Overview: The Mark Twain National Forest lies mostly within the Ozark Plateau. These forested mountains, called the Ozarks, are the United States' oldest mountains. The rainbow of fall color here is dominated by the oaks, sweetgum, and sugar maple. Lower areas feature sycamore, Ozark witch hazel, elm, and other bottomland hardwood trees.
The Ozarks' spring-fed rivers are popular canoe trip destinations. You can paddle in the fall and get an experience not normally seen by motorized leaf viewers. Ozark National Scenic Riverways was created by an Act of Congress on August 24, 1964, to protect 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers in the Ozark Highlands of southeastern Missouri. These two beautiful rivers should be included as part of your fall viewing.
Viewing Dates: Early viewing begins in mid-October in most of the the Mark Twain National Forest. The fall viewing peaks the last week in October and wains through early November.
Trees of Show: Maple, beech, birch and oak, hickory
Vote for your favorite leaf viewing vacation: The Poll
