When the temperatures cool and the trees start showing off, it’s time for fall festivals, frights and foliage. Whether you just have an hour or three, or half a day or want an overnight trip, there are plenty of autumnal activities waiting.
We’ve broken them down by the amount of time required for each. Some are scheduled for specific dates or require advanced planning for reservations and such. Others allow for some spontaneity; just get in the car and go.
One-hour jaunts
Fall foliage options:
Hop on to the Mary Ingalls Highway (State Route 8) in Silver Grove and take in Northern Kentucky’s beautiful scenery from the comfort of your car, with colorful trees to your south and the Ohio River to your north. Simply turn around at the half-hour mark (Augusta would work) to give yourself a substantive taste of the season’s offerings. If you’ve got more time, approximately three hours, keep going until you reach Cummins Nature Preserve in Maysville. Take some time to hike the six miles of trails, then head back for a second helping of autumn goodness. Pro tip: Check out Explore Fall’s Kentucky Fall Foliage Map to find the perfect timing for your journey.
Several places in NKY let you immerse yourself in the season by getting up close and personal with the changing leaves. A.J. Jolly Park in Alexandria offers 950 acres with 16 miles of trails to enjoy. The Boone County Arboretum, just outside of Union, has more than 5,500 trees and shrubs just waiting to impress you with their lovely hues. Middle Creek Park is a forested area in Burlington, where dogs are welcome. Pro tip: Trails here are moderate to difficult and unpaved, but fit hikers will enjoy a canopy of color plus a creek and good wildlife viewing.
Farms to check out:
Neltner’s Farm in Melbourne offers a fall festival with horse-drawn wagon rides, a model train display, a corn maze and pick-your-own pumpkin patch, along with a petting zoo, homemade food and ice cream, farm shop, seasonal apples and a barrel train.
Country Pumpkins in Dry Ridge has special events most fall weekends, including a bonfire night and touch-a-tractor day. Activities also include hayrides, a barrel train for kids, a corn maze and petting zoo.
Three-hour excursions
Eerie activities:
Scream Ridge in Walton chills you with three haunted attractions in one place: The Killing Fields, Torture Barn and Carnival of Screams. By day, things are a little less frightening at the Sugar Ridge Family Farm with events including live music, pumpkins, hayrides and farm animals.
The Haunted Hayride at Sandyland Acres in Petersburg is marking 20 years of dread-filled fun. Pro tip: Bring cash.
Fruits of the season:
Versailles is home to Eckert’s Orchard, which offers all the usual seasonal fruits. Weekend visits will get you into the Pumpkin Jamboree with live music in the afternoons and bonfires and a spooky hayride in the evening. Trick-or-treating and a costume parade are scheduled for Oct. 25.
Evans Orchard and Cider Mill in Georgetown is a fifth-generation family farm that offers an expansive play area featuring a mega slide, zip line and a pedal cart track. There’s also a petting zoo with goats, cows, chickens, pigs and more. Pumpkin season runs to the end of October.
Mulberry Orchard offers everything from wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, u-pick apples, corn maze, and a huge play area with over 25 activities. Pro tip: The farm is closed on Mondays.
Six-hour trips
Tour the Kentucky Castle and its farm in Versailles and then stick around for the murder mystery dinner theater (October weekends are sold out, so it will have to be a Wednesday). The tour of the castle and grounds then ends by introducing guests to many of the farm’s animals. Tickets are posted one month prior to the tour date and may be booked until 48 hours before the start of the tour. Pro tip: The tour covers approximately one mile over some unpaved paths and uneven ground.
The Bernheim Forest and Arboretum in Clermont offers beautiful fall vistas, along with a whimsical collection of forest giants, all natural sculptures that tower over visitors. Also check out the canopy tree walk where you can get as immersed as possible in the radiant colors of the season. There is also a sensory garden along with many art installations.
Overnight stays
An extremely popular overnight activity is catching the “moonbow” at Cumberland Falls on the nights of the full moon (Oct. 26 is the Hunter’s Moon and Nov. 24 is the Beaver Moon). Park lodging and nearby rentals sell out quickly on these weekends, but some are still available. If you want to skip those crowds, the falls are gorgeous anytime. Pro tip: Book a horseback riding tour of the countryside while you’re there.
If you want to check out the beauty of the region, plus catch some beautiful fall foliage, take the two-and-a-half-hour drive down to Red River Gorge. The Gorge is one of Kentucky’s most visited state parks and offers a bevy of outdoor activities. Once you’ve moved into your cabin or finished setting up your campsite, your outdoor adventure is about to begin. Featuring stunning rock formations and thick forests, Red River Gorge is a perfect place for rock climbing, hiking, ziplining and kayaking. After you’re tired out, stop into Miguel’s Pizza in Slade for a bite.
