7 Best Places to Experience Fall in the Ozarks

A lot of people might hear the word "Ozarks" and think of deep backwoods and, possibly, the popular show featured on Netflix a while back. But the majesty and diverse nature of this area that's roughly the size of New York is enough to draw in several tourists yearly. Covering roughly 47,000 square yards, this region covers much of the bottom half of Missouri, a part of northern Arkansas, the southeastern corner of Kansas, and even a small part of Oklahoma. It also encompasses two mountain ranges: the Boston Mountains in Arkansas and the Saint Francois Mountains in Missouri.

During the summer, the Ozarks are abuzz with thousands of people, but in the fall, those seeking a quieter time to kick back and enjoy can experience the many wonders the Ozarks offer. From mid, maybe late October, until November, the touch of fall is impressive to behold in this region. Given the number of rivers, lakes, mountains, caves, and stretches of forest, there's no good excuse not to visit the Ozarks when possible. Here are a few top places to visit in the Ozarks during the fall. 

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, Missouri

You can take a trip back in time simply by hiking along the 3.2-mile-long trail that crosses the water roughly 17 times. Located in Lampe, Missouri, this quaint little place is nestled within 10,000 acres and is just a half-hour drive from Branson. There are also several other attractions, such as Table Rock State Park, Cosmic Cavern, and several other great attractions.

The winding pathways are worth the extra work to see the local scenery since visitors are given every chance to view the surrounding area and realize what this beautiful countryside must have looked like before humans came along. The dazzling colors that will catch the eye could easily make this short hike last all day if one is so inclined. 

Tenkiller State Park, Oklahoma

Spanning well over a thousand acres, Tenkiller State Park in Oklahoma is fairly close to Sallisaw, Webbers Falls, and Muskogee. The name is a little ominous, but it comes from the fact that a prominent Cherokee family owned the land up until it became a state park. Apart from the impressive sights, rich wildlife, and family-oriented attractions that have been added, Tenkiller is a great spot to come and relax, fish, hike, and enjoy its natural beauty. 

Even better, this park is one out of seven that will serve as one of the ideal spots for the upcoming 2024 solar eclipse. From scuba diving to nature watching, Tenkillers might have a fierce name, but it's a great spot to chill and enjoy the natural beauty of the Ozarks. 

Moonshine Beach, Missouri

Picnicking, sunbathing, or playing in the water are all acceptable on Moonshine Beach, on the shores of the Table Rock Lake, since the stretch of sand is perfect for just about anything a person might like. Sometimes, a person needs to sit down, stretch out, and enjoy themselves a bit without working to attain that perfect moment, and a day spent at the beach is perfect for such a need. From late morning into the early evening, it's a good time for everyone. 

Located a short distance from Branson and from Table Rock, Moonshine Beach is where one can sit and relax if that's what they desire. Or, they can put on their hiking boots and walk around for a while. Much like many different natural attractions in the Ozarks, this spot is open in many different ways and has plenty to offer to those who feel the need to get adventurous. 

Crown Lake, Arkansas

Despite being listed as Diamond Lake on the map, Crown Lake, located in Arkansas, is a great place to take the family or use as a personal getaway for those seeking a little peace. Situated in the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas, this spot is relatively easy to find and offers an impressive number of activities that range from swimming to fishing to boating and hiking. In the fall, it gets a bit chilly, so it's smart to bundle up to enjoy the place's splendor. 

If one has the inclination, they can also find their way to the Mammoth Spring State Park, which is only a short distance away. There's also an amazing view of the Great Smoky Mountains, and visiting the mighty Mississippi River is an excellent decision since it's a sight that many people will remember. Also, paying a visit to the Ozarks Folk Center would help create a few pleasant memories as well. 

Schermerhorn Park, Kansas 

Located in Southeast Kansas, in Galena, this park is a fantastic attraction for several reasons. Not only is it great for a leisurely visit in the fall, when the foliage blazes with color, but it's also home to some of the most amazing creatures in the state, such as dark-sided salamanders, a rare species of mussel, and several other interesting critters. The cave system is also awe-inspiring but is gated off to keep the habitat secure. Still, there are plenty of sights to see that make this a worthwhile stop on a person's trip throughout the Ozarks. Roughly 55 square miles in size, this area is rife with sinkholes, sinking streams, and impressive sites that will etch themselves into memory. 

Lake Taneycomo, Missouri

After dipping their bait into this well-stocked lake in Taney County, Missouri, a person could feel like a professional fisherman. Or, they could end up taking a satisfying paddle ride around the lake, taking in the sights of the various shades of golden yellow and blazing reds as the scenery around them conveys the majesty of the area. It might get chilly on the lake around this time of year, but warm clothing and a blanket or two help create a pleasing memory. One of the greatest parts of this place is that you're not too far from Branson and all it has to offer, such as the amenities that many people enjoy. But it's so close to nature that all one has to do is step out and have a good time as they hike the trails, paddle their way along the lake, and enjoy the experience of being out in the thick of what Mother Nature has to offer. 

Marvel Cave, Missouri

While the original name. 'Devil's Den' might have thrown people off in the past, but this cave is quite the attraction, no doubt lending a great deal of credence to its name. As one of the deepest caves in the US, the Marvel Cave is a true wonder that is bound to drop a few jaws and cause a few individuals to clutch their collars a little tighter to stave off the chill. After all, descending two hundred feet in the summer is one thing, but doing so in the fall is quite another. Still, it's worth the experience. 

There are a couple of different tours that a person can take when seeking to discover the hidden secrets of this cave. One of those is the free tour that most people would think to take, while the other is a paid tour that gets a little more interesting. After shutting off the lights, visitors are guided by lanterns throughout the cave, giving a truly authentic feeling to what the first visitors to the cave must have felt long ago. As one of the more interesting attractions that the Ozarks offer, the Marvel Cave is bound to draw in those curious about what lies below. 

Typically a crowded tourist attraction in the summer, the Ozarks becomes a quiet and pleasing place to visit in the fall. There are plenty of things to do and ways to stay busy, but the natural-built attractions are undeniably the most interesting as they offer a look at a land that hasn't changed much in a long time and offers up just as much beauty in the fall as it does in the warmer months.