Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentuckyfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Daniel Boone National Forest.
Right now in Daniel Boone National Forest · September
- Great Meadows Campground open · Apr–Nov
- Grove Campground open · Apr–Oct
- Bee Rock (Pulaski side) open · Mar–Nov
- Wildflowers along Rock Bridge Trail · Apr–Oct
24days to the next fall foliage seasonusually well under way by late October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 11:41 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Daniel Boone National Forest
First frost usually in ~4 weeks
Oct 25Average first fall frost
Apr 17Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Cave Run Lake station (5.1 mi away, 840 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Daniel Boone National Forest through the year
- Bee Rock (Pulaski side) openNowMar–Nov
- Spring wildflower walksMar–Apr
- Great Meadows Campground openNowApr–Nov
- Grove Campground openNowApr–Oct
- Wildflowers along Rock Bridge TrailNowApr–Oct
Best spots around Daniel Boone National Forest
- Red River Gorge Scenic BywayAbout 46 miles; Nada Tunnel and stone arches
- Zilpo National Forest Scenic Byway11 miles; overlooks and Cave Run Lake views
- Bee Rock and Old Sublimity BridgeCCC-built bridge, now for foot travel only
- Laurel River Lake from GroveCalled one of Kentucky's most scenic lakes
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across the Southern Appalachians, every species with enough observations is close to a typical year. Which trees turn when →
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, Red River Gorge Scenic Byway (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Zilpo National Forest Scenic Byway (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Bee Rock Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Grove Drive-In Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Great Meadows Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Sheltowee Trace at Whittleton Branch (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Rock Bridge Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Daniel Boone National Forest in 2026?
We don't have local timing for Daniel Boone National Forest yet. Statewide for Kentucky: color is usually well under way by late October (USA-NPN volunteer observations, 2020–2025). That's for the whole state and isn't a peak or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Daniel Boone National Forest right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 24 days (usually well under way by late October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)).
Where are the best spots in Daniel Boone National Forest?
Red River Gorge Scenic Byway: about 46 miles; Nada Tunnel and stone arches; Zilpo National Forest Scenic Byway: 11 miles; overlooks and Cave Run Lake views; Bee Rock and Old Sublimity Bridge: cCC-built bridge, now for foot travel only; Laurel River Lake from Grove: called one of Kentucky's most scenic lakes.
What is Daniel Boone National Forest like through the year?
Great Meadows Campground open (Apr–Nov), Grove Campground open (Apr–Oct), Bee Rock (Pulaski side) open (Mar–Nov), Spring wildflower walks (Mar–Apr) and Wildflowers along Rock Bridge Trail (Apr–Oct).