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:

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

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

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

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.

4. Lexington

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

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

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

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

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.