2024's Towns In Arkansas That Come Alive In The Fall

Although a drought can spoil it, fall foliage is often spectacular in Arkansas, provided one arrives when the season is at its peak — when trees that bloomed first are bowing out — and latecomers are just turning. In Northern Arkansas, including the Ozarks, peak color is typically in late October. Central Arkansas, including the Ouachita Mountain Range, the color show often reaches a glorious crescendo in late October or early November. Crowning up the show is Southern and Eastern Arkansas, where fall foliage peaks early to mid-November. During this time, several towns stage fun-filled festivals to compliment the scenery, where toe-tapping music and delicious food are hallmarks. If looking for specific spots, discover below 2024 towns in Arkansas that come alive in the fall.

Jasper

With the Little Buffalo River running through it, Jasper boasts a setting that is at once both rustic and beautiful. The town is small (it hosts less than 1,000 residents) — but incredibly big on nature and outdoor offerings. Jasper stages the Autumn Color Tour on the fourth Friday in October. This is an informative excursion into the scenic beauty and rich heritage of Jasper, along with the Upper Buffalo River area. No problem if these dates cannot fit your schedule. Leaf-peepers will still enjoy exploring the Round Top Mountain Trail, conveniently located about 2 miles south of Jasper. One of the panoramic overlooks dotting the stretch can be a fantastic photo-op. Go further south to Scenic Point and soak up a wide-open view of the Ozark Mountains. If you have the nerve, climb up Lookout Tower, and enjoy stretching views in every direction.

Winslow

About an hour south of Bentonville, a photographer’s dream lies in waiting. Winslow is tiny (it is home to less than 1,000 residents), sleepy, but incredibly gorgeous, especially in fall, when the whole area bursts with vibrant colors. You can ride the Arkansas-Missouri Railroad and soak up the most picturesque views of the Ozarks — or rent a cabin and explore the Devil's Den State Park, loved for its stunning waterfall, scenic overlooks, caves, and lush forests. Alternatively, scale White Rock Mountain up to its crown and inhale panoramic views of the surrounding area when perched more than 2,000 feet above sea level. Winslow is in Northwest Arkansas, meaning the peak color should be in late October.

Eureka Springs

Although famous for its Victorian architecture, Eureka Springs wears many hearts, including the fact it is a leaf-peepers’ paradise. From mid-October to early November, you can catch jaw-dropping displays of golds and yellows in several spots around town, including at the Lake Leatherwood City Park, Whitaker Point ( also known as the Hawksbill Crag Trail), and by a zip line ride through the Ozarks. Also, although Thorncrown Chapel is an all-season attraction, the woods around its location often blaze with color, especially when fall is at its peak. The Original Ozark Festival, the longest-running folk festival in the United States, typically takes place in early September and, hence, symbolically opens the season. On the flip side, Porsche Palooza, a 4-day event that brings together Porsche car enthusiasts, should be the last event in the town's fall calendar. It features short and long drives through the Ozarks, a parade, and an afternoon car show.

Paris

If you have not heard about the Annual Frontier Day Festival in Paris, Arkansas — or attended one — you are late to the party. The event often takes place on the first Saturday in October at the Paris Downtown Square. It features nostalgic Wild West reenactments, complete with participants donning period costumes. Plus, of course, there is toe-tapping music, a car show, and, like many festivals in the United States, turtle races. The town itself is beautiful and hidden near the base of Mount Magazine, the tallest peak in the Natural State. Mount Magazine State Park features dramatic fall foliage views and, hence, a fantastic site in the season. You can rent a rustic cabin here and set it as a base for your fall adventures in the area. When in town, don't miss the Arkansas version of the Eiffel Tower.

Hot Springs

Every fall, nature paints the landscape around Hot Springs in different, blazing hues, enveloping the terrain with a gay, cheerful spirit. Walk through Hot Springs National Park, especially at spots such as the historic Bathhouse Row, where a vivid burst of color blends nicely with the austere grandeur of the historic buildings. Head over to the Grand Promenade, taking in the lovely views at every step of the way. Alternatively, the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which goes up more than 200 feet, provides sweeping views of the surrounding scenery in all its multi-colored glory. Nearby outdoor spots with even more color include Falls Branch Trail in Lake Catherine State Park — as well as Caddo Bend Trail in Lake Ouachita State Park.

Van Buren

Van Buren reclines on the Arkansas River directly opposite Fort Smith. It was settled in 1818 and is named for the eighth president of the United States, who dabbled up as one of the founders of the Democratic Party. Sections of Ozark National Forest lie to the north and can make for fantastic leaf-peeping destinations. Come and experience the Fall Festival Tradin’ Days, which enlivens the town every second weekend in October. You will find several items to admire or buy, including beautiful handmade crafts and nice collectibles. The 3-hour train ride from Van Buren to Winslow on the Arkansas-Missouri Railroad, which reveals some of the best fall scenery in Arkansas, also features three iron trestle bridges, the iconic Winslow Tunnel, and many other interesting sites.

Clarksville

Rounding off this list is the small, stunning town of Clarksville, the perfect venue to spot fall foliage, especially because it is located between the Ozark Mountains and the Ouachita Mountains. Plus, Clarksville boasts terrific accessibility, seeing it is located just off Interstate 40. Hit up the many trails that traverse the Ozark National Forest, including the beautiful Pedestal Rocks Loop Trail, known for its unusual geologic formations. Alternatively, there is the Whitaker Point Trail — and its stunning overlook. If you are looking to mingle with locals, there is the Annual Harvest Days Festival, which brightens up the town every first Saturday in October. You can also enjoy a scenic ride along the Arkansas Wine Trail, especially to explore the lush, colorful vineyards around Clarksville.

The Takeaway

In summer, Arkansas can be uncomfortably hot, especially for outdoor action. When fall rolls along, the temperatures begin to cool and, hence, become increasingly suited for adventure. It is, therefore, the perfect time to hit up panoramic trails, go leaf-peeping, and attend eagerly anticipated festivals. You should arm yourself with a good camera, fill your car with gas, and drive along scenic routes in search of the most rewarding spots. That said, the 7 towns featured here offer unrivaled fall foliage.