Scenic Kentucky, perfect for a quick fall getaway trip

Photo: Rafik Wahba/Unsplash

No visit to Kentucky is complete without a stop at the Cumberland Falls. It is the second largest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. Sometimes called the Little Niagra, the first recorded landowners of the falls were Matthew Walton and Adam Shepard in 1800. Today, the waterfall and land around it is located in the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and managed by the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves.

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StatePoint Media - Anyone who loves fall weather should make plans to come to Kentucky. When October and November roll around in the Bluegrass State, native Kentuckians and visitors alike have their eyes on the tree line, waiting for the first hints of autumn colors. And while the anticipation might seem almost too much to bear, the breathtaking sight of fall foliage in Kentucky is so worth the wait.

If the leaves are turning, no matter where a traveler happens to be in the Commonwealth, they are in for a veritable fireworks show of vibrant fall colors. There are so many ways to get an amazing view of the foliage, from nature trails for those who like hiking to country roads for those who enjoy nature from the inside of the car.

The Old Frankfort Pike is a National Scenic Byway that runs through Woodford County in central Kentucky and passes by some of the most charming and beautiful landscapes in the entire country. The pike is 15 miles long, including a two-mile stretch of road that features centuries-old limestone fences, pastures, barns and a tunnel-like oak tree canopy on either side of the road. Those lucky enough to drive it during the fall experience a view that’s truly special.

Sixty miles southeast of Lexington is a nature lover’s paradise, the Daniel Boone National Forest. Driving any one of the state routes that passes through the preserve would satisfy most leaf peepers. However, for those who insist on getting out of the car and into the woods, hiking the trails in and around Slade will provide all the leaf colors desired, not to mention jaw-dropping views of Red River Gorge, Natural Bridge and Chimney Top Trail.

To find colors and educational opportunities, head to the Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, located just outside Clermont. Not only does it contain 16,137 acres worth of arboretum, forest and nature preserve, but it has nature and science programming, dozens of folk art installations and playgrounds for children of all ages.

Pushing to the western part of the state, don’t miss out on the Woodlands Trace Scenic Byway. This road starts at Grand Rivers and takes travelers through the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and into Tennessee. Along the way, sightseers will be surrounded by all the autumn splendor Kentucky has to offer.

Beyond fall foliage, Kentucky is the place to be for autumn fun -- from haunted mansions and ghost walks to u-pick offerings at farms all across the state. For more information visit www.kentuckytourism.com.

The Bluegrass State has amazing things to do and see regardless of the time of year, but Kentucky in the fall is hard to beat.

Urbana sees substanial storm damage

The limb of a large pine tree lays on an outfield fence at Blair Park on Thursday after a storm that produced nearly 80mph windspeeds passed through the area. In its wake, the storm left over 28,000 homes without power in Champaign County and more 170,000 homes in Ameren's service area.

"Unfortunately, we do not have a safe estimated restoration time. Crews are being dispatched from other Ameren Illinois regions and from neighboring states to help with restoration efforts. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding while our crews work through the night to restore as many customers as quickly and safely as possible," said Ameren employee Linda, who signed a response to a question on the company's Facebook page. To sign up for alerts and outage updates from Ameren, text REG to AMEREN (263736).

Scheduled flights to and from Willard Airport were canceled by airport officials after damaging winds from the powerful derecho caused a power outage and damaged the roof of the commercial terminal.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Illinois state parks closed indefinitely due to Coronavirus

So much for going out for a walk in the woods during the next three to eight weeks to relieve cabin fever induced by a possible eight more weeks of self-isolation or self-quarantine.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources posted an announcement on their Facebook page that all park properties are closed to the public due over the concerns of the Coronavirus. No projected or suggested reopening date was included in the post.

That means no leisurely pursuits such as nature walks, photographing wildlife and spring flowers or enjoying the God-given beauty that the Illinois landscape has to offer.

"All scheduled events on state property are effectively cancelled; patrons are encouraged to call IDNR’s Parks administrative line Monday through Friday at 217-782-6752 with questions," says the post.

The 526 comments were critical of the move, especially when medical professionals say getting outdoors and exercise is important to maintaining a healthy immune system. Many question the logic by the IDNR.

Anthony Majszak wrote: "Close the buildings and events, fine, but why not allow people to walk in the outdoors?"

Another poster was equally flabbergasted.

"So you tell me, in plain English, what this accomplishes? I understand closing down shared facilities, Starved Rock as an example - You would close down the lodge, the hotel, the restaurant and other public access shared facilities. But you don't close down the open air," wrote Rick Munday. "This sends the complete wrong message to the general public!"

One poster offered what seems to be reasonable justification for the closures across the state. "my best guess, these places are already short of staff, present staff is canceled, and people in the general public can’t be trusted...," wrote Laura Jean Cannata.