Autumn’s the perfect time for a leisurely drive. The crisp air makes it just right for rolling down the windows as the golden sunshine isn’t quite as hot as it was just weeks ago. These five roads in Missouri are pure bliss in the fall, offering picture-perfect opportunities for leaf peeping. Pack a picnic, too, for your autumn adventure, and find a spot to pull over for a relaxing meal.
The Only in Your State website includes nearby Glade Top Trail at Number 4 on its list.
The Glade Top Trail is located about 60 miles southeast of Springfield. The trail includes portions of Forest Roads 147 and 149 and has three entry points. The most popular is the northeast entry located near the Douglas/Ozark County line about 10 miles southwest of Ava. It is accessed off State Highway 5 by State Highway A and County Road A-409. The south entry point is just north of the town of Longrun off State Highway 95 and about 5 miles north of U.S. Highway 160. The west entry is just off State Highway 125 about 2 miles south of the Hercules Glades Wilderness.
Here is the Only in Your State complete list.
Photo: Courtesy All Trails/Mark Howard
1. Blue Buck Knob Forest Scenic Byway
Go on a relaxing drive along the 24-mile Blue Buck Knob Forest Scenic Byway, which winds through Mark Twain National Forest. The byway features several overlooks, so you won’t have difficulty find places to stop and to admire the changing colors of fall. Learn more on the official website of Mark Twain National Forest.
Photo: Courtesy Facebook/Legendary Lexington
2. Old Trails Road Byway
Drive long the 15-mile Old Trails Road Byway, which boasts winding roads and journeys from Napoleon to Lexington. The byway hugs the Missouri River, offering sensational views along each mile. Lexington’s also the perfect fall day trip destination, if you have time to stop and to explore. Find more on the official website of Lexington.
Photo: Courtesy Google/Richard Moar
3. Historic Route 66
Historic Route 66 meanders 293 miles from Joplin to St. Louis and offers a ton of scenic beauty along the way. You can drive the entire route or just a portion. Make sure you stop at Meramec State Park, where you’ll find Overlook Pavilion. It overlooks gorgeous forested area. Read more about Historic Route 66.
Photo: Courtesy All Trails/Joshua Miller
4. Glade Top Trail
Absolutely stunning views await along the 23-mile Glade Top Trail. The two-lane scenic road journeys through Mark Twain National Forest and boasts several scenic overlooks. Don’t forget your camera to snap photos of the sweeping forested area and open fields. Stop by the official website of Glade Trop Trail for more information.
Photo: Courtesy All Trails/Michael S.
5. Sugar Camp Scenic Byway
Journey along the 28-mile Sugar Camp Scenic Byway for jaw-dropping leaf peeping. Eight miles of the byway is a well-maintained gravel road. In addition to several scenic overlooks, the byway features two picnic areas, so don’t forget to bring lunch along. Find more on the official website of Sugar Camp Scenic Byway.
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