Capturing Autumn's Beauty: Top 7 Kentucky Spots for Fall Photography
Are you ready to capture breathtaking moments and immerse yourself in the beauty of Kentucky this fall? Let's embark on a journey to curate your perfect picture-taking itinerary, where you can witness nature's vibrant transformation and create memories that will last a lifetime. From the rolling hills of horse country to the enchanting colors of the maple trees in the Red River Gorge, there are endless opportunities to discover hidden gems and capture the essence of autumn in the Bluegrass State. So grab your camera, pack your sense of adventure, and let's explore the picture-perfect landscapes that await you in scenic Kentucky.
This 2023 Fall Foliage Map is your ultimate ticket to the dazzling dance of autumn leaves! While no crystal ball can promise 100% precision, this nifty tool is your trusty sidekick for finetuning your travel plans to hit the jackpot of vibrant fall foliage every year. Get ready to paint your adventures with the season's most brilliant hues!
Click here to access the 2023 Fall Foliage Map
1. The Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest
Fall is the perfect time to visit the Bernheim Forest near Clermont, Kentucky. The bright colors of the fall leaves remind us of the new season and the beauty around us. Currently, hike past the many maples, dogwoods, magnolias, and beeches erupting into fiery reds blossoming oranges, bright yellow, and deep purple hues for everyone to come and enjoy.
The Sun and Shade Loop offers great fall photo ops, or look for the overlap of fall and summer as you spot the trees on the Big Prairie hiking the Forest Giant Trail. Photograph the iconic Forest Giants and other public art found here. After the hike, drive up Forest Hill Road for magnificent views of hillsides and interior forest colors.
The Canopy Tree Walk is also one of the best places to admire the Kentucky fall foliage. The boardwalk takes you seventy-five feet above the forest floor. After your walk, relax on a peaceful bench near one of the lakes, where you can see the autumn leaves reflecting against the water. If you’re lucky, a guide will be available to climb the 961-foot historic fire tower for other incredible views.
Grab lunch at the local Isaac’s Café, where all vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers are fresh from the Edible Garden, which is only 200 steps away from their doors. In November, check out the ColorFest, one of the best fall events in Kentucky. An excellent family fall activity to enjoy the pumpkin launch, hay maze, and hay rides. There is also food as well as arts and crafts vendors. For lodging options, check out this unique cottage near the Forest with a large back porch to sit and enjoy the crisp fall weather.
2. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
One of the most iconic photo spots in Kentucky, measuring approximately 68 feet tall and 125 feet wide – Cumberland Falls, offers picturesque waterfall views outside Corbin, Kentucky. Coined “the Niagara of the South,” this waterfall is a must-see when visiting Kentucky during autumn, with scarlets, golden yellows, and sparkling coppers encapsulating the shimmering falls.
When Cumberland Falls during the fall, make sure to visit the Pinnacle Knob Lookout. An easy 1.2-mile out and back trail will take you to the lookout tower. Climb the stairs to the top of the building to be rewarded with amazing views of the surrounding mountains. The Lookout is one of the best places to take pictures of the vibrant leaves during fall in Kentucky!
After your hike, enjoy the sandy beach at the falls, which is lovely to sit at during the fall season with views of the Cumberland River. At the beach, turn left into the large boulders, and you will have access to a secret view of the falls.
Stay at DuPont Lodge while enjoying the park to get the whole resort experience. DuPont offers beautiful fall foliage views, full amenities, and twenty-five different cabin options, one of the most beautiful state park lodges. Alternatively, camping options are also available to wake up among the trees, with forty-nine campsites in the area open until October 31.
Enjoy lunch with a view at the Riverview Restaurant scenic dining spot overlooking the Cumberland River. Then, for an unforgettable experience while visiting Cumberland Falls State Park in the fall, come during a full moon to try to catch a glimpse of the moonbow. A scarce phenomenon formed by the mist in the air from the Cumberland falls, this is one of only two naturally occurring moonbows in the world!
3. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
You will find the Big South Fork River and Recreation Area before you cross over onto the Tennessee border from Kentucky. Located here are the best trails to hike during the fall season, where you'll find rolling hills in gorgeous yellow, orange, and red hues. The area became so popular to view the changing season that special viewfinders were installed for color-blind visitors.
The Blue Heron Loop scenic trail will feature breathtaking views of the fall foliage around the area. The hike takes you through a natural opening in the cliff known as "Cracks in the Rocks." On this trail, hikers can see what life was like in a company-owned coal mining camp by visiting the Blue Heron Mining Camp and its exhibits. If you aren't much of a hiker, you can see the Cracks in The Rock hiking less than a mile from the Blue Heron Mining Community parking lot.
When looking for where to stay, consider a quieter place to settle into after a long day of activities. This beautiful cabin is an outdoor enthusiast's playground, nestled in the Heart of Big South Fork, and offers direct access to hiking, riding, paddling, or climbing. For a great 1950s dining experience, visit the Dairy Bar on Main Street. Sit back and enjoy the 50's decor and music, inside and out. The locals recommend the Dixie Whopper and a milkshake. The great food and fun theme offer a great dining experience for everyone, or take food for a scenic fall picnic in the park.
While you're there, be sure also to check out the Big South Fork Scenic Railway, voted "#1 Train Ride for Spotting Fall Foliage in the South" by Southern Living. Lasting throughout November and located in Stearns, KY, explore the family-fun scenic outdoors from the comfort of a rail car with a magic ticket on this historic railroad. The Fall Color Run excursion is a three-hour round trip to the Barthell Coal Camp, with many scenic views of mountain streams and fall leaves.
4. Red River Gorge
As autumn unfurls its vibrant tapestry across the landscape, there's a place in Kentucky that stands as a leaf-peeper's paradise. Nestled in Stanton, KY, the Red River Gorge emerges as a top contender for capturing the quintessential fall photographs that Kentucky has to offer. With its mesmerizing cliff formations resembling natural arches, bridges, towering sandstone walls, rock shelters, and hidden caves, this picturesque gorge boasts a symphony of natural wonders. But it's the crown jewels of Red River Gorge – over a hundred natural sandstone arches – that truly steal the show, especially when framed by the glorious fall foliage.
For an iconic Kentucky fall experience, make your way to the nearby Natural Bridge State Resort Park. Here, you'll encounter one of the largest natural bridges within Red River Gorge. While this destination draws visitors year-round, it's a particularly beloved fan favorite come October when autumn casts its enchanting spell. If hiking isn't your preferred mode of exploration, you can opt for a scenic Skylift ride within the park, offering breathtaking vistas of the season's splendor. And as you bid farewell, embark on a scenic drive along the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway to witness the foliage in an entirely different light.
But, perhaps, you're not one for hitting the trail on foot or settling into the car seat. In that case, saddle up for guided trail rides with Whisper Valley Trails, offering one and two-hour excursions that wind through the mountains, descending a thrilling 150 feet in elevation. If you're seeking waterborne adventures, Red River Adventures beckons with kayaking and canoeing options that promise to unveil the region's most scenic aquatic vistas.
After an exhilarating day exploring the great outdoors, it's time to refuel, and there's no better place to do so than Miguel's Pizza, a renowned 'Gorge visitor hot spot,' offering mouthwatering fare to satisfy your cravings.
Now, if you're considering an extended stay, we have the perfect recommendation. Tucked away in the heart of Red River Gorge, you'll discover "Seclusion," an Airbnb rental that lives up to its name. Perched atop a secluded mountain, this hidden gem offers a luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. While a 4-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended to navigate the gravel drive, the journey is a rewarding prelude to the tranquility that awaits.
Custom-made and hand-crafted, Seclusion boasts a stunning treehouse room, an observation tower, and various avenues for immersing yourself in the natural splendor. While the surroundings exude rustic charm, the interior defines luxury and comfort. What sets this cabin apart is its thoughtful design, featuring two separate living spaces that offer privacy, making it ideal for two couples or those seeking intimate moments amid the wilderness.
