Branson's Fall Colors & Other Outdoor Adventures

Neil Sawford • Dec 15, 2023

Branson Fall Colors & Other Outdoor Adventures

Branson's Fall Colors


The Ozarks region is a fantastic location to view some of the prettiest fall foliage, especially in the middle of autumn when it is at its peak. Our Early Fall boat tours in Branson go through some of the prettiest fall leaves in the Ozarks.


The fall colors in this region can persist for four to six weeks and feature some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in all of America. The leaves of different trees and shrubs change color at different times. Oaks, maples, ashes, and hickories that produce spectacular hues surrounding the Ozark highlands, which can be seen around mid-October, are the Major autumn foliage actors.


There are various locations in Branson where you may enjoy viewing numerous breathtaking vistas of fall foliage at this time. You may drive, bike, or hike at some of Branson's best trails to enjoy this. A thrilling boat ride in Branson is another exciting option to take in the fall colors. This popular vacation destination in the Midwest has numerous lovely locations that let guests take in even more breathtaking views of the fall foliage.


Highway 165 Scenic Overlook, a 22-mile loop that offers numerous scenic views, can be found not far from Branson's renowned 76 Strip. In around 40 minutes, a car can get you there.


You may take in the sweeping views from the ridgetops as you wind across this scenic overlook, including a breathtaking vista of Table Rock Lake and Dam and the Chateau on the Lake. You can take advantage of photo opportunities at numerous scenic locations while enjoying a wonderful drive through the area to observe the fall foliage.

Another wonderful location in Branson to take in the breathtaking autumnal colors is Ruth and Paul Henning Scenic Overlook. Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area is one of the best spots to view the beauty of autumn colors and is situated on the west side of the interchange of Highway 76 and the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway north of Branson.


Harold Bell Wright wrote about several of the natural wonders in "Shepherd of the Hills" in the vicinity. You can experience the fall foliage while hiking in this beautiful location, and even better, you can take in even more of it from the panoramic overlook.

The Branson Scenic Railway's excursion train tours are a wonderful way to see the stunning fall foliage while traveling 40 miles roundtrip through the Ozark foothills and tunnels. One of Branson's most enduring attractions, the Branson Scenic Railway began life as 239 miles of track built for the White River Railway between 1902 and 1905 at more than $12 million.


Today, the railway allows visitors to take a train excursion and board a fleet of passenger cars as they travel through the Ozark Mountains' foothills. A unique way to take in the fall colors is to take a fantastic trip on this train.


The 2.2-mile Table Rock Lakeshore Trail is well situated next to the Dewey Short Visitor Center and features stunning vistas of Table Rock Lake and brilliant fall foliage. The route offers a simple, paved pathway ideal for families that is accessible for wheelchairs with and without motors.

There are opportunities to see deer, red-tailed foxes, squirrels, chipmunks, bald eagles, osprey, cardinals, ducks, bluebirds, and many other species along this trail. The trail is only a few yards from the lake and offers occasional water views depending on the time of year, but autumn offers a breathtaking panorama.


Glades and dry woodlands with oak trees that are more than 200 years old can be seen on the trail's upper side. If you begin your hike at the Dewey Short Visitor Center and proceed down the trail to the State Park Marina, you can have a wonderful experience. This is also where you will find it great to enjoy a thrilling boat ride in Branson.

A beautiful drive with a magnificent view of Table Rock Lake may be enjoyed in the Mark Twain National Forest. This stunning Branson destination provides a variety of well-liked leisure options. It ranks as one of Branson's largest forests, with nearly 750 miles of trails.


Mark Twain National Forest is popular for hunters, trappers, anglers, wildlife photographers, and observers. Mark Twain National Forest also offers recreational opportunities, which include hiking, hunting, wildlife watching, mountain biking, horseback riding, ATV riding, camping, and fishing. Visitors to the forest during the fall season are sure to enjoy the beautiful colors of the landscape and the relaxing and calm surroundings.


Another lovely location in Branson to view the fall colors up close is the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area. There is a route in the vicinity that leads to Lake Taneycomo. Near Branson, this wilderness area has a 2.3-mile circle hiking trail that receives moderate foot activity.

This trail is open year-round and is mostly utilized for nature excursions, hiking, walking, and bird watching. The Wilderness Area has about 140 acres of wooded and rocky hill land, making it a wonderful spot to experience nature.


