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How To: Leaf Peep in Missouri

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A Natural Show 

From the end of September through the middle of November, Mother Nature creates an incredible display of color across Missouri. Leaf peepers travel throughout the state to see trees transition from deep green to brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red. Before you hit the road for a fall trip, check out a few tips on how to make the most of your autumn adventure.

A boat drives through the Lake of the Ozarks with colorful fall foliage lining the coast.
Fall color surrounds the Lake of the Ozarks.

Where To Go

Fall color begins in the northern part of the state and gradually moves southward with peak color occurring in mid to late October. The Missouri Department of Conservation has a helpful fall color tracker that makes it easy to check the status of each section of the state. 

Generally speaking, trees that are most exposed to direct sunlight during the fall produce more vibrant leaves. That’s one reason brilliantly colored foliage is often concentrated along hillsides and atop bluffs. 

In addition to admiring autumn’s natural beauty, add a fall festival, apple picking or a visit to a pumpkin patch to your itinerary. And no road trip would be complete without some Missouri-made snacks to enjoy along the way.

Here are some suggestions for fall leaf peeping adventures in every region of the Show-Me State:  

A display of pumpkins and gourds sits in front of a barn. There are families pushing wheelbarrows and picking out pumpkins in the background.
The Weston Red Barn Farm offers fun for all ages.

Northwest Missouri

  • Watkins Mill State Park: Fish for bass, catfish and crappie while surrounded by the beauty of fall. 
  • Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area: A quick trip from Kansas City, this conservation area is home to fields, forests, ponds and a scenic section of Burr Oak Creek. 
  • Weston Red Barn Farm: Enjoy hayrides, pumpkin and apple picking, a country store and of course, beautiful fall colors. 
The view from the top of Lover's Leap.
Shades of autumn paint the landscape at Lover’s Leap near Hannibal.

Northeast Missouri

  • Hannibal: Take in stunning views of the Mississippi River from Lover’s Leap before exploring Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum. 
  • St. Louis Citygarden: Sculptures, fountains and gorgeous fall hues come together in an urban park. The world-famous Gateway Arch provides an impressive backdrop. 
  • Lone Elk Park: Drive or hike through Lone Elk Park just outside St Louis to enjoy the nature-filled landscape. Peep fall leaves and resident wildlife.
  • Klondike Park: Colorful foliage shines against the bright white stone at this repurposed silica sand quarry.
Two bicyclists wearing helmets ride from a fall leaf-covered trail into a dark tunnel.
Cyclists of all ages and skill levels can admire fall color as they navigate the Katy Trail.

Central Missouri

  • Katy Trail State Park State Park, Rocheport: Soak up Missouri River Valley views this scenic section of the longest developed rail-trail in the country.
  • Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area: Admire the Missouri River from the dramatic bluffs just outside Columbia. 
  • Lake of the Ozarks: One of the most popular lakes in Missouri is home to some of the state’s best fall color.
  • Graham Cave State Park: Explore vibrant foliage along the Loutre River and throughout the woodlands surrounding an ancient sandstone cave.
  • Rock Bridge Memorial State Park: Just south of Columbia, fall color meets underground wonder. Hike beneath awe-inspiring canopies and explore striking limestone features like the Devil’s Icebox.
The Alley Spring Mill surrounded by colorful fall foliage.
The historic red mill and teal blue water add to the colorful view at Alley Mill, located in the Ozarks National Scenic Riverways.

Southeast Missouri

  • Eminence: Start your southeast Missouri adventure in Eminence, a small town located near the banks of the Jacks Fork River.   
  • Mark Twain National Forest: Immerse yourself in fall color on a drive through this national forest.
  • Ozark National Scenic Riverways: Take a float trip and enjoy the pristine landscape along the Current and Jacks Fork rivers.
  • Elephant Rocks State Park: Marvel at massive billion-year-old granite boulders surrounded by fiery red and gold foliage in one of Missouri’s most unique landscapes.
  • Echo Bluff State Park: Nestled in a valley deep in the Ozarks, this scenic park glows with color as fall light reflects off Sinking Creek and the towering bluffs above. 
A woman with long blonde hair wearing a beanie and heavy coat stands with a mug overlooking a river valley and rolling hills at sunset. The leaves have changed color for fall.
Take in the view from a cabin at the River of Life Farm.

Southwest Missouri

  • River of Life Farm: Sip coffee at your cozy cabin with views of Ozark forestland and the North Fork of the White River.
  • Dogwood Canyon Nature Park: Explore the tree-lined trails and streams at this 10,000-acre “unspoiled Ozark paradise.” 
  • Route 66: You’ll find plenty of color on display as you cruise along the “Mother Road” through southwest Missouri.
  • Table Rock State Park: Take in dazzling fall color reflected in the clear waters of Table Rock Lake near Branson. Trails and overlooks offer picture-perfect seasonal views.


If you’re heading out to see fall color in Missouri, share your adventures with us on Facebook, X and Instagram.