But there's more to discover outside the cabin's walls. Seclusion also features a serene koi pond and a rejuvenating hot tub, allowing you to soak in scenic seclusion. Equipped with new appliances, hand-built furniture, and a spacious walk-in shower, this cabin envelops you in lavish tranquility. Outside, ample outdoor seating and access to a sprawling two-acre property make relaxation amidst nature effortless.
Seclusion in Red River Gorge isn't just accommodation; it's your ticket to a luxurious wilderness getaway, a mere hour's drive from Lexington. So, whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, this Kentucky gem has it all, waiting for you to explore and capture the essence of fall in all its glory.
5. Horse Country
For a truly unique and quintessentially Kentucky fall experience, take a leisurely drive along Old Frankfort Pike, affectionately known as Thoroughbred Alley. This picturesque route, nestled in the heart of Kentucky Horse Country, offers a breathtaking showcase of fall foliage that's as rewarding as it is romantic.
Thoroughbred Alley stretches from Lexington to Frankfort, and it weaves through a tapestry of history that holds immense significance for Kentucky and the equestrian world. This road traces the roots of Kentucky's horse heritage back to a time before it even achieved statehood and served as a vital artery for travel between major cities during the Revolutionary War. Today, Kentucky stands as the premier producer of Thoroughbred foals in the United States, a legacy rooted in the very soil along this historic route.
For capturing the essence of fall in the Bluegrass State, Old Frankfort Pike is unrivaled. Along the way, you'll encounter charming farms where horses gracefully roam amidst multi-million-dollar barns. Some of these farms even offer tours, which can be booked through the Horse Country website, allowing you to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.
And when it's time to savor some culinary delights, Wallace Station stands as the go-to spot on your scenic drive. Locals, tourists, cyclists, and bikers all converge at its doorstep to indulge in Wallace Station's legendary sandwiches. As you continue your journey, Versailles Road will lead you past Keeneland, historic farms, and the rustling leaves of changing seasons, completing your perfect fall adventure along Old Frankfort Pike.
Options Closer to the City Centers
6. Old Louisville
Old Louisville stands as the prime destination for capturing the essence of fall in photographs. This historic neighborhood, boasting the largest collection of restored Victorian homes in the country, features streets lined with exquisitely preserved architecture. The vibrant autumn colors make for perfect fall photo opportunities, with ornate homes and gas lamps adorning tree-lined avenues. Amidst the picturesque backdrop, explore the St. James-Belgravia Historic District or follow self-guided tours to discover captivating stories and landmarks. However, Old Louisville isn't just a visual delight; it's also a hub for spooky fall fun. Dubbed "America’s Most Haunted Neighborhood," it offers ghost tours that reveal eerie tales of its past residents and their lingering spirits. You can also partake in history and architecture tours if you prefer a less supernatural but equally fascinating experience. Furthermore, the enigmatic Witches' Tree, rooted in local lore, adds an extra layer of intrigue to your fall visit. Whether you're capturing the historic charm through your lens or delving into the neighborhood's mysterious past, Old Louisville provides an unforgettable fall adventure.
7. Henry Clay Estate
As autumn paints the landscape in a symphony of colors, there's no better place to savor the season than Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate. Nestled in the heart of Lexington's Chevy Chase neighborhood, this twenty-acre estate offers an exceptional fall photo opportunity, and the best part? It's entirely free to explore.
Fall in Kentucky is a spectacle to behold, with leaves transforming the hillsides into a mesmerizing tapestry of gold and crimson. The estate's crown jewels are its ancient trees, some dating back over 200 years, making for unique and captivating seasonal photography. As the air turns crisp but not too cold, Ashland provides a serene setting to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Bluegrass State during this contemplative time of year. Whether you're a local looking to rediscover your surroundings or a visitor seeking an authentic Kentucky experience, Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate, is the perfect place to capture the essence of fall in all its glory.
