2024 Update: The link below will show you exactly when and where the fall foliage will peak this year.
People who live in Missouri believe fall is the best season of the year. Why? The humidity is finally bearable and so is the heat! The Show Me State is one of the best places in the nation to view the changing colors of fall. Reports are indicating that the display of autumnal colors will last a little longer this year and start a little later than usual. It looks like the best times this season will be in mid-to-late October. If you’re looking for guidance before booking a trip, you may want to visit SmokeyMountains.com and check out their mapping predictions. (Sample of how it works is in the above video).
People who live in Missouri believe fall is the best season of the year. Why? The humidity is finally bearable and so is the heat! The Show Me State is one of the best places in the nation to view the changing colors of fall. Reports are indicating that the display of autumnal colors will last a little longer this year and start a little later than usual. It looks like the best times this season will be in mid-to-late October. If you’re looking for guidance before booking a trip, you may want to visit SmokeyMountains.com and check out their mapping predictions. (Sample of how it works is in the above video).
Missouri Conservation Department
Forecasts Fall Colors
Fall Forecast for the St Louis Region
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation: “Predicting the peak of fall color can be difficult. Missouri is blessed with a great variety of trees, shrubs, and vines. Their leaves turn at different times, so Missourians enjoy a fall color season that may last four to six weeks. Sassafras, sumac, and Virginia Creeper are some of the earliest to change, beginning in mid-September. By late September, black gum, bittersweet, and dogwood are turning.
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The peak of fall color in Missouri is usually around mid-October. This is when maples, ashes, oaks, and hickories are at the height of their fall display. Normally by late October, the colors are fading and the leaves beginning to drop from the trees.
The progression of color change starts earliest in north Missouri and moves southward across the state. Generally, the color change is predictable, but it can vary from year to year. Much depends on the weather.”
Here Are The Fall Color Updates for All of Missouri
Fall Color Report for the St. Louis Region
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation:
Update Posted 10-10-24
Widespread fall color still eludes us in St. Louis, but more and more is appearing. Black walnut, one of the earliest trees to turn golden this year, has already dropped many of its leaves. Look in the canopy for their large fruits or watch for critters gathering fallen nuts. The unique, large leaves of northern catalpa have turned lime yellow and provide visual interest with the tree’s long, dangling pods. Persimmons have started to turn, and their leaves contrast beautifully with their dark bark and orange, edible fruits.
Most of the color can be seen in the species that have already started: sumacs, poison ivy, sassafras, black gum (black tupelo), honey locust, ashes, tulip tree, and our native dogwood species. While not as spectacular as some, the large canopies of sycamores provide an autumnal warmth to the landscape. There are also lots of trees that are fading into light green as they lose chlorophyll, revealing the yellow carotenoid pigments. With the warm, sunny days and cool nights that we’ve been getting, expect an increase in anthocyanin pigments to lend richer reddish purple hues to leaves.
Fall Color Hot Spots
Now is a great time to catch the last of summer’s blooms while getting some fall color on trees. A variety of native wildflowers are still showy, with goldenrods in particular providing a magnificent burst of color on the landscape. Shaw Nature Reserve, Castlewood State Park, or Victoria Glades Conservation Area are all great places to visit during this time of year. Tower Grove Park and Bellefontaine Cemetery are also great spots closer to the city. With perhaps one last gasp of summer’s heat this weekend, get out and enjoy a hike or float in autumn’s landscapes!
Click Here for Our Free Fall Homebuyer and Seller Guides
Learn More About Trees You Will See in Missouri
Oaks
Sassafras
Pawpaw
Persimmon
Dogwoods
Sumacs
Black Gum (Black Tupelo)
Sugar Maple
Hickories
Black Walnut
Sycamore
Poison Ivy
Eastern Redbud
Click Here to See the Fall Color Hotspots
For the Rest of Missouri
Enjoy the Season!
If you will be visiting the St. Louis area there is plenty to do and see here. There are kid-friendly attractions, adult activities, family amusements, and more. Some of the fun things you can experience while in St. Louis are only a click away: Things to Do in St Louis If you’re interested in real estate get our Free Fall Home Buying Guide
