Big South Fork

Encompassing around 125,000 acres of rugged gorges and forest along the southeastern border with Tennessee, Big South Fork is one of Kentucky's most popular outdoor playgrounds. Within the Big South Fork, numerous pristine streams flow into the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Over the eons, this ceaseless moving water has carved the sandstones of the plateau into the impressive cliffs, arches and chimneys found throughout the park.

Whatever type of outdoor recreation you enjoy, from easy to extreme, chances are Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area has a place you can do it. The hardest part of your visit may be deciding which trail, overlook, historic site, natural feature or program to try next!

If history interests you, visit the Blue Heron Mining Community, a coal mining town once owned by the Stearns Coal and Lumber Co. A unique and scenic way to get there is by riding the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. The round trip journey starts at the depot in Stearns.

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Fall Fun on the Farm

State Wide

Kids love an adventure, and exploring a corn maze and picking a pumpkin on a Kentucky farm are among the most fun fall adventures for the young — and young at heart.

Kentucky Corn Mazes

You can find mazes open to the public on several farms throughout the Bluegrass State. Corn mazes appear in many different designs. Some mazes tell stories or portray a particular theme. For example, Devine's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Harrodsburg regularly features a design portraying Triple Crown-winning horses, including American Pharaoh and Justify. This year, the maze is celebrating all things fall with its corn, jack-o-lantern and scarecrow design. In Mayfield, navigate your way through the state's largest corn maze at A-maize-ing Farms. This year's design pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Hollywood classic "Jaws." At Trunnell's Farm Market in Utica, the corn maze is designed like their brand-new mascot, Hattie the Highland cow.

Most mazes have a path that goes all around the whole pattern, either to end in the middle or to come back out again. Since the corn is taller than you are, getting lost amid the loops and dead ends in a large corn field can make for big fun.

Kentucky U-Picks

Families will also enjoy autumn outings to harvest pumpkins, apples and other fall produce on U-pick farms around Kentucky. Places like Sleepy Hollow Farm Pumpkin Patch in Campbellsville, Bi-Water Farm in Georgetown, Shady Lane Farm in Shepherdsville and Heavenly Haven Farm & Zip Line in Columbia offer families a chance to get out in the fresh air on weekend afternoons. Kids will long treasure memories of picking their own Halloween pumpkin on a trip to a Kentucky farm. Savoring a freshly picked apple on a crisp fall day in Kentucky is another experience not to be missed.

Hayrides, petting zoos, play areas and other activities geared toward kids are also found at many Kentucky agritourism attractions.

Visit the Kentucky Tourism family page for more family trip ideas. With a few clicks of the mouse, you can find a farm featuring a maze or U-pick opportunities wherever you’re traveling in the Bluegrass State. Use this directory to confirm location, days and hours of operation, and attractions offered before making your foray into fun fall adventure.

Plan Your Trip to Big South Fork