Travel: If you’re looking for those Fall colors, look toward the Bluegrass State – Darkhorse Press

(StatePoint) Anyone who loves fall weather should make plans to come to Kentucky. When October and November roll around in the Bluegrass State, native Kentuckians and visitors alike have their eyes on the tree line, waiting for the first hints of autumn colors. And while the anticipation might seem almost too much to bear, the breathtaking sight of fall foliage in Kentucky is so worth the wait.

If the leaves are turning, no matter where a traveler happens to be in the Commonwealth, they are in for a veritable fireworks show of vibrant fall colors. There are so many ways to get an amazing view of the foliage, from nature trails for those who like hiking to country roads for those who enjoy nature from the inside of the car.

The Old Frankfort Pike is a National Scenic Byway that runs through Woodford County in central Kentucky and passes by some of the most charming and beautiful landscapes in the entire country. The pike is 15 miles long, including a two-mile stretch of road that features centuries-old limestone fences, pastures, barns and a tunnel-like oak tree canopy on either side of the road. Those lucky enough to drive it during the fall experience a view that’s truly special.

Sixty miles southeast of Lexington is a nature lover’s paradise, the Daniel Boone National Forest. Driving any one of the state routes that passes through the preserve would satisfy most leaf peepers. However, for those who insist on getting out of the car and into the woods, hiking the trails in and around Slade will provide all the leaf colors desired, not to mention jaw-dropping views of Red River Gorge, Natural Bridge and Chimney Top Trail.

To find colors and educational opportunities, head to the Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, located just outside Clermont. Not only does it contain 16,137 acres worth of arboretum, forest and nature preserve, but it has nature and science programming, dozens of folk art installations and playgrounds for children of all ages.

Pushing to the western part of the state, don’t miss out on the Woodlands Trace Scenic Byway. This road starts at Grand Rivers and takes travelers through the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and into Tennessee. Along the way, sightseers will be surrounded by all the autumn splendor Kentucky has to offer.

Beyond fall foliage, Kentucky is the place to be for autumn fun — from haunted mansions and ghost walks to u-pick offerings at farms all across the state. For more information visit www.kentuckytourism.com.

The Bluegrass State has amazing things to do and see regardless of the time of year, but Kentucky in the fall is hard to beat.