Leaf Peeping

Drives & Boat Rides

The Ozarks in Full Color

When autumn settles into the Ozarks, the hills around Table Rock Lake glow with fiery reds, golden yellows, and deep rust tones. For locals, it’s a reminder of why fall is the region’s most magical season. For visitors, it’s the perfect excuse to slow down, roll the windows down, and take a drive through nature’s best show.

October’s cool mornings and warm afternoons bring a vibrancy to the hills and ridges surrounding the lake. Whether you’re cruising along a scenic byway or meandering down a quiet back road, the reflections of color in the water make this area one of Missouri’s top fall foliage destinations.

Top Scenic Drives for Fall Foliage

1. Table Rock Lake Loop – Hwy 65 → 13 → 76

This moderate loop wraps around the lake and gives you the full Ozarks experience — forested ridges, sweeping lake views, and quiet roadside overlooks. Start in Branson or Hollister, head north on Highway 65, turn onto Highway 13 toward Kimberling City, then return on Highway 76. Allow at least 2 to 4 hours if you plan to stop for photos or a lakeside lunch.

Best Stop: Indian Point overlook near Kimberling City.

2. Highway 165 Scenic Overlook Loop

A favorite for Branson locals, this 22-mile loop follows Highways 165 and 265 for elevated lake and dam views. It’s an easy drive that can be done in under an hour, but the overlooks make it worth lingering longer. Early morning light over Table Rock Dam is unforgettable.

Best Stop: Dewey Short Visitor Center overlook.

3. Route 86 Scenic Drive

Route 86 offers a quieter, rural stretch with hardwood forests and lake vistas around every curve. Pair it with Highway 13 through Kimberling City for an easy half-day outing. Small cafés and vineyards along the way make it ideal for a slow, scenic drive.

Best Stop: Scenic pull-off west of Dogwood Canyon.

4. Glade Top Trail – Mark Twain National Forest

If you’re looking for rustic beauty, this 23-mile scenic byway delivers. Gravel in places but smooth enough for most cars, Glade Top is one of Missouri’s best fall drives. The overlooks stretch for miles, giving you a front-row seat to peak fall color.

Best Stop: Caney Overlook on the trail.

5. Highway 13 North to Reeds Spring & Galena

This stretch of Highway 13 winds through rolling Ozark hills and farmland, dotted with bursts of maple and oak. It’s less crowded than the lakefront routes but equally beautiful. Great for a relaxed afternoon drive.

Best Stop: Reeds Spring overlook just north of town.

When to Go for Peak Color

The brightest fall colors around Table Rock usually arrive in mid-to-late October, when maples, oaks, and hickories are at their peak. Early morning or late afternoon drives give the best light and fewer crowds. Fog rising off the lake adds a touch of Ozark magic you won’t forget.

Pack a picnic, bring your camera, and make time to stop at marinas, cafés, and scenic pull-offs along the way. The drive is the destination.

Best Fall Colors by Boat

Glide Through Autumn’s Reflections

Autumn transforms Table Rock Lake into a tapestry of golds, reds, and oranges, and there’s no better way to take in the full effect than from the water. The gentle slap of waves, the mirrored foliage, and the quiet coves make for an unforgettable fall boating experience. Here are some of the best routes, coves, and shoreline views to explore by boat — plus tips to make your outing extra special.

Top Boat Routes & Views

Cow Creek Cove (between Table Rock State Park & Port of Kimberling)

Cow Creek offers a mix of rugged natural shoreline and quiet backwaters. Because it’s less developed, the trees there — maples, oaks, hickories — are left to grow densely, producing intense color. Cruising slowly in the morning or late afternoon gives you mirror-like reflections on the calm water.

Long Creek Arm

This arm stretches out into forested hillsides, where fall foliage creeps right to the water’s edge. A boat ride into Long Creek is perfect for leaf peeping: the steep banks, colorful forests, and tranquil coves make for dramatic views.

Between the Dam & State Park Marina

The shoreline near the dam has cliffs, rocky outcrops, and changing elevations, which help mix tree species and color. Boaters can follow shorelines near State Park Marina to soak in vivid scenes. The contrast between lake calm and hilltop forest is striking in October.

Branson Belle / Lady Liberty Cruises

For those who want to leave the navigation (and the driving) to someone else, the fall foliage cruises offered by Big Cedar Lodge (Lady Liberty, etc.) are ideal. These guided or dinner cruises often go into coves or along shorelines where fall color is especially rich and easy to appreciate from large windows or decks.

Quiet Cove-Hopping Anywhere Along the Shoreline

With nearly 800 miles of shoreline, Table Rock Lake has countless little fingers of water bordered by woods. Pick a less-trafficked area you haven’t explored, drop anchor in a cove, turn off the motor, and just take in the scenery.

When & How to Make It Best

Peak Color Timing:

Mid to late October is usually the sweet spot for fall color here. By then, maples, oaks, hickories, and sugar maples are changing, especially at mid-elevations around the lake.

Best Times of Day:

Early morning and late afternoon bring soft light and calm water, which enhances reflections. Midday can wash out colors but works if you’re aiming for vibrant contrasts and crisp views.

Weather & Light:

Overcast skies can actually deepen color saturation; mist or fog gives a magical aura. Clear days give sparkle and contrast.

Boat Type & Pace:

Slow cruising is best. Smaller boats let you explore coves more easily. If you’re on a larger boat or a cruise, pick routes hugging the shore to see trees up close.

Essentials:

Bring layers (it gets cooler on the water), a camera, polarized sunglasses (they help with glare on water), and always check fuel and boat ramp availability — some ramps may close earlier in the season.

Suggested Itinerary:

A Fall Afternoon Boat Ride

Launch from a marina near Kimberling City or Port of Kimberling just after sunrise.

Cruise toward Cow Creek Cove, linger in the quiet coves, taking in reflections.

Head back toward the dam, passing steep hillsides that drop into the lake, watching color shift as the sun climbs.

Stop near State Park Marina for a lakeside snack or lunch.

In the late afternoon, board one of the sunset foliage cruises for sweeping views from the middle of the lake.

Fall by boat on Table Rock Lake is one of those simple pleasures — peaceful, vivid, and deeply satisfying. The lake’s calm expanses, forested shores, and ever-changing light make every trip an opportunity for a new perspective.