Branson Fall Colors – Mesmerizing Views in the Ozarks in 2024

The season for bonfires, sweatshirts, and fall hikes is upon us! Scout out spectacular hues throughout the Branson Ozark Mountains this fall.

There’s nothing like a chilly day spent mingling among the trees, followed by a cozy night spent with a hot drink in hand. Picking the right location for your Branson’s fall hike or walk is essential. Before you set off into the woods, here’s the scoop on where to go to see Branson fall colors.

The best time for fall colors in Branson MO, ranges from mid-September to November. However, Missouri fall foliage shows off the most around mid-October. This is the absolute best time to see fall colors in Branson MO.

Gaze in awe at a stunning array of red, orange, and yellow hues displayed in the form of Maple, Black Gum, and Oak trees.

Branson, as the jewel of the Ozark Mountains, Branson is a year-round travel destination. However, fall is one of the best times to visit. Autumnal bliss awaits as you explore this charming area on the lookout for Branson MO fall colors.

scenic fall foliage in branson missouriTable Rock Lakeshore Trail

For those looking for an easy hike, the 2.2-mile Table Rock Lakeshore Trail is one of the best places to hike in Branson MO.

In addition to breathtaking fall foliage, Branson offers pristine views of the lake. A forest landscape bursting with color meets a lake landscape painted in sparkling blue at Table Rock Lake! The hiking trails Branson MO never cease to amaze.

Related Post: Table Rock Lake Activities: 9 Ways to Have Fun

The trail runs from the Dewey Short Visitor Center to the Table Rock State Park Marina. Hikers and bikers of all skill levels should have no trouble navigating the path!

Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area

Another great place to revel in Branson, Mo, fall colors is the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area. Located in the middle of Branson, this 140-acre nature respite contains trails and glades.

Seek adventure on one of the trails. Or, simply hang out at the nature playground featuring a covered porch swing. This is a superb stop for kids! Make it a game by learning about different tree species and see how many you can spot by their leaves.

ground view of Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area in the autumn with orange leaves in Branson, Missouri, USASilver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City may very well be the beating heart of the Ozark Mountain.  This old-time theme park is the perfect place to bask in fall beauty! Careful landscaping ensures every visitor gets a good dose of fall color.

Related Post: The Most Delicious Places to Eat at Silver Dollar City

Time it right, and you’ll get to experience the Harvest Festival! During this time of the year, the park is decked out in delightful fall decor. So if you get hungry, satisfy your appetite with sweet potato kettle chips and a pumpkin cinnamon roll! Ah, the flavors of fall. 

Pro Tip: There’s nothing like the feeling of soaring through chilly autumn air on a roller coaster. Hop on Wildfire for an expansive view of the surrounding fall colors as you twist and turn around the track!

Need discount Silver Dollar City tickets? Check out our ultimate guide to discover how to have a blast from the past for cheap!

Wide shot of the entrance to the Harvest Festival at Silver Dollar City with a tower of pumpkins on the left side in Branson, Missouri, USA
photo credit: Silver Dollar City via Facebook

Mark Twain National Forest

If you’re anywhere around Branson, run a quick internet search for “fall hikes near me,” or ‘hiking trails branson’, and you’re bound to come across the Mark Twain National Forest. First, take off for the Hwy 86 portion of this wilderness wonderland.

Related Post: 17 Absolutely Free Things To Do in Branson, Missouri

Next, a drive on Hwy 13 through Lampe and Kimberling City will wind around picturesque trees with peeks of lake views. And, if you’re up for getting out of the car, you’ll find more than 750 miles of hiking trails in Branson (and beyond) to satisfy your thirst for adventure.

Remember, when looking for fall foliage Northwest Arkansas is equally stunning.

sun setting over the fall autumn trees in the Mark Twain National Forest near Branson, Missouri, USARuth and Paul Henning Conservation Area

Lace up your hiking boots and put on your favorite fall flannel for this one! Meander down 5.6 miles of hiking trails throughout a 1,534-acre area to soak in overwhelming fall glory. For those looking for a more strenuous hiking trail, Branson delivers at the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area.

Related Post: Upcoming Branson Events and Festivals 

Photo Alert: Keep an eye out for the scenic overlook! Once you find it, stop and get some new shots of fall foliage Branson Missouri, for the ‘gram. 

The Branson Landing

Take a walk down Branson Landing to gaze at striking Missouri fall colors on the Lake Taneycomo bluffs. The reflection of golden, auburn and maroon leaves on glassy green water is a sight to behold!
In between, do some window shopping or stop for dinner! The Branson Landing is home to an impressive collection of stores and restaurants.

 

Pro Tip: Eke out even more fall feels when you hop aboard the free trolley and create your own tour 2 downtown Branson. Visit various downtown murals for epic photo ops or swing by Dino’s Cakes & Coffee, for a scrumptious slice of carrot cake and piping hot cup of joe.

sky view of branson landing in branson missouriCollege of the Ozarks

College campuses often offer remarkable displays of colorful autumn allure. Capture a taste of Branson fall foliage at College of the Ozarks!

Related Post: 10 Most Romantic Restaurants in Branson

The grandeur of fall colors set against a backdrop of beautiful architecture is impossible to deny. The neo-Gothic Williams Memorial Chapel, for example, is a must-see! Edwards Mill offers free tours. End the day with dinner at the Keeter Center Restaurant.

Highway 160 or 165

One of the best ways to bask in the beauty of leaves falling on the road like glitter is to take a fall foliage in Branson driving tour. So take a drive down Hwy 160 or Hwy 165 and enjoy dreamy fall scenes from the comfort of your car! 

Branson Scenic Railway

If driving tours aren’t your thing, perhaps a tour led by someone else is your preferred way to check out fall foliage in Branson Missouri. Sit back and relax in a vintage passenger train as you weave through gorgeous fall sights. 

branson scenic raleway train
Ride the rails for a unique vantage point of fall colors

Come See Branson Fall Colors for Yourself!

The Branson Ozark Mountains come to life with screaming color in the fall. Don’t forget that October is the best time to see fall colors in Branson, Mo! Plan a trip to Branson this fall today. 

While you’re in the area, take the chance to check out some more local attractions! The Showboat Branson Belle, Titanic Museum, and Dolly Parton’s Stampede are bucket list essentials. 

Where is Your Favorite Place to Leaf Peep in Branson?

Leave us a comment below!


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Written by Isis Maya Nissman

A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central...


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