Long before pumpkin spice lattes and flannel-scented candles, there was plenty to love about fall. The holiday decorating and festivities are tons of fun, but the natural characteristics of the season are plenty to get excited about, especially when you happen to live near the largest continuous eastern deciduous forest in the United States.

Mid to late October is the best time to come out and see our trees as they put on a show before becoming dormant for the winter. In between the corn mazes and pumpkin patch visits, make sure to get out and enjoy the changing colors of the season with a hike or bike ride at The Parklands.

Here are a few spots where you can take in autumn’s beautiful colors:

Bullfrog Crossing Trail near Sky Dome in Turkey Run Park. Photo by Anna Rosales-Crone

FOR BEGINNERS

Sky Dome

For a relaxed stroll fit for all ages and abilities, head to Bullfrog Crossing Trail in Turkey Run Park. This easy-level excursion trail has great views from start to finish. Begin at Boulder Pond, where you get double the views as the bright colors reflect off the calm surface of this popular fishing spot. Follow the paved path as it winds east and then south. Take a side trek past the stone walls for a surprise lookout we like to call Sky Dome. Return to the trail to continue winding through Sky Meadow. Take a right onto the Louisville Loop to get back to Boulder Pond.

Trip Tip: Parking is limited at Boulder Pond, so try to get here early to beat the crowd.

Lake Overlook

While the hills of the southern parks might lead you to believe they have higher elevation, the highest point in the park is actually located near the northernmost tip of our park system. Park at Miles Trailhead in Beckley Creek Park to take a stroll along the Louisville Loop where you can see views of Middletown and beyond. For an easier walk, with fewer hills, take Fishermans Trail instead, a short, paved pathway that ends at Angler Lake, providing 360 views of the three largest lakes in The Parklands.

Trip Tip: Pack a picnic to enjoy while you’re enjoying the views at the Lake Overlook Picnic Access.

Big Beech Trail in Pope Lick Park. Photo by Bob Hower/Quadrant

INTERMEDIATE

Big Beech Woods

The majority of our natural trails contain scenic views along Floyds Fork and through riparian forests, but back behind the sports fields and paved Louisville Loop Trail lies a gem of a soft-surface trail in Pope Lick Park. Big Beech Trail takes hikers into one of the park’s old-growth forests. Naturalist Michael Gaige estimates that the Beech Trees in Big Beech Woods range from 250-300 years old! These native beauties can be identified by their smooth, grey bark. During the fall, look for their golden-bronze leaves.

Trip Tip: Bring plenty of water, a good pair of hiking boots and, on a sunny day, a hat for this lengthier walk that requires hikers to follow the Louisville Loop for approximately ½ a mile before accessing the trail.

Fall Foliage at Brown-Forman Silo Center in Turkey Run Park. Photo by Ted Wathen/Quadrant

ADVANCED

Silo Lookout

One of the first locations to come to mind is, of course, Silo Lookout in Turkey Run Park. Climb the 109 steps for fantastic views of Turkey Run Forest and the surrounding areas. Take a closer look by following your climb with a walk on Paw Paw or Hickory Trail just east of Brown-Forman Silo Center.

Trip Tip: A swarm of paper wasps has taken to hanging out around the dome of Silo Lookout during warm, fall afternoons. Plan to visit early in the morning, while the temperatures are still cool.

Limestone Gorge

If you pick the right day (a day or two after rainfall) you will get double the treats with a fall hike on Limestone Gorge Trail in Broad Run Park. In addition to the main gorge itself, (just north of the trail entrance on the Louisville Loop) the natural rock layers found along the Limestone Gorge Trail create cascading, seasonal waterfalls fed by rain.

Trip Tip: Limestone Gorge is accessible via the paved Louisville Loop, but give the Limestone Gorge Trail some extra time to dry out following heavy rain.

Make sure to also check out our events page for more info on fun fall events at The Parklands! www.theparklands.org/events

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About the Author

As Manager of Marketing and Communications, Anna Rosales-Crone manages internal and external communications strategies for The Parklands, as well as marketing to promote facility rentals, educational programming, fundraising and overall park awareness. Anna was hired as Communications Coordinator in May of 2015 to help build awareness of the newly constructed park by managing The Parklands brand, website and social media. Prior to joining The Parklands team, she worked in communications at the American Red Cross for five years where she grew the Louisville Area Chapter’s digital and social media presence while supporting public relations, marketing and special events. She also provided public affairs support and guidance during major disaster operations. Anna is a graduate of the University of Evansville where she met her husband and the second love of her life—traveling. She also enjoys hiking, reading, baking, dancing, going to concerts and hanging out with her two cats. Contact me about: media relations, photo requests and website.