Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Kentucky Fall Foilage Report.
Eastern Kentucky
At Carter Caves State Resort Park, near Olive Hill, you will see color change in the tulip poplars, sumacs, blackgums, poison ivy, magnolias and maples. Very few of the oak trees have started changing color, leaving mostly green in the forest canopy. Unfortunately, many of the leaves are turning brown and falling due to the drought conditions in Eastern Kentucky. Color change is holding at 20 percent.
Plan ahead for for the Haunted Trail scheduled for October 10-11 and
17-18. The ghouls and goblins have risen from the underground world at
Carter Caves to scare you silly on these two weekends! Come and take the walk through the 1/2 mile haunted trail, if you dare! Trail admission is $7.00 per person. This activity is not reccommended for young children. Transportation to and from the trailhead will be provided by the park. Ticket sales are held on each night of the event from 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. at the Carter Caves public pool.
At Jenny Wiley State Resort Park near Prestonsburg, fall is looking beautiful. Enjoy the colors showing in the sour woods, poplar, sycamore, red maple, red bud, dogwoods and spice bush. Peak color for this area appears to be the second to third week of October.
Don’t forget to make your reservations for the elk viewing tours. Bull elk are bugling throughout the hills and with over 100 elk being sited on each tour, this is a great time for viewing. Buffalo Night is October 18, so please make plans to enjoy this delicious buffet at the lodge.
At Natural Bridge State Resort Park near Slade, trees, shrubs and vines are showing approximately 20 percent color change. The best color is on the ridge tops where many of the sourwood, red maple and blackgum trees have turned varying shades of red. While some leaves are turning brown and dropping early due to the current drought conditions, you will see an increasing amount of yellow leaves on slippery elm, walnut, redbud, pawpaw and spice bush. Most dogwoods and sumacs are turning deep red.
Typically, the peak of fall color at Natural Bridge is during the last two weeks of October.
At Pine Mountain State Resort Park, near Pineville, conditions continue to be favorable for good development of fall color displays as southeast Kentucky enjoys seasonably cool evening temperatures. Rapid-paced color change is underway with the brightest reds at this time found among the sweet gum, sumac, dogwood and sourwood. Some red-orange is found in the occasional sassafras and poplar. Overall, the color change is at 15 to 20 percent.
Autumn has started to show at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park near Corbin. Presently there is color showing in the dogwoods, black gums and maples. If the dry weather continues, peak color should be mid October.
North Central Kentucky
At Big Bone Lick State Park, near Union, the first trees showing signs of change are the sweet gums. Over the next couple of weeks the leaves will transform to bright fiery red colors that make the gums absolutely splendid. In the coming week, the sycamores are expected to start to shift from green to various shades of yellow. The best and brightest color change so far this fall has occurred in the Virginia creeper, which has turned a bright red. The creeper can be spotted growing on the sides of large trees.
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest near Clermont is beginning to show signs of fall color although most leaves are still green. Black gum and sugar maple are displaying showy, bright red leaves while tulip poplar, sycamore and pawpaw trees are changing to butter yellow and brown leaves. Hot and dry conditions and cool evenings have encouraged some early leaf fall but a glance into the woods suggests bolder colors are coming soon. Red, orange and yellow ornamental fruit persist on many of the crabapples. Some flowering dogwoods are in full fruit while others have faint red leaves. A splash of yellow can be found in the Big Prairie where goldenrods and sunflowers prevail. ColorFest, Bernheim’s fall festival is October 18-19, and at that time nature’s vivid colors may be at their peak. Come out to Bernheim for family fun, entertainment, great food and hands-on explorations.
South Central Kentucky
At the Lake Cumberland State Resort Park area, near Jamestown, there is about 25 to 30 percent change. Here you will see some yellows and browns in the tulip, maple, beech, walnut and paw paws. Some red and browns can be spotted in the dogwood, maple and sumac. Cooler evening temperatures predicted this coming weekend should promote more leaf color change.
