Kentucky’s Leaf Peeping Season – the Perfect Time for a Road Trip…

Written by: Danielle Wilson

With summer in our rear-view mirror and a break in the humidity, Kentucky’s real showstopper is ready to wow your senses and welcome you to Fall.  The beautiful Bluegrass state really comes to life as leaves begin to change colors, peaking first in the high elevations and then throughout the rest of the state.  Kentucky has 45 State Parks showcasing its natural beauty with majestic mountains and pristine Kentucky state park lakes, including Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. According to the National Forests Extimated Fall Foliage Map for 2021, it looks like the leaves around Lake Cumberland, Kentucky will be in peak color on October 25th!

More than 47% of Kentucky’s land area is forested with hardwoods of numerous varieties, many of which produce leaves that, with cooler temperatures, change to a brilliant patchwork of yellows, reds and oranges that spread over the terrain like Kentucky’s beloved quilts.

Autumn in Kentucky is the perfect season to explore and enjoy being outdoors, especially around Lake Cumberland.  Days are still warm, with nights getting a bit cooler.  There’s still plenty of time for some of the best fishing in Kentucky at Lake Cumberland and fly fishing at Wolfe Creek Trout Stream.  While you at it, explore the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery Visitor and Environmental Center.

And there is still enough warm weather for a houseboat vacation on Lake Cumberland and lazy days to enjoy spectacular views of Fall foliage from the waterside. In fact, you can Save 25% Off your October 2021 Boat Rentals at State Dock with the Promo Code: FALLFUN25

What better time of year for hiking in Kentucky, breathing fresh Fall air and enjoying the beauty of colorful forest trees. Lake Cumberland State Resort Park boasts miles of hiking and walking trails with varying lengths, terrains, and degrees of ease or difficulty, many leading to spectacular vistas overlooking the lake.  For bird watchers, you might spot a wild turkey or a pileated woodpecker or one of the other 145 species identified year-round in the Lake Cumberland forests and habitats.

Whether your visit is for an extended Fall vacation, a Kentucky family reunion or a leaf peeping weekend, you’ll find plenty of places to stay.  Lure Lodge at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park has 63 rooms with full amenities and an awesome view of the lake.  The Park also has 20 cabins available year-round.  Both the lodge and cabin rentals are pet friendly.

If you’re really feeling the outdoors, Lake Cumberland State Resort Park campgrounds are perfect for sleeping under the stars.  The Park has 129 campsites with showers, restrooms, and utility hookups available.  S’more’s anyone??

You’ll also find tourist attractions and many places to eat and stay in Russell Springs and the areas surrounding Lake Cumberland.

Lake Cumberland and Lake Cumberland State Resort Park are located just over two hours from both Louisville and Nashville between I-65 and I-75.  Wherever you begin your journey, the beauty of this brilliant season in Kentucky is within easy driving distance with a virtual color palate of vistas and destinations to behold.