After a hot and humid summer, most are welcoming the fall season with open arms. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages people to enjoy fall foliage through camping, hiking, driving tours, or even floating. To help, MDC offers weekly online fall color updates from agency foresters all over the state at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor.
“Our weekly fall color updates are a great resource for the public,” said MDC Forestry Field Programs Supervisor Russell Hinnah. “Foresters begin posting reports in mid-September that show users where trees are beginning to turn and even suggest great places to see changing leaves.”
Hinnah noted the drought experienced over the summer could affect this year’s color.
“The dry conditions we saw this summer could cause trees to lose their leaves early or begin changing colors earlier than normal,” he said. “This may affect the amount of fall color we see later in the season.”
The chilly evenings we see in the fall season are critical for leaves to change color.
“Sugars produced by photosynthesis are trapped inside leaves by the cool autumn nights,” Hinnah explained. “Those sugars are the building blocks for the rich red, yellow, orange, and purple pigments. Chilly nights cause the breakdown of green pigments, allowing the fall colors to show through.”
Missouri trees first begin changing color in the northern part of the state, then move southward. Sassafras, sumac, and Virginia creeper are some of the earliest to change in mid-September. In late September, black gum, bittersweet, and dogwood are turning. The peak of fall color usually hits around mid-October.
“Trees like maple, ash, oak, and hickory are at the peak of their fall display by the middle of October,” Hinnah noted. “Normally by the end of the month, colors are fading and leaves are falling.”
Missouri’s fall color can be enjoyed from almost anywhere. For spectacular vistas, choose routes along rivers with views of forested bluffs, and along ridges with sweeping scenes of forested landscapes.
“MDC conservation areas or Missouri state parks are wonderful places to take in the fall color,” suggested Hinnah.
And fall color isn’t just limited to trees. Prairies and roadsides display beautiful shades of gold, purple, olive, and auburn with autumn wildflowers, shrubs, and grasses. In cities and towns, enjoy places with mature trees such as older neighborhoods, parks, and even cemeteries.
• MDC provides its annual fall color update at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor. The weekly reports include what species of trees are turning and suggestions on best places to see them. The updates run through November.
Where to view fall colors at the Lake
• Ha Ha Tonka and the Lake of the Ozarks State Park are two of the largest parks in the state and they are right here at the Lake. There are plenty of trails, access to the Lake for paddling or fishing, viewing the castle ruins, picnic spots and many other places to explore.
The weather is perfect so grab a hiking partner and pack a cooler.
For more information, and maps for each trail, go to www.mostateparks.com.
• Don’t have much time to get away but need to go on a road trip? Mennonite Country, just outside of Versailles, has the most unique selection of homemade baked goods and farm-to-table items.
You’ll want to plan the afternoon so you can hit all the stores along Route C. As you cruise the scenic highway, watch for signs from local businesses. You’ll find the best gardening supplies and selection of seed at Morgan County Seeds, bulk food and spices are at Weaver’s Country Market, Hoover’s Surplus Market has household items, and there are many other stores along the way.
Hwy. 52 in between Versailles and Eldon will provide access to Hwy. C. Plan your route in advance since Google Maps is not always reliable in rural areas.
• One of the best ways to enjoy the seasonal charm at the Lake is, of course, by boat. This time of year a scenic tour can take place any time of the day and traffic will be light. By boat, paddleboard, kayak, PWC or any other watercraft, a harvest of color will be on full display by mid-to-late October.
Don’t miss the fall Harbor Hop scheduled for Oct. 14 … a great way to enjoy waterfront dining and entertainment before some restaurants close for the season.
