Fall is truly a magical time of year: crisp weather, cozy sweaters, pumpkin treats, Halloween fun, football season…and changing leaves! The colorful, crunching leaves are the most iconic part of fall, if you ask me. They’re beautiful to look at, and make for quite the scenic backdrop. And since the scenery only comes around once a year, you better get out there and soak it up!
I’ve compiled a list of amazing fall color spots to drive to in Missouri. Because a fall drive is worth a bit of a road trip!
1. Glade Top Trail National Scenic Byway near Ava, MO. This spot is Missouri’s only national scenic byway, so you know it’s got to be the cream of the crop! The gorgeous fall colors also serve as an amazing location for a fall festival every year, complete with live music, pumpkin painting, food and more! The Ozarks never looked better!
2. Springfield to Branson, MO. A beautiful 56-mile drive, this one takes about an hour and makes for the perfect weekend drive! Begin in Springfield and head south through the White River Hills to Branson. The Springfield Plateau will not disappoint!
3. St. Louis, MO. You don’t have to go to the countryside to see amazing fall colors in Missouri! St. Louis proves the gorgeous signs of fall can be found right in the city. Gateway Arch, the Missouri Botanical Garden, the 1,200 acres of Forest Park, and other spots are perfect for catching the beauty of the gold, red and orange leaves.
4. Katy Trail, MO. Just northwest of St. Louis you’ll find an incredible bike path in St. Charles. This long path follows the Missouri River west for 225 miles! Really if it’s any season, can’t you already imagine the picturesque scenery? The path leads through little towns, farms and prairie that really shine in the fall. This is a must for autumn season!
5. Central Missouri Wine Trails. Midwest Living describes this one so well, I just need to quote them! They say, “If autumn could be captured in a glass, it would be this: a cabernet sauvignon, glistening ruby red like fall leaves, reflecting the golden glint of the late-day Missouri sun. The aroma, too, rich in fruity harvest and earthy roots, speaks to the end-of-season landscape” Now doesn’t that just sound amazing?!
There are so many other spots to find the signs of fall in Missouri, but these should definitely get you started! If you’re still itching for more fall scenery before the winter hits, check out this great guide to fall colors. And if you have anything to add to the list, I’d love to hear that, too! Let me know in the comments!
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