Plan now for Camperama Weekend October 10–12. Enjoy pleasant temperatures of October with a host of activities which include youth archery, pinewood derby, nature hike, miniature golf tournament, live reptile show and more. It's a camper's special; camp two nights for the price of one! Register for campsites online at http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/lc/ or call 888-459-7275.
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park near Burkesville has experienced about a 10 percent color change. Sycamores and tulip poplars have a few vibrant yellow leaves. The sourwoods have already changed to a diluted bright red color. Blackgums are very evident along the roadsides since they are changing to a deep bold red against a back-drop of green.
Maples have finally begun to cast a hint of orange. While hiking, remember "Leaves of three, let it be!" which refers to poison ivy which now has casts of red leaves on the vines.
This weekend, Oct 3-4, don’t miss the 13th Annual Horseman’s Reunion.
Bring your horse and join other riders along 15 miles of trails. For a spooky good time, when leaves will be at their peak color, attend the Haunted Hollow Hotel (October 25) where you can hear the sounds of Elvis, trick-or-treat, ride on a haunted hayride and enjoy other spooky activities. For more information on the changing colors or special events call 800-325-2282.
Fall colors are progressing quickly at Mammoth Cave National Park in Mammoth Cave, where the forest will reach about 20 percent change this week. You can check the current colors anytime on the park's webcam at http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/macacam/macacam.cfm
<http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/macacam/macacam.cfm> .
Plan now to join the Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park as they host a benefit ‘Walk in the Park’ on October 11. This event encourages people to use the park for recreation, and to help take care of it by volunteering. For more information, contact Brian Dale at 270-773-3131.
Western Kentucky
John James Audubon State Park in Henderson has experienced the kind of beautiful warm days and cool nights that set the stage for vibrant fall colors. At this time though, the old-growth woods are still alive with many shades of green, but hints of yellow, red and pink are beginning to emerge.
One of Kentucky’s oldest and largest craft festivals, the 36th Annual Green River Area Development District Arts and Crafts Festival, is back at Audubon Park this weekend, October 4 and 5. Also showing is an exquisite art exhibit, Audubon’s River, by Devere Burt and Mary Holt.
This can be viewed in the Audubon Museum gallery each day from 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m.
The leaves at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park and Pennyrile State Forest near Dawson Springs are about 25 percent change which means that there is faint color being seen in the forest. Although much of the forest remains green, maples, elms, sycamores, tulip poplars, and walnuts have begun to show off their yellows. Of the red color that can be seen in the forest, much is coming from black gums (always one of the first trees to change) and sassafras. Two vines are also showing off some beautiful shades of reds - poison ivy and Virginia creeper. Devil’s walking stick and dogwood are two other small trees that are beginning to change colors in this area.
Register now for Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park's digital Fall Photography Weekend, October 17-19. Besides abundant natural beauty, the weekend consists of a photo contest with point and shoot, intermediate, and masters divisions, evening programs, critique and award ceremony.
Bring your own camera. Registration is $30 but register by October 11 and receive a $5 discount. Children ages 16 and under may participate for a fee of $10. Participants can receive a 10 percent discount on lodging available. Contact prk Naturalist, Rebecca Clark, at
800-325-1711 or email her at rebeccae.clark@ky.gov for more information.
Drier weather is bringing fall a little sooner to Land Between the Lakes located between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. Along the northern trace roadsides, you will see multitudes of blazing stars, mistflowers, and goldenrods in full bloom. Look closely and you will notice fritillary butterflies, monarchs and skippers trying to extract the last bits of nectar for the year. Red is in season. Driving the trace, the roads around the Nature Station or hiking Honker Trail, you will notice winged sumac, sweet gums, poison ivy, sassafras and dogwoods. Yellow is nudging in with paw paws and black walnuts changing to vivid yellows.
Check out the diverse colors found in the Elk and Bison Prairie as the grasses turn shades of golden brown and yellow with tinges of blues from the bluestems and Indian grasses.
Ballard Wildlife Management Area near La Center is only showing some change of color in the sweet gum. Just a reminder that Ballard closes to the public at noon on October 15, so plan to visit within the next two weeks.
