Where to see the best fall colors in southeast MO

(KBSI) – Have you seen firework-like displays of fall colors along the highways and field edges?

“The days of sipping apple cider bring with it cider hues in eastern hophornbeam, sycamore, wild plum, and American beech,” said Missouri Department of Conservation Community Forester Jennifer Behnken. “Decorative arrangements of squash harmonize with the colors of nature’s redbuds, elms, and Kentucky coffee trees. Pumpkin patches mirror the oranges of sugar maples and persimmon trees.”

She says the last of the red peppers in local gardens resemble the vibrant reds of sumacs, sassafras, and black gums, along with dogwoods starting to “show off” with mauve and magenta colors.

“Asters are now making their final stand of majestic lavender and purple shades, feeding late season pollinators on their final migrations,” said Behnken.

Behnken suggests these locations for exploring fall color views:

• Francois mountains
• Mississippi River hills
• The Arcadia Valley (Ironton)
• Genevieve/Farmington area
• Along Highways 34, 72, 61, 51, 60, 67, 25 and Interstate 55

You might also take a detour at one of these areas:

• Castor River Conservation Area
• Magnolia Hollow Conservation Area
• Hickory Canyon Natural Area
• Pickle Springs Conservation Area
• Francois State Park
• Joe State Park
• Knob Lick Towersite
• Millstream Gardens Conservation Area

Fall color updates for across Missouri can be found online at mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/fall-color.