Fall Foliage in Branson, MO: The Best Places to Stay this Autumn

Fall is all about pumpkin spice flavored drinks, flannel shirts, thigh-high boots, and of course, leaves changing colors. Few places in the country offer such a spectacular display of red, yellow, and orange foliage like Branson does. Nestled in the lakeside of the Ozark Mountains, it offers breathtaking views of autumn from mid-September through November. The best places to stay in Branson, MO are also a hop, skip, and a jump away from many of the sightseeing destinations, attractions, and activities for fans of fall.

Picturesque Places to Stay in Branson, MO 

Unsurprisingly, leaf-peeping is often at the top of the list of things to do in Branson, MO for many tourists. You won’t have to worry about rubbing elbows with plenty of people even during peak season because there are several scenic spots to view fall foliage. Local authorities are also making great efforts to prioritize the health of both locals and visitors in the city by placing several safety measures in place.

Eager to get going? Here are some destinations you should definitely add to your fall itinerary along with an assortment of activities you can partake in at each location.

 

• Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area

  If you like to get up close and personal with nature, the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area might just be up your alley. This 1,534-acre land operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation features long stretches of nature trails for hiking, excellent spots for birdwatching, a lookout tower, and plenty of opportunities to walk leisurely while enjoying the brilliant fall foliage. This area is located just west of the intersection of W 76 Country Boulevard and the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway north of Branson.

 

• Scenic Highway 165 Overlook

  For road trip enthusiasts, this 22-mile route in the Fall Creek/Lake Taneycomo area offers a panoramic view of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, and Table Rock Dam from a distance. If you’re looking to do the whole loop, take U.S. Highway 65 south of Branson, turn west on Highway 265 and keep going. The drive should take you about 40 minutes, and probably longer if you want to stop to admire the sights and take some photos.

 

• Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve

  Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve has a lot more to offer for tourists. Golf courses, hiking trails, a history museum, fine dining restaurants, rolling hills, and colorful trees—you’ll find all of that right here and more. You can even spend an entire day here without doing the same thing twice. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Top of the Rock Restaurant, tour the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum in the morning, grab a big lunch at Arnie’s Barn Restaurant, hike along the Lost Canyon Nature Trail in the afternoon, and drive home in the evening with an excellent view of Table Rock Lake.

Looking for Fall-Themed Things to Do in Branson?

Branson openly welcomes visitors who enjoy soaking up the rich colors of autumn found only in the city. There are curated fall driving and walking tours throughout the city if you don’t know where the best spots are. Alternatively, you can visit www.bransonregal.com for other destinations, activities, and a wide variety of lodging options available in Branson.

Sources:

Branson Leaf-Peeping, RCI.com

Fall in Branson: Breathtaking Views, Stunning Colors, ExploreBranson.com