16 Fun Fall Activities in Williamsburg, KY

One of the great things about attending school at University of the Cumberlands is the four distinct seasons we have in our area. Fall is one of the most beautiful, with the rich fall colors on the mountains surrounding the city. There are many fun fall activities for college students around Williamsburg, Kentucky. If you’re ready to experience the region for yourself, here are 16 ways to explore Williamsburg and the surrounding area and have a little fun, too.

1. Take a Fall Leaves Ride

There’s no better way to see the Appalachians in the fall than on the back of a motorcycle. The Backroads of Appalachia Fall Leaves Ride will take you to some of the most scenic spots to do some leaf peeping. Whether you have your own bike or rent one for the weekend, this is an exciting way to see the natural beauty around school.

2. Attend Cumberlands Football Games

It’s always exciting when our football teams take to the field in the fall. Even if you aren’t a football fan, you can’t help but get caught up in the excitement of attending a game with your friends. Cheer the team on to victory and make new friends along the way.

3. Go to a Pumpkin Patch

Nothing says fall quite like a trip to the pumpkin patch, and our area has several beautiful ones to choose from. Pick a perfect pumpkin to decorate your dorm room, or sip cider and munch on fall treats while you explore the farm. Be sure to charge your phone because most of our local pumpkin patches have Instagram-worthy photo stops along the way.

4. Go on a Friends Hike

Grab some friends and head into the hills for a hike. A hike with friends provides plenty of time to talk and get to know one another. Check out this list to see some of the best hiking trails near Williamsburg. The Cumberland Falls State Recreation Area and the Cumberland River Trail are always good choices.

5. Find and Get Lost in a Corn Maze

Weaving your way through a corn maze is a perfect fall excursion. You can learn which friends have a good sense of direction and which do not while enjoying fall-themed fun. 

6. Find Local Farms to Buy Fresh Fruit

If you are ready to add some fresh produce to your campus diet, head to a local farm to buy fresh fruit. Apples are in season in the fall, so you will want to explore different orchards to see what variety you like best. Try to find one that offers Honey Crisp, a local favorite. Pears and peaches may also be available.

7. Decorate with Fall Decor

While at the farm or the pumpkin patch this fall, pick up some fall-themed décor for your dorm room. Transform your space with orange and red decorations that embrace the season, and then find the perfect place to display that fall pumpkin you picked up. If you’re planning to celebrate Halloween, add a few ghosts and goblins to the mix to make it even more fun.

8. Plan an Epic Costume Party

Fall is the season for costumes, and who says you can’t enjoy a good, old-fashioned costume party just because you’re a new adult? Plan an epic costume party for your friends. Save money on food by having everyone bring a snack to share. Then, give them a theme and plan some fall holiday games to play. You’ll make new friends and get to know your current friends better while having some fall fun.

9. Have a Scary Movie Marathon

While many fall activities in Williamsburg invite you to get out into the community, sometimes you just want to stay in. A scary movie marathon lets you do just that. Gather up some scary movies to enjoy with friends. Pick a Saturday and host a movie marathon. Start with an old-fashioned black-and-white horror film, then work your way up to one of the latest blockbusters. Be sure to pop plenty of popcorn to make this an enjoyable experience for all.

10. Host a Bonfire with S’mores

If you can find a place to have a bonfire, grab some friends, chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows to have a bonfire complete with s’mores. Of course, you won’t want to do this in your dorm room or somewhere on campus without permission, but with the proper setup, it can be quite a bit of fall fun.

11. Learn to Make Apple Cider

Why try making apple cider when you come home from the orchard or farm with a bushel full of apples? This fun activity captures all of the smells of fall, and it’s not as hard to make as you might think. Consider visiting a cider mill to get a first-hand account of how to make the drink, then come home and try your hand at making some of your own.

12. Have a Costume Party

Instead of a costume party, have a custom fall-themed party. This can be anything from fall foods to fall colors. Just pick the theme and some activities, then send the invites. Either host this in your dorm or apartment or rent a common space in a local community center to make the party exciting.

13. Get Some Fall Flavored Donuts

Many of the farms around Williamsburg have donuts, and you can really get into the fall vibe if you pick some of these up. Or, head to King Donuts for some of their seasonal sweet pastries. These sweet treats' fall colors and flavors are sure to get you in the mood for some extra fall fun and help you acclimate to this season in Williamsburg.

14. Take a Drive for a Fall Photoshoot

The area around Williamsburg, Kentucky, is quite picturesque. However, some of the best views will be just a little drive away. Grab your camera or phone, and head to Pineville along State Route 92. The drive from Williamsburg to Pineville is lined with trees and takes you through the state’s foothills, making it perfect in the fall. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, head two hours south into Tennessee to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a fall driving experience you’ll never forget.

15. Go Apple Picking

Instead of just going to the farm to buy fresh produce, consider going to the apple farm to pick it yourself. There’s nothing quite as sweet as picking an apple straight off the tree and then enjoying a taste. Sample different varieties to see what you like best. Haney’s Appledale Farm is a great and nearby option worth trying. It’s just over in Nancy, not far from campus.

16. Enjoy a Fall Day Picnic

Fall weather in Kentucky is gorgeous, and it’s often the time when the bugs start to go away. While you'll need to watch for bees that can be active this time of year, you’ll also find it is an excellent season for picnicking. Pack a cooler and head to your favorite park in Williamsburg for dinner outside.

No matter how you like to spend your time, whether it’s sipping cider with friends or hiking to the top of a mountain by yourself, you’ll find that fall gives you many ways to enjoy your favorite pastimes. As you get to know University of the Cumberlands area, make sure you take advantage of the many festive fall things to do if you are looking for more ways to get involved and make your freshman year truly memorable, reach out to the Student Life office. Jump into the many activities on campus and become part of University of the Cumberlands community.