Located in the northern reaches of the beautiful Daniel Boone National Forest, Morehead, Kentucky, is a laid-back little mountain town that’s peak Bluegrass charm. With an abundance of natural beauty and small-town charm, Morehead makes for a picture-perfect day trip in Kentucky — especially during the height of fall foliage season!
Nestled in the foothills of the Kentucky Appalachians, Morehead is the Platonic Ideal of mountain towns.
Morehead State University/Facebook
This small town in Kentucky is home to Morehead State University, a beautiful Bluegrass state school.
Morehead State University/Google Local Morehead State University, 150 University Blvd, Morehead, KY 40351, USA
A place wholly invested in the arts, Morehead’s Kentucky Folk Art Center and Rowan County Arts Center are must-visit spots for art enthusiasts. There’s even a designated walking tour downtown that lets visitors immerse themselves in this vibrant culture.
Kentucky Folk Art Center/Facebook
But what Morehead is best-known for is its scenic beauty.
Visit Morehead and Rowan County KY/Facebook
Morehead’s proximity to the breathtakingly beautiful Cave Run Lakes and the Daniel Boone National Forest make it an ideal base for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts…
Visit Morehead and Rowan County KY/Facebook
…especially in the autumn, when the fall foliage paints the mountain landscape in rich reds, bold oranges, buttery yellows, and shimmery golds.
Visit Morehead and Rowan County KY/Facebook
Morehead is a certified Kentucky Trail Town (the third in the state), and boasts access to numerous trails. The Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail runs right through town, and is absolutely beautiful in the fall.
Thomas Sizemore/Google Local
Limestone Knob is a popular point of interest for hikers in the area; at 1,423 feet above sea level, it’s the highest point in Rowan County. The Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail will lead you right to this pretty point.
Visit Morehead and Rowan County KY/Facebook
Prefer to take your outdoor adventures off-road? You can do that at Dirt Nasty Off-Road Park!
Dirt Nasty Off-Road Park/Google Local Dirt Nasty Off-Road Park, 599 Pretty Ridge Rd, Morehead, KY 40351, USA
Morehead is a treasure of a place, offering visitors a rich and scenic slice of the Bluegrass. And when you visit during the fall, you’re sure to fall head-over-heels for this little mountain town in Kentucky!
Kentucky Folk Art Center/Facebook
Have you visited this mountain town in Kentucky before? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience in lovely Morehead, Kentucky!
Morehead State University/Facebook
Morehead State University/Google Local
Morehead State University, 150 University Blvd, Morehead, KY 40351, USA
Kentucky Folk Art Center/Facebook
Visit Morehead and Rowan County KY/Facebook
Thomas Sizemore/Google Local
Dirt Nasty Off-Road Park/Google Local
Dirt Nasty Off-Road Park, 599 Pretty Ridge Rd, Morehead, KY 40351, USA
For more small towns to visit around the Bluegrass State, check out these winsome places that are perfect for a weekend escape!
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Address: Morehead, KY 40351, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Morehead Kentucky August 18, 2022 Sarah M. In addition to Morehead, what’s another charming small town to visit during fall in Kentucky? There’s nothing quite like fall in Kentucky, and this season is even sweeter in our state’s charming small towns. The Bluegrass is blessed with some of the best fall foliage in the country; our crisp nights and warm days conspiring to create the most awe-inspiring spectacle of autumnal colors! And in Harrison County, Cynthiana is an impossibly charming treasure of a town that’s proudly home to some of the best fall foliage in Kentucky. This charming town of around 6,200 is peak “small town” vibes, with a delightful Main Street district, proud local businesses, and scenic beauty. But what this Northern Kentucky town truly prides itself for is its fall foliage. From its cheeky skeletons welcoming visitors downtown in September and October (the town has ties to “The Walking Dead” TV series, in fact!) to its city-wide autumn decorating contests, Cynthiana might just be the most “fall” town in Kentucky. (Don’t tell Morehead!) If you’ve yet to experience fall in Cynthiana, Kentucky, it’s high time you did. What are some fun fall festivals in Kentucky? There’s nothing like a good, old-fashioned fall festival, and the Bluegrass really does shine in this department. From the classic festivals at farms like County Pumpkins and Neltner Farm to the dazzling Jack O’Lantern Spectacular in Louisville, to the only-in-Kentucky fall fests like the Bourbon Festival, the World Chicken Festival, and the Woolly Worm Festival, you’d be hard-pressed to find a state that does fall festivals better than Kentucky!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Morehead Kentucky
August 18, 2022
Sarah M.
In addition to Morehead, what’s another charming small town to visit during fall in Kentucky? There’s nothing quite like fall in Kentucky, and this season is even sweeter in our state’s charming small towns. The Bluegrass is blessed with some of the best fall foliage in the country; our crisp nights and warm days conspiring to create the most awe-inspiring spectacle of autumnal colors! And in Harrison County, Cynthiana is an impossibly charming treasure of a town that’s proudly home to some of the best fall foliage in Kentucky. This charming town of around 6,200 is peak “small town” vibes, with a delightful Main Street district, proud local businesses, and scenic beauty. But what this Northern Kentucky town truly prides itself for is its fall foliage. From its cheeky skeletons welcoming visitors downtown in September and October (the town has ties to “The Walking Dead” TV series, in fact!) to its city-wide autumn decorating contests, Cynthiana might just be the most “fall” town in Kentucky. (Don’t tell Morehead!) If you’ve yet to experience fall in Cynthiana, Kentucky, it’s high time you did. What are some fun fall festivals in Kentucky? There’s nothing like a good, old-fashioned fall festival, and the Bluegrass really does shine in this department. From the classic festivals at farms like County Pumpkins and Neltner Farm to the dazzling Jack O’Lantern Spectacular in Louisville, to the only-in-Kentucky fall fests like the Bourbon Festival, the World Chicken Festival, and the Woolly Worm Festival, you’d be hard-pressed to find a state that does fall festivals better than Kentucky!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There’s nothing quite like fall in Kentucky, and this season is even sweeter in our state’s charming small towns. The Bluegrass is blessed with some of the best fall foliage in the country; our crisp nights and warm days conspiring to create the most awe-inspiring spectacle of autumnal colors! And in Harrison County, Cynthiana is an impossibly charming treasure of a town that’s proudly home to some of the best fall foliage in Kentucky. This charming town of around 6,200 is peak “small town” vibes, with a delightful Main Street district, proud local businesses, and scenic beauty. But what this Northern Kentucky town truly prides itself for is its fall foliage. From its cheeky skeletons welcoming visitors downtown in September and October (the town has ties to “The Walking Dead” TV series, in fact!) to its city-wide autumn decorating contests, Cynthiana might just be the most “fall” town in Kentucky. (Don’t tell Morehead!) If you’ve yet to experience fall in Cynthiana, Kentucky, it’s high time you did.
What are some fun fall festivals in Kentucky?
There’s nothing like a good, old-fashioned fall festival, and the Bluegrass really does shine in this department. From the classic festivals at farms like County Pumpkins and Neltner Farm to the dazzling Jack O’Lantern Spectacular in Louisville, to the only-in-Kentucky fall fests like the Bourbon Festival, the World Chicken Festival, and the Woolly Worm Festival, you’d be hard-pressed to find a state that does fall festivals better than Kentucky!