Missouri will continue to offer beautiful views for outdoor social distancing as the fall season gets underway.

The Missouri Department of Conservation says generally, the changing of the leaves is predictable, but it can vary from year to year depending on the weather.

Chilly autumn nights are key to leaves changing color. Sugars produced by photosynthesis become trapped inside leaves. Those sugars are the building blocks for the rich red, yellow, orange, and purple pigments. Cooler nights cause the breakdown of green pigments, allowing the fall colors to show through.

Missouri trees first begin changing color in the northern part of the state, then move southward across the state. Sassafras, sumac, and Virginia creeper are some of the earliest to change in mid-September. In late September, black gum, bittersweet, and dogwood begin turning.

BEST VIEWS
Missouri’s fall color can be enjoyed from almost anywhere.

MDC Community Forester Ann Koenig says, “MDC’s conservation areas or Missouri state parks offer great scenic views for the public to enjoy the changing leaves.”

You can find weekly updates on which trees are changing and where to get the best views at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor.