Trying to predict the peak of fall color is difficult. Missouri is blessed with a great variety of trees, shrubs and vines. Their leaves turn at different times and, as a result, Missourians enjoy a fall color season that may last four to six weeks. Sassafras, sumac and Virginia creeper are some of the earliest to change. They begin to show their fall colors by mid-September. By late September, blackgum, bittersweet and dogwood are changing.
The peak of fall color in Missouri is usually mid-October. This is when maples, ashes, oaks and hickories are at the height of their fall display. Normally by late October, the colors have faded and the leaves are beginning to drop from the trees.
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This progression of color change starts earliest in north Missouri and moves southward across the state to the Bootheel. Generally, the color change is predictable but varies from year to year. Much depends on the weather.
Find events along your route
VisitMo.com's online calendar is packed with events happening all across Missouri this fall. Find those along your tour route.
Fall Color Update - November 13, 2009
The 2009 fall color season is over. Check back next September to see how the 2010 season plays out!
Regional Summaries:
Northwest Region, including St. Joseph and Chillicothe:
Fall color has ended for the Northwest Region.
Northeast Region, including Kirksville and Hannibal:
Fall color has ended for the Northeast Region.
Kansas City Region:
Fall color has ended for the Kansas City Region.
Central Region, including Columbia, Jefferson City and Lake of the Ozarks:
Fall Color has ended for the Central Region.
St. Louis Region:
Fall color has ended for the St. Louis Region.
Southwest Region, including Springfield, Branson and Joplin:
Fall color has ended for the Southwest Region.
Ozark Region, including Rolla, West Plains and Eminence:
Fall color has ended for the Ozark Region.
Southeast Region, including Cape Girardeau, Farmington, and Poplar Bluff:
Fall color has ended for the Southeast Region.
To learn more about why leaves change color, how to identify common trees and where to drive to see spectacular color displays, click the links below.
