Mark Twain National Forest photo MDC
Fall foliage road trips
1. Kansas City to St. Louis is a straight shot driving across I-70. It will take about 4 hours. If you have a need for speed, it’s the way to go. Even this drive has some fall color. One of the best views is when you cross the Missouri River near Rocheport.
Or, plan a more relaxing drive across the state, enjoy Missouri’s fall foliage, and get off the Interstate.
2. US Highway 60 runs along the southern portion of the state running from Kentucky to Oklahoma. Between Sikeston and Springfield, all but 60 miles is divided highway. Hwy 60 runs through the Mark Twain Forest and is one of the most scenic roads for a fall foliage drive.
3. US Hwy 50 goes from Kansas state line to the Illinois state line. Starting in Kansas City and driving through the middle of the state, you pass Lee's Summit, Warrensburg, Knob Noster, Sedalia, Jefferson City, and St. Louis. The drive is mostly rural areas of farms anchored by Kansas City on the west side and St. Louis on the east.
Or, if you are really getting into the road trip, take this transcontinental highway from Sacramento, CA to Ocean City, MD. Hwy 50 is about 3,000 miles from coast to coast. This is not a fall foliage drive headed west, but it will be headed east.
Weekly Eastern Region Fall Color Report The Forest Service Fall Foliage Hotline telephone number is 1-800-354-4595. (Eastern Region includes Missouri.)
Missouri Department of Conservation follow foliage report
You might also like: Travel 101 Fall foliage Tips in Missouri
Three short fall drives in the Missouri Ozarks
More Information: To see more of Patsy’s travel articles click here. Get an Email when a new articles are posted, sign up at the top of this page. Your Email address will not be shared. Patsy also has a gardening blog: Oh, Grow Up!
Comments
thanks for the nice comments! you've got quite a nice column here too!
Great article.
When in the St. Louis area cross over to Alton, IL and The Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Beautiful fall foliage against the limestone bluffs on one side and the Mighty Mississippi on the other.
Free fall color brochures with maps of the best driving routes are available at The BEALL MANSION Bed and Breakfast in Alton.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!