Fall Foliage In the Ozarks
The Ozarks has a beautiful array of fall foliage including the stately oak, maple, hickory and ash trees that show off a tremendous amount of color. Fall is just around the corner, so get out and enjoy a scenic drive before November nips at your nose!
Predicting the changing colors is difficult. The best colors happen when the trees have had lots of rain during the summer and the days start getting noticeably shorter. When the days are warm and the nights are cool, the stage is set. This generally happens around mid-October.
Taking a drive to see the fall colors is a great way to spend a bit of time with family and friends. Why not learn about the forests of the Ozarks at the same time? Pick up a copy of the "50 Common Trees" and the "Missouri Oaks and Hickories" publications free from the Missouri Department of Conservation to help identify the trees you see.
Top suggested areas for fall foliage in the Ozarks:
- Glade Top Trail National Scenic Byway near Ava, Missouri
- Hodgson Mill in Ozark County, Missouri near Sycamore
- Scenic 7 Byway in Arkansas
- Dogwood Canyon and Top of the Rock in Branson, Missouri
- Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Park near Battlefield, Missouri
Sources:
- mdc.mo.gov/blogs/pine-needle/fall-colors-ozarks
- www.visualjourney.com/mo/HodgsonMill.htm
- www.arkansas.com/scenic-byways/scenic-seven.aspx/