In addition to visiting the paths as mentioned earlier and well-known sights, early fall foliage may also be appreciated by enjoying an exhilarating boat ride in Branson, where you can see numerous spectacular views of fall foliage along the lakeside.

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Take Your Group Out On the Lake in Branson Discover the natural wonders of the Ozark Mountains while boating in Branson. No matter where you are in town, the allure of pristine lakes awaits you and your family. Each of the three lakes—Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals Lake—offers a unique experience, from the expansive shores of Table Rock to the trout-filled waters of Lake Taneycomo and the renowned bass fishing in Bull Shoals. Here are some coolest ways for your group to enjoy Branson Lakes. Jet Boat Ride Look no further than the Branson Jet Boats for an adrenaline-pumping adventure on Lake Taneycomo . Nestled dockside at Branson Landing, these high-powered boats, equipped with three 400 horsepower engines, take passengers on a thrilling 12-mile, one-hour ride. With 360-degree rotations and the ability to stop on a dime, the jet boat offers an exhilarating experience for up to 60 passengers per trip, ensuring an unforgettable family outing. Dining Cruises The Showboat Branson Belle beckons with its nostalgic charm if you prefer a more leisurely exploration. This 700-passenger paddlewheel ship, reminiscent of 1800s river showboats, cruises Table Rock Lake for two hours. Indulge in a three-course dinner and a live show while enjoying the scenic beauty. Whether a scheduled cruise or a private event, the Showboat offers a delightful and memorable experience. Set Sail on Table Rock For those seeking a sun-soaked lake adventure, set sail on the Spirit of America catamaran on Table Rock Lake. Based at State Park Marina, this boating in Branson adventure with the 48-foot sailboat accommodates up to 49 passengers, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and enjoyment. Dive into the crystal-clear waters during the scheduled swimming excursions, with a large inflatable slide and water toys. With tours available twice daily during warmer months, reservations are recommended for this idyllic lake experience. Fly-fishing Consider a fly-fishing adventure on Lake Taneycomo for a more active and unique family bonding experience. Embrace the opportunity to cast a line in some of North America's best fly fishing waters, where the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery consistently stocked the lake. With over 300,000 pounds of trout released annually, fishing outfitters and guides, such as Lilley's Landing Resort and Marina and Fall Creek Marina, are ready to assist in planning an angling adventure for your family, providing licenses and tackle for an immersive fishing experience. Swim at Moonshine Beach Embark on an aquatic adventure at Moonshine Beach in Branson, a haven for exhilarating water sports in the heart of the Ozarks. Nestled on the northern end of Table Rock Lake, this sandy oasis provides the perfect setting for family-friendly activities, from invigorating swims to leisurely picnics and camping under the stars. The beach, offering breathtaking views of the lakeside surroundings, becomes an ideal retreat after the adrenaline-fueled excitement of the Branson Mountain Coaster. Kayaking and Canoeing Kayaking is a thrilling option for those seeking a more intimate connection with the water. Glide along the lake's surface, soaking in the stunning vistas of the Ozark landscape. The kayak, with its bench seats and dual-bladed paddle, offers a unique perspective compared to traditional canoes. Speaking of canoes, the Tri-lakes region beckons with the allure of canoeing—an engaging water activity that brings you close to the water's edge, allowing you to absorb the beauty of the many lake attractions. Perfect for fishing, leisurely paddling on Table Rock Lake, or drifting along the river's current, canoes are an excellent choice for families seeking a relaxed aquatic experience. Scuba Diving For those drawn to the mysteries beneath the surface, scuba diving in Table Rock Lake unveils a world of submerged secrets. Beneath the deep waters lies the remnants of the small village of Oasis, evacuated in the 1950s to make way for the construction of Table Rock Lake. Dive services near the lake promise the discovery of relics and valuables from this bygone era. Paddleboarding For a water adventure with a unique twist, paddleboarding awaits. Stand tall on a paddleboard, available for rent from various businesses around the lake, and experience the thrill of gliding over the water while standing upright. A close cousin to surfing, paddleboarding adds an element of excitement to your water escapades, requiring balance and finesse. In Branson, the call of the lakes is not just an invitation; it's an opportunity for your family to connect with nature and create lasting memories. Whether it is boating in Branson or other adventure, let the lakeside charm of Branson captivate your family's hearts.
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