See Fall Foliage in Branson

Neil Sawford • September 7, 2021

During the fall season, there are numerous locations in Branson where you can enjoy spectacular views of fall foliage. This can be experienced by driving, biking, or boating at any of the three Ozarks lakes. If you take a thrilling adventure ride on the mountain coaster in Branson, you can also enjoy the fall foliage. The following are some of the best places to see fall foliage in this popular Midwest vacation destination.

Highway 165 Scenic Overlook, located just a few miles from Branson's entertainment district, is a 22-mile loop that offers many spectacular views of fall foliage and can be driven in about 40 minutes. You can enjoy views from the ridge tops as you drive through Highways 165 and 265. It also features a stunning view of Table Rock Lake, the Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa, and Convention Center. This passage is a great way to enjoy the fall foliage and take advantage of numerous photo opportunities after your adventurous ride with the mountain coaster in Branson.

The Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, which is beautifully located west of the intersection of W 76 Country Boulevard and the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, covers 1,534 acres. This scenic area is ideal for experiencing quality time with nature.

Nature trails for hiking and bird watching can be found in the surrounding area. You'll be able to enjoy the vibrant foliage while walking through the site. Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area are one of the best places to see the rich colors of autumn leaves. While taking a hike in this scenic area, you can have the opportunity to enjoy the colorful full foliage, and even better, it can be enjoyed more at the area's scenic overlook.

Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve is one of the best places in Branson to enjoy the fall foliage because it has nature trails, a history museum, golf courses, fine dining, and more. This must-see Branson attraction provides visitors multiple vantage points to view spectacular rolling hills densely packed with colorful trees.

Another beautiful place to see fall foliage up close is the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area in Branson. A trail leads from the area to Lake Taneycomo. This Wilderness Area includes a 2.3-mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Branson. This trail is open all year and is famous for nature walks, hiking, walking, and bird watching. The trail welcomes dogs but must be kept on a leash. The Wilderness Area, with over 140 acres of wooded and rugged hill country, is an excellent place to enjoy nature.

The Wilderness Area has two trails. The first trail begins in an upland forest where nature trees predominate, and the fairly level 3/10 mile trail leads to the steps. There are 315 stonework steps in the area that lead down to Lake Taneycomo. This trail requires agility, a steady pair of hands and comfortable walking shoes. There are places where only one person can pass.

Table Rock Lakeshore Trail is a 2.2-mile trail that combines vibrant fall foliage with sparkling views of Table Rock Lake and is conveniently located near the Dewey Short Visitor Center. The path provides an easy, paved pathway that is suitable for families and wheelchairs, both motorized and non-motorized.

This trail offers opportunities to see deer, red tail foxes, squirrels, chipmunks, bald eagles, osprey, cardinals, ducks, and other wildlife. The trail is only about 15-40 yards from the lake, and views of the lake are sporadic depending on the season, but during autumn, you'll be treated to a breathtaking view.

The Mark Twain National Forest is also a great place to see the fall foliage and have a fascinating view of Table Rock Lake. This lovely Branson attraction provides a variety of popular recreational opportunities. The forest is one of the largest in Branson, with over 750 miles of trails.

Mark Twain National Forest has trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and motorized vehicle use. The length and difficulty of the forest trails vary. There are over 350 miles of perennial streams in the forest, many of which are suitable for canoes, kayaks, rafts, and inner tubes. The Forest and Missouri Department of Conservation maintains the rivers and streams.

A trip through the Ozark foothills and tunnels on an excursion train tour with the Branson Scenic Railway is also a fantastic way to experience the gorgeous fall foliage. Branson Scenic Railway is an iconic attraction in Branson.

It began as 239 miles of track built for the White River Railway between 1902 and 1905 at more than $12 million. Today, passengers can take a train excursion and board a collection of passenger cars to traverse the Ozark Mountains' foothills. A ride on this train offers an exciting way to enjoy the fall foliage.

If visiting the locations mentioned earlier isn't enough for you to enjoy the vibrant colors of autumn leaves, you can enjoy even more vibrant colors of autumn leaves by taking a thrilling adventure ride at the Runaway Mountain Coaster in Branson.

