Branson's Fall Colors & Other Outdoor Adventures

Neil Sawford • December 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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