Autumn’s glorious days mean so many amazing things – strolling through a pumpkin patch to find just the right one, sipping hot apple cider on a crisp evening, and watching the colorful landscape pass by on a hayride come to mind. Perhaps the highlight of the season, though, are those days we go leaf peeping. If you’ve been wondering when leaves change colors in Missouri, you’re about to get your answer, making it easier to create your autumn bucket list.

Our friends at SmokyMountains.com recently released their annual Fall Foliage predictor, and we're having so much fun toggling the bar back and forth to see when peak fall colors will come to our region of Missouri:

With its spooky ambiance and brilliant fall colors, October just might be the most magical time of the year, especially when leaves begin to change color in Missouri, which is often around the second week of October.

Don’t expect a whole lot of coverage that first week. Southwest Missouri should see partial fall foliage while the rest of the state is looking at patchy coverage.

Start making your leaf-peeping plans if you live in the southwestern part of the state, where you’ll typically enjoy near-peak fall foliage during the third week of October. Everyone else can expect partial coverage that week (yay)! If you’re planning to get out and drink in the sensational fall views, make sure you do so during the final week of October if you live in southwestern Missouri. That’s when the fall foliage is supposed to hit its peak in the region.

November kicks off on a gorgeous note for the rest of Missouri as the peak fall foliage is expected right around the first week or so.

Now that you know when the leaves change colors in Missouri, you can start planning those unforgettable autumn adventures. How about starting with a leaf-peeping adventure at a state park like Elephant Rocks State Park, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, or Weston Bend State Park?

Whether you want to admire the foliage on a scenic hike or a leisurely drive, you’ll find a ton of options at Mark Twain National Forest. An autumn drive along Blue Buck Knob Scenic Byway, Historic Route 66, and Glade Top Trail are all worth a spot on your bucket list. See the projected fall foliage progression on the official Missouri Fall Foliage map 2024 on the official website of SmokyMountains.com.

If you’ve been wondering when leaves change color in Missouri, now you’ve got a pretty good idea. That means you can start making your leaf-peeping plans. I know I will! After all, there’s no better time than fall in Missouri. Where’s your favorite place to go leaf peeping in Missouri? Let us know, and then check out these beautiful fall destinations in Missouri, while you're at it. You might want to grab a comfy jacket to take with you on your autumn adventures, too.