At Carter Caves State Resort Park, near Olive Hill, you will see color change in the tulip poplars, sumacs, blackgums, poison ivy, magnolias and maples. Very few of the oak trees have started changing color, leaving mostly green in the forest canopy. Unfortunately, many of the leaves are turning brown and falling due to the drought conditions in Eastern Kentucky. Color change is holding at 20 percent.
Plan ahead for for the Haunted Trail scheduled for October 10-11 and
17-18. The ghouls and goblins have risen from the underground world at
Carter Caves to scare you silly on these two weekends! Come and take the walk through the 1/2 mile haunted trail, if you dare! Trail admission is $7.00 per person. This activity is not reccommended for young children. Transportation to and from the trailhead will be provided by the park. Ticket sales are held on each night of the event from 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. at the Carter Caves public pool.
At Jenny Wiley State Resort Park near Prestonsburg, fall is looking beautiful. Enjoy the colors showing in the sour woods, poplar, sycamore, red maple, red bud, dogwoods and spice bush. Peak color for this area appears to be the second to third week of October.
Don’t forget to make your reservations for the elk viewing tours. Bull elk are bugling throughout the hills and with over 100 elk being sited on each tour, this is a great time for viewing. Buffalo Night is October 18, so please make plans to enjoy this delicious buffet at the lodge.
At Natural Bridge State Resort Park near Slade, trees, shrubs and vines are showing approximately 20 percent color change. The best color is on the ridge tops where many of the sourwood, red maple and blackgum trees have turned varying shades of red. While some leaves are turning brown and dropping early due to the current drought conditions, you will see an increasing amount of yellow leaves on slippery elm, walnut, redbud, pawpaw and spice bush. Most dogwoods and sumacs are turning deep red.
Typically, the peak of fall color at Natural Bridge is during the last two weeks of October.
At Pine Mountain State Resort Park, near Pineville, conditions continue to be favorable for good development of fall color displays as southeast Kentucky enjoys seasonably cool evening temperatures. Rapid-paced color change is underway with the brightest reds at this time found among the sweet gum, sumac, dogwood and sourwood. Some red-orange is found in the occasional sassafras and poplar. Overall, the color change is at 15 to 20 percent.
Autumn has started to show at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park near Corbin. Presently there is color showing in the dogwoods, black gums and maples. If the dry weather continues, peak color should be mid October.
North Central Kentucky
At Big Bone Lick State Park, near Union, the first trees showing signs of change are the sweet gums. Over the next couple of weeks the leaves will transform to bright fiery red colors that make the gums absolutely splendid. In the coming week, the sycamores are expected to start to shift from green to various shades of yellow. The best and brightest color change so far this fall has occurred in the Virginia creeper, which has turned a bright red. The creeper can be spotted growing on the sides of large trees.
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest near Clermont is beginning to show signs of fall color although most leaves are still green. Black gum and sugar maple are displaying showy, bright red leaves while tulip poplar, sycamore and pawpaw trees are changing to butter yellow and brown leaves. Hot and dry conditions and cool evenings have encouraged some early leaf fall but a glance into the woods suggests bolder colors are coming soon. Red, orange and yellow ornamental fruit persist on many of the crabapples. Some flowering dogwoods are in full fruit while others have faint red leaves. A splash of yellow can be found in the Big Prairie where goldenrods and sunflowers prevail. ColorFest, Bernheim’s fall festival is October 18-19, and at that time nature’s vivid colors may be at their peak. Come out to Bernheim for family fun, entertainment, great food and hands-on explorations.
South Central Kentucky
At the Lake Cumberland State Resort Park area, near Jamestown, there is about 25 to 30 percent change. Here you will see some yellows and browns in the tulip, maple, beech, walnut and paw paws. Some red and browns can be spotted in the dogwood, maple and sumac. Cooler evening temperatures predicted this coming weekend should promote more leaf color change.
