Here Are The Best Times And Places To View Missouri’s Fall Foliage In 2023
By Beth Price-Williams|Published September 01, 2023
×
Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Autumn’s glorious days mean so many amazing things – strolling through a pumpkin patch to find just the right one, sipping hot apple cider on a crisp evening, and watching the colorful landscape pass by on a hayride. Perhaps the highlight of the season, though, are those days we go leaf peeping. If you’ve been wondering when do leaves change colors in Missouri, you’re about to get your answer, making it easier to create your autumn bucket list.
With its spooky ambiance and the brilliant fall colors, October just might be the most magical time of the year, especially when leaves begin to change color in Missouri, which SmokyMountains.com predicts will be the week of October 16.
Don’t expect a whole lot of coverage that first week. Southwest Missouri should see partial fall foliage while the rest of the state is looking at patchy coverage.
Start making your leaf-peeping plans if you live in the southwestern part of the state, where you’ll enjoy near-peak fall foliage during the week of October 23. Everyone else can expect partial coverage that week.
If you’re planning to get out and drink in the sensational fall views, make sure you do so the weekend of October 30 if you live in southwestern Missouri. That’s when the fall foliage is supposed to hit its peak.
Now that you know when the leaves change colors in Missouri, you can start planning those unforgettable autumn adventures. How about starting with a leaf-peeping adventure at a state park like Elephant Rocks State Park, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, or Weston Bend State Park?
Whether you want to admire the foliage on a scenic hike or a leisurely drive, you’ll find a ton of options at Mark Twain National Forest. An autumn drive along Blue Buck Knob Scenic Byway, Historic Route 66, and Glade Top Trail are all worth a spot on your bucket list.
If you’ve been wondering, when do leaves change color in Missouri, now you’ve got a pretty good idea. That means you can start making your leaf-peeping plans. I know I will!
After all, there’s no better time than fall in Missouri. Where’s your favorite place to go leaf peeping in Missouri? Let us know then check out these beautiful fall destinations in Missouri.
Grab a comfy jacket to take with you on your autumn adventures, too.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
SmokyMountains.com." loading="lazy" data-pin-url="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/missouri/fall-foliage-map-mo/" />