RIDE the BLACK WIDOW

10/18/2026

10/18/2026

Starting back October 20th in Kentucky, you can ride the “Fall Color Run” fall foliage train aboard the Big South Fork Scenic Railway for a beautiful three-hour trip through the mountains of southeastern Kentucky! After recently shutting down for repairs, the railway is set to welcome passengers back for its popular fall rides departing from historic Stearns Depot. The 16-mile round-trip journey follows the old Kentucky & Tennessee Railway through the wooded Big South Fork Gorge, where you can enjoy colorful fall trees, rocky cliffs, mountain streams, and beautiful forest views. Along the way, the train travels through a historic 256-foot tunnel and descends roughly 600 feet into the gorge. After a 45-minute ride, you'll arrive at Blue Heron, a former coal mining community preserved as an outdoor museum. You'll have 90 minutes to explore old mining structures, learn about the families who lived and worked here, and hear recorded stories from former residents. The return ride takes another 45 minutes, with narration about the area's history. Your ticket also includes admission to the McCreary County Museum in Stearns, making this a wonderful fall outing!

10/17/2026

Early Muzzleloader Season for deer starts tomorrow (woohoo!), and we wanted to leave you with a couple of reminders going into the weekend:

•In Zone 1 counties, harvesting a few extra does helps with herd balance and improves deer quality across the landscape. (Even if you’re not in Zone 1, you are helping out your local ecosystem by striving to bag your zone’s limit this season!)
•Hunter orange is required.
•Be sure to review the 2026 Kentucky Hunting & Trapping Guide or visit for current regulations and license requirements, available here:https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Documents/huntingguideentire.pdf

Whether you’re getting in on the action of this early season, or you are mentoring a youth during the last weekend of the Youth-Only Fi****ms Season, we wish you a safe and successful weekend!

10/16/2026

The countdown to our Fall Color Runs is on! 🚂🍂

Starting October 20, you'll have a limited window to experience Big South Fork Scenic Railway during the heart of fall color season. It's a great opportunity to enjoy the mountain scenery, take in the changing leaves, and experience the gorge from the rails.

Our special fall runs continue through October 31. Have you picked your day to ride?

10/15/2026

10/15/2026

10/15/2026

Kentucky has a growing black bear population and, with that, a regulated bear hunting season!

Hunters can pursue bears by archery, crossbow, fi***rm, or by dog, with specific dates for three zones and seasons.

Speaking of which… archery/crossbow season starts next week (Oct. 24) for Zones 1-3!

As with every season, hunters must obtain the ​necessary permits and adhere to regulations regarding fi***rms, baiting, and bag limits.

For more on black bear hunting in Kentucky, including zones and season dates, refer to the 2026-27 Hunting Guide, available here:https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Documents/huntingguideentire.pdf