Newer Post >

Close-up of a souvenir t-shirt featuring a mountain coaster design

Shop & Adventure in Branson

By Neil Sawford • August 29, 2025

When you visit Branson with your family to enjoy a wonderful vacation, don't pass up the opportunity to shop at some of the best shopping locations. Branson shoppers will find everything on their shopping lists, from specialty shops to department stores. If you've had an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO, the next thing you should do is go shopping at some of the shopping malls listed below. Branson Landing Branson Landing, the Midwest's shoppers' paradise, is one of the most visited shopping destinations, offering almost everything you need for your holiday shopping in Branson. This fantastic shopping destination is home to the famous Belk Department Store, which provides a wide range of clothing and accessories. It also has Bass Pro Shop, which has everything you need for outdoor adventures. Branson Landing, a center for great shopping and dining opportunities located between Lake Taneycomo and historic downtown Branson, is one of the most visited attractions in town. The easily walkable Branson Landing is less than a mile long. It features a lakeside boardwalk, an open-air promenade, and more than 100 retail shops and fine restaurants. Shopping is the ideal activity after a thrilling adventure ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO. Historic Downtown Branson Historic Downtown Branson's famous shopping destination is a short walk from Branson Landing. Shopping in Historic Downtown Branson can undoubtedly relieve the stress of visitors who are having a great time touring the many exciting places in this vacation paradise. You will enjoy what Branson offers as you walk through the beautiful streets, old buildings, and nostalgic themed shops in downtown Branson. You can see the beginnings of Branson in the Ozarks in Historic Downtown Branson. But there's more to Branson than just reminiscing. With many shops and dozens of exciting attractions for people of all ages, this neighborhood transforms into a thriving complex full of exciting activities. Whether you're looking for gourmet foods, baked goods, or original art, the historic downtown Branson has it all. There are many fine restaurants and eateries in the historic downtown Branson, a time-enhanced exciting location. Branson Craft Mall Visit the Branson Craft Mall for a retail market that focuses on the unique and original. The Branson Craft Mall, lined with vendors and specialty craft goods, is also home to the famous Pickin' Porch Grill. You won't leave hungry with a diverse menu that includes House-Smoked BBQ, sandwiches, wings, and even tacos. For an after-meal treat, take a stroll down the candy aisle. Branson Craft Mall is a fantastic shopping destination where you can buy unique arts and crafts and enjoy a delicious dining experience at some of the finest restaurants. This expansive 160,000-square-foot craft mall offers visitors one-stop shopping from over 200 vendors, artists, and crafters. Many of these vendors sell clothing, quilts, leather goods, jewelry, rugs, baskets, pottery, and other items. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows The Shoppes at Branson Meadows provides a wide range of shopping experiences. Shepherd Hills Cutlery, Tuesday Morning, Neil's Home Store, the Consignment Clothing Exchange, Touch of Class Boutique, Made in the USA, and more are all worth a visit! Visit Branson's 1984 Arcade for a nostalgic and rejuvenating break. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows offers discounted local brands, chic home goods, and one-of-a-kind clothing. This shopping spot is a treasure trove of housewares and other household goods. Grand Village Shops Over 25 distinguished novelty stores can be found at Grand Village Shops. With each offering its distinct originality, you're sure to leave with a perfect memory of your time in Branson. The Grand Village Shops are an excellent place to find a meaningful gift for everyone on your list. With the diversity of shops, there is something for everyone in this great shopping spot in Branson. While shopping in this fascinating place, you'll see singing waiters entertain shoppers. At the same time, they enjoy diner-style food and tasty ice cream from the soda fountain at Mel's Hard Luck Diner. Tanger Outlet Mall No shopping spree in Branson is complete without a trip to Tanger Outlets. You will find well-known brands at a discounted price at this unique shopping location. Tanger Outlets is located inside Branson's Entertainment District and offers extended shopping hours and great discounts to reward members. Tanger Outlets have everything that you need and even hard-to-find items. Conveniently located on Highway 76 West, the fully stocked mall offers discounts for favorite name brands such as Gap, Levi's, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and much more. When looking for great shopping spots to shop and adventure after an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO , don't forget to check out the shopping malls listed above.