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Missouri is probably best known for its big cities, such as Kansas City and St. Louis. But the State Parks are some of the best places to visit in Missouri. Elephant Rock State Park in Belleview has unique geological features and a stunning surrounding forest. These are views you won't find in the city. The natural beauty of Missouri is particularly showcased in fall with the changing color of leaves. There are some must-do stops if you plan to visit Missouri in autumn. Here are the places to have at the top of your list.

Elephant Rocks State Park – Belleview

One of the most scenic spots to visit in Missouri when the leaves start to change color is Elephant Rock State Park. The park is enjoyable throughout the year but is particularly stunning in the fall. The park's name comes from the giant elephant rock boulders formed from 1.5 billion-year-old granite. The boulders are an intriguing geological formation. They can be best seen from the Braille Trail, an accessible trail for people with disabilities. The trails go around the main area of rocks. In autumn, the trail takes on new life with the changing colors of the trees.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park – Camdenton

Another place to see brilliant fall foliage against unique geological features is Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Geologists and rock lovers will drool over the geological wonders seen at this park. The park has huge sinkholes, caves, a large natural bridge, sheer bluffs, and natural springs. There are also the ruins of a stone castle to explore. The ruins overlook the park's natural wonders and offer stunning views of the Lake of the Ozarks. The Castle Trail takes hikers through the castle ruins and is a quick 1-mile loop.  Around the park, there are also several Picnic sites; the perfect spot to enjoy a sandwich after a fall hike through castle ruins. 

Taum Sauk Mountain

If fall foliage is what you are after, there is no better place to get stunning views of the changing leaves than the highest point in Missouri. The highest point in Missouri is in Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, at 1,772 feet. There is a lookout tower where you can get a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area. The Taum Sauk Mountain is part of the St. Francois Ridge, which is an area older than the Ozarks. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park has 7,500 acres to explore, with lush vibrant forests in autumn and rocky glades. 

Mark Twain National Forest

Outdoor lovers will fall in love with Mark Twain National Forest. Stretching across 1.5 million acres, the forest has land in 29 counties in Missouri. Considering its huge size, it's no wonder Mark Twain National Forest is a haven for outdoor recreation. The Forest has over 750 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders to enjoy. A popular trail with picturesque vistas of autumn foliage is the Council Bluff Lake Loop. The trail goes around Bluff Lake, taking hikers through lush, colorful forests.

West Ridge Trail

One of the best ways to enjoy fall is by strolling through the woods. A trail to try to enjoy Missouri's fall is the West Ridge Trail in Weston Bend State Park. The trail connects to Harpst Trail and the Paved Bicycle Trail. It is a 2.4-mile loop that takes around 1 hour to complete on a bike and 2.5 hours to hike. There are some difficult parts of the trail. It sometimes goes through steep rocky terrain, but the panoramic views of the Missouri River Valley are worth the challenge. When the leaves start to change color, the valley is lit up with warm hues, making this hike a great spot for some pictures. 

Osage Bluff Scenic Trail

Another fall hike to add to your Missouri list is the Osage Bluff Scenic Trail at Painted Rock Conservation Area. The trail is a relatively easy 1.9-mile loop with 200 feet of elevation. Although the trail is easy, it offers spectacular views of the Osage River. The trail takes hikers through lush, colorful forest. Osage Bluff Scenic Trail is a popular spot not only to see autumn colors but also to spot eagles. Make sure to bring your trusty binoculars on this hike in case you spot one!

Lake of the Ozarks Loop

If hiking isn't for you, try a scenic fall drive through the Missouri mountain roads. The Lake of the Ozarks Loop along Highway 5 is a particularly jaw-dropping drive in fall. The surrounding forest and hikes around the Lake of Ozarks have a spectacular show of colors come the fall. To start off the drive, head down Highway 5 towards where the highway crosses the lake at the Hurricane Deck and Niangua bridges. On this route, you will pass by vivid fall colors on the shoreline of the Lake of Ozarks. Continuing in Camdenton, travel towards Ha Ha Tonka State Park. This route will show magnificent towering bluffs, deep ravines, and a shower of warm-colored leaves. The drive is perfect for a lazy afternoon to enjoy the fall vistas.

Time to Travel

From seeing magnificent autumn foliage around the Osage River to seeing views from the highest point in Missouri on Taum Sauk Mountain, there are so many ways to spend the beautiful fall days in Missouri. The state has many natural wonders to explore, such as the famous elephant rocks at Elephant Rocks State Park. In fall, the scenery in the state comes alive with a gorgeous array of colors. You can enjoy the scenery from a hike or drive on your trip to Missouri. With so much natural beauty to see, you had better grab your camera and prepare for the stunning autumn vistas in Missouri.