

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