Fall colors to peak in Mid-Missouri by mid-October

Fall colors are starting to peak across parts of Missouri, but some areas are delayed due to the lack of very cool nights.

In Mid-Missouri, including Columbia, Jefferson City, and the Lake of the Ozarks, fall color is progressing slowly. Ash trees are beginning to turn purple and yellow, and maples are starting to show some hints of red and orange, but the dry weather pattern has caused some of these leaves to fall off quickly due to the lack of moisture.

Some hot spots to view fall foliage in Mid-Missouri include Rock Bridge State Park, Finger Lakes State Park, and Painted Rock Conservation area.

Another beautiful, scenic drive in Mid-Missouri can be taken along Highway 94 from Hermann to Mokane, west to Jefferson City. This route follows the Missouri River from the St. Louis area to the state Capitol.

Fall colors are expected to peak in the next 1-2 weeks in the Kansas City region, and will be best viewed along the Missouri River on Highways 45 and 224.

Fall color is delayed in northeast Missouri due to the lack of cool weather near Hannibal and Kirksville, and most of the ash trees have skipped fall color and are turning brown. However, leaves on various other trees are expected to progress into shades of yellow and red by the next week or so as cooler air settles back in.

Fall color is at its peak in northwest Missouri, including St. Joseph and Chillicothe. Trees with yellow leaves are peaking, and deep reds are coming out with Virginia creeper.

Fall colors are past their peak near Rolla and further south through the Ozark region into West Plains as leaves begin to reach their prime.

Finally, southeast Missouri is seeing a quick change in leaf color as Sycamore and elm trees show yellow, and maples are beginning to turn. One of the best scenic drives in this area is along Highway 67 from Bonne Terre to Poplar Bluff.

For more details on fall foliage in Missouri, you can visit the Department of Conservation’s website.