Take A 1-Hour Drive Through Missouri To See This Year’s Beautiful Fall Colors

Let’s go on a drive today, Missouri! Carving out time for a long, leisurely drive doesn’t always mesh with our busy schedules. Long gone are the days of weekly Sunday drives through the country, at least for most of us. But when autumn arrives, however, we’ve got the perfect excuse to spend an hour or two just admiring the fall foliage. This one-hour drive through Missouri along the Sugar Camp Scenic Byway is an ideal way to see the beautiful fall colors.

Many a movie and television show has started with the clarion call, "Road Trip!"

So we're getting ready to roll down the windows to allow the crisp autumn air to filter in as we begin our 28-mile drive along the Sugar Camp National Forest Scenic Byway.

The scenic byway consists of approximately eight miles of paved roads with the following 20 miles taking you down dirt and gravel roads.

Together, they wind you through the breathtaking Mark Twain National Forest.

Be sure to bring your camera along!

The Byway will lead you through some of the area’s most stunning and colorful fall foliage in Missouri.

One perk is that you won’t find too much traffic along the road.

That gives you more brain power to spend on the sweeping views of hills, valleys, and the Ozark Mountains drenched in the colors of fall.

While 28 miles isn’t a particularly long drive, you might want to allow some time to get out of the car.

In addition to stretching your legs, you'll get to admire the scenic views. (Can you think of a better backdrop for family photos or selfies?)

If you’ve got plenty of time, bring along a picnic lunch.

Sugar Camp Tower and Onyx Cave are both popular stops along the route.

If you have time, you can also explore more of the Mark Twain National Forest.

Table Rock Lake and Roaring River State Park are both within easy driving distance of the scenic byway, too.

Yellow, daffodil, mustard, lemon...whatever you call these colors, they are amazing!

To learn more about the Sugar Camp National Forest Scenic Byway, visit the USDA Forest Service website.

Would you agree that this is among the best roads to enjoy the fall colors in Missouri? What is your favorite scenic drive through Missouri? Join the conversation in the comments!

Have time for another fall foliage road trip? Then, pack your bags and hit the highway for this itinerary to experience Missouri like you've never seen it before!

If you’d like to explore hikes along the Sugar Camp Scenic Byway, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

If you’re still in the mood for more Show Me State adventures, take a look at this video: