The Best Stops for Fall in the Ozarks
Missouri is most definitely an underrated gem when it comes to fall destinations, offering stunning fall colors without the crowds. While states like Vermont or Colorado may grab headlines for their fall foliage, Missouri’s diverse landscapes come alive with vibrant reds, oranges, and golds, creating equally breathtaking views. From the rolling hills of the Ozark Mountains to the serene forests of Mark Twain National Forest, the state boasts an array of scenic spots perfect for leaf-peeping, hiking, or simply soaking in the crisp autumn air. The vivid colors of oak, maple, and hickory trees, makes Missouri a hidden treasure for nature lovers.
Best Time of Year for Fall Colors
The best time to experience peak fall colors in Missouri typically falls between mid-October and early November. However, the exact timing can vary slightly each year depending on the weather conditions, like temperature and rainfall.
Mid to Late October: This is usually when the foliage is at its most vibrant in northern and central Missouri, including areas like the Mark Twain National Forest and the Katy Trail. The red maples, yellow oaks, and orange hickories create a stunning display.
Late October to Early November: In southern Missouri, particularly in the Ozark Mountains and around Branson, fall colors tend to peak a bit later. The rolling hills and forests in this region become a kaleidoscope of autumn hues during this time.
For the most vibrant and colorful experience, plan your trip for the second half of October, keeping an eye on local foliage reports to ensure you catch the colors at their peak.
Map + Route
On our road trip through the Ozarks in Missouri, we started by flying into St. Louis Lambert International Airport and renting a car. From there, we visited a few nearby attractions, including Lone Elk Park and the Trail Among the Trees, before heading south toward Eminence. If you have extra time, I highly recommend continuing further south to Springfield and Branson to catch even more stunning fall colors!
Where to Stay
Our first night we stayed at Jack’s Fork River Resort, nestled right along the Jack’s Fork River, which was a beautiful and serene location.
However, our absolute favorite stay was at the Magic Tipi Retreat near Park Hills, Missouri. This enchanting tipi, hidden away in the woods, exceeded all our expectations. Not only did we love the cozy and peaceful atmosphere, but we also got to spend time with the property owner’s four lovable golden retrievers! She even offered to let one of the pups stay with us overnight for some extra snuggles—and of course, we couldn’t resist!
The Magic Tipi experience was complete with a private hot tub, a cozy fireplace, heated beds, and plenty of land to explore. It’s the perfect retreat, with great hikes and adventures just a short drive away.
To top it all off, we had the pleasure of meeting our amazing host, Benka Pulko, who holds a Guinness World Record for riding her motorcycle across seven continents. Beyond her incredible achievements, she welcomed us with homemade sourdough and zucchini bread—seriously, she could win a world record for her baking skills, too! Sharing stories about her adventures made our stay even more unforgettable, and she made us feel truly at home.
Leave No Trace
Before you explore these beautiful places, I want to emphasize the importance of Leave No Trace. I share these places and trails with you trusting that you will be respectful and leave them even better than you found them so we can keep them beautiful for future generations to come. Please read this guide below on how to adhere to this principle and leave the places we love most wild and beautiful:
Plan Ahead and Prepare:
Research the area you'll be visiting, familiarizing yourself with any regulations or restrictions. Pack appropriately for the terrain and weather conditions to minimize waste and unnecessary impact.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces:
Stick to established trails and campsites to avoid damaging fragile vegetation and ecosystems. When camping, choose durable surfaces such as rock, gravel, or dry grass to minimize your impact on the environment.
Dispose of Waste Properly:
Pack out all trash, including food wrappers, toiletries, and any other waste you generate. Practice proper human waste disposal by digging a cat hole at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites.
Leave What You Find:
Resist the temptation to take home souvenirs or disturb natural features such as rocks, plants, or wildlife. Leave natural objects and cultural artifacts as you found them for others to enjoy.
Minimize Campfire Impacts:
Follow local regulations regarding campfires, including any fire bans or restrictions. Use existing fire rings if available and keep fires small. Ensure fires are fully extinguished before leaving.
Respect Wildlife:
Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid approaching or feeding them. Keep pets under control and leashed where required to prevent them from disturbing wildlife or damaging habitats.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors:
Respect the peace and solitude of others by keeping noise levels to a minimum. Yield to other hikers and share the trail courteously, stepping aside to let faster hikers pass.
Educate Others:
Lead by example and share Leave No Trace principles with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Encourage responsible behavior and stewardship of our natural spaces to ensure their preservation for generations to come.
By following these guidelines and adopting Leave No Trace practices, you can help minimize your impact on the environment and contribute to the conservation of our precious outdoor resources. To learn more, head over to Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics website.
Lone Elk Park
Lone Elk Park in Missouri is a scenic wildlife haven located just outside of St. Louis. This 546-acre park is known for its diverse wildlife and tranquil atmosphere, making it a favorite destination for nature enthusiasts. One of the park’s main highlights is the opportunity to observe a variety of animals up close, including elk, bison, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and waterfowl. A driving loop winds through the park, allowing visitors to see wildlife in their natural habitat from the comfort of their car.
Trail Among the Trees
Trail Among the Trees in Missouri is a beautiful, easy-to-moderate hiking trail located in West Tyson County Park, about 30 minutes from St. Louis. This 1.5-mile loop takes you through a dense, hardwood forest filled with towering oaks, maples, and hickories, offering a serene escape into nature. The trail is well-marked and maintained, with a combination of dirt paths and wooden boardwalks that make it accessible for hikers of all skill levels.
Alley Spring & Mill
Alley Spring and Mill in Missouri is a picturesque historic site nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, near the town of Eminence. The focal point is the striking red, 19th-century grist mill, which sits on the edge of the crystal-clear Alley Spring. Built in 1894, the mill has been carefully preserved and serves as a window into the region's history, offering a glimpse of how early settlers harnessed the power of natural springs to grind grain. The bright red color of the mill stands in beautiful contrast against the lush greenery and the turquoise-blue waters of the spring. Alley Spring is the seventh largest spring in Missouri, producing an average of 81 million gallons of fresh water daily.
Hughes Mountain Natural Area
The Hughes Mountain Trail is a moderately challenging 1.6-mile out-and-back hike that leads to the summit. Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding Ozark hills, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset when the light casts a golden glow across the landscape. Hughes Mountain is a hidden gem for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers, providing a quiet and scenic escape that showcases Missouri's breathtaking natural beauty.
Elephant Rocks State Park
Elephant Rocks State Park in Missouri is a stunning natural area known for its impressive geological formations and rich history. Located near Belleview, this park features massive granite boulders, some weighing up to 680 tons, that have been shaped by erosion over millions of years. The most iconic feature is a cluster of gigantic boulders that resemble a herd of elephants, giving the park its name. These rocks create a unique landscape, perfect for exploration, photography, and climbing.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park in Missouri is a stunning natural area renowned for its unique rock formations, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities. Located near the town of Lesterville in the Ozark Mountains, featuring the East Fork of the Black River as it flows through a series of narrow canyons and granite formations known as shut-ins.
The park's most famous feature is the shut-ins themselves—natural rock formations that create narrow channels where water rushes through, forming beautiful pools and cascades. The smooth, rounded granite boulders, shaped by centuries of erosion, create ideal spots for swimming, wading, and sunbathing in the summer months. The area is particularly popular for its clear, cool waters, making it a perfect destination for hot days.