Plan now for Camperama Weekend October 10–12. Enjoy pleasant temperatures of October with a host of activities which include youth archery, pinewood derby, nature hike, miniature golf tournament, live reptile show and more. It's a camper's special; camp two nights for the price of one! Register for campsites online at http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/lc/ or call 888-459-7275.
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park near Burkesville has experienced about a 10 percent color change. Sycamores and tulip poplars have a few vibrant yellow leaves. The sourwoods have already changed to a diluted bright red color. Blackgums are very evident along the roadsides since they are changing to a deep bold red against a back-drop of green.
Maples have finally begun to cast a hint of orange. While hiking, remember "Leaves of three, let it be!" which refers to poison ivy which now has casts of red leaves on the vines.
This weekend, Oct 3-4, don’t miss the 13th Annual Horseman’s Reunion.
Bring your horse and join other riders along 15 miles of trails. For a spooky good time, when leaves will be at their peak color, attend the Haunted Hollow Hotel (October 25) where you can hear the sounds of Elvis, trick-or-treat, ride on a haunted hayride and enjoy other spooky activities. For more information on the changing colors or special events call 800-325-2282.
Fall colors are progressing quickly at Mammoth Cave National Park in Mammoth Cave, where the forest will reach about 20 percent change this week. You can check the current colors anytime on the park's webcam at http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/macacam/macacam.cfm
<http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/macacam/macacam.cfm> .
Plan now to join the Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park as they host a benefit ‘Walk in the Park’ on October 11. This event encourages people to use the park for recreation, and to help take care of it by volunteering. For more information, contact Brian Dale at 270-773-3131.
Western Kentucky
John James Audubon State Park in Henderson has experienced the kind of beautiful warm days and cool nights that set the stage for vibrant fall colors. At this time though, the old-growth woods are still alive with many shades of green, but hints of yellow, red and pink are beginning to emerge.
One of Kentucky’s oldest and largest craft festivals, the 36th Annual Green River Area Development District Arts and Crafts Festival, is back at Audubon Park this weekend, October 4 and 5. Also showing is an exquisite art exhibit, Audubon’s River, by Devere Burt and Mary Holt.
This can be viewed in the Audubon Museum gallery each day from 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m.
The leaves at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park and Pennyrile State Forest near Dawson Springs are about 25 percent change which means that there is faint color being seen in the forest. Although much of the forest remains green, maples, elms, sycamores, tulip poplars, and walnuts have begun to show off their yellows. Of the red color that can be seen in the forest, much is coming from black gums (always one of the first trees to change) and sassafras. Two vines are also showing off some beautiful shades of reds - poison ivy and Virginia creeper. Devil’s walking stick and dogwood are two other small trees that are beginning to change colors in this area.
Register now for Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park's digital Fall Photography Weekend, October 17-19. Besides abundant natural beauty, the weekend consists of a photo contest with point and shoot, intermediate, and masters divisions, evening programs, critique and award ceremony.
Bring your own camera. Registration is $30 but register by October 11 and receive a $5 discount. Children ages 16 and under may participate for a fee of $10. Participants can receive a 10 percent discount on lodging available. Contact prk Naturalist, Rebecca Clark, at
800-325-1711 or email her at rebeccae.clark@ky.gov for more information.
Drier weather is bringing fall a little sooner to Land Between the Lakes located between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. Along the northern trace roadsides, you will see multitudes of blazing stars, mistflowers, and goldenrods in full bloom. Look closely and you will notice fritillary butterflies, monarchs and skippers trying to extract the last bits of nectar for the year. Red is in season. Driving the trace, the roads around the Nature Station or hiking Honker Trail, you will notice winged sumac, sweet gums, poison ivy, sassafras and dogwoods. Yellow is nudging in with paw paws and black walnuts changing to vivid yellows.
Check out the diverse colors found in the Elk and Bison Prairie as the grasses turn shades of golden brown and yellow with tinges of blues from the bluestems and Indian grasses.
Ballard Wildlife Management Area near La Center is only showing some change of color in the sweet gum. Just a reminder that Ballard closes to the public at noon on October 15, so plan to visit within the next two weeks.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 12:57 PM 
