By Hayley Robb, Building Kentucky
1. Admire the fall foliage and beautiful waterfalls Kentucky’s parks have to offer – London
London, England isn’t the only London with jaw-dropping attractions. London, Kentucky’s Princess Falls on Lick Creek, located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, lives up to its name transporting people into paradise. A walk along the two-mile Sheltowee Trace Trail is an activity the whole family can enjoy.
Another fall favorite, located along the Cumberland River is the “Little Niagara of the South,” also known as Cumberland Falls. Mark the beginning of autumn by stepping into nature.
2. Get lost in Devine’s Corn Maze – Harrodsburg
This will be Glenn and Martina Devine’s 14th year opening the Historic James McAfee Farm for all to enjoy.
Devine’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch offers 10 acres of corn mazes, a petting zoo, wagon rides, pumpkin picking and much more. The corn maze was voted ‘Best Corn Maze’ in 2021.
For more information, visit devinescornmaze.com.
3. Take a stroll through the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular in Iroquois Park – Louisville
Spooky or not, the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is a sight to see.
The Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular started in Oxford, Massachusetts in 1988 and came to Louisville in 2012. For ti 9th annual year, 5,000 carved pumpkins will be illuminated along the Iroquois Park walking path as an art show.
The show run daily from dusk to 11 PM September 30 through October 31. Get your tickets at jackolanternlouisville.org/tickets.
4. Take a scenic train ride through Kentucky’s countryside – starting in Bardstown
If you want to see Kentucky’s fall colors while enjoying a four-course meal, then My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is the attraction for you. This 37-mile train ride starts in Bardstown and travels through the Bernheim Forest and Jim Beam Distillery. You can enjoy various themed rides from Murder Mystery to bourbon excursions.
You can reserve your seat on one of the vintage cars here.
5. Cheer on thoroughbreds at Keeneland’s October series – Lexington
May isn’t the only month with festive horse races. October 6 through 28, Keeneland hosts its fall meet full of fall colors, beautiful horses and events you don’t want to miss.
6. Grab a caramel apple at Jackson’s Orchard – Bowling Green
After its Apple Fest, Jackson’s Orchard hosts its Pumpkin Festival every weekend during the month of October.
This event is full of family-friendly activities, including wagon ride, face painting, pony rides, woodcrafts, The Goat Ranch, The Cider Sliders and Kentucky Proud products for purchase!
As a WKU alum, I might be a little biased but the caramel apples alone are worth the trip.
7. Enjoy the fall festivals scattered throughout the state this year – Dry Ridge
The Country Pumpkins Festival in Dry Ridge is a highly awaited event for residents south of Cincinnati and Florence. The fall festival activities include a 4-acre corn maze, turbo slide, barrel train ride for ages under 13 and hay pyramid for kids to enjoy.
The Country Pumpkins Festival isn’t the only festival going on this fall. Kentucky is full of festive events the whole family can enjoy.
Find one in your area and get outdoors this season!
