ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The unseasonably warm temperatures this month have delayed the peak time of year to see the famous fall colors of Missouri. Experts says the leaves are now "beginning to turn" in the greater St. Louis area.
We've got some suggestions if you're looking for the best spots in the greater St. Louis area to see them.
"Some of the best places to see the fall colors are along the rivers of the state, especially along the bluffs. The trees are exposed to more sunlight, producing vivid colors," according to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).
Here are some of the best area locations to head to in the coming weeks:
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area - You can walk the hiking trails, drive the auto tour, photograph the wildlife, or simply sit under a tree and enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors in St. Charles.
Victoria Glades Conservation Area - The gem stretches from Hillsboro and Desoto, to Festus, then south into Ste. Genevieve County and has yawning, open glade vistas, oak-hickory forest, intermittent streams and an incredible sunrise view.
Shaw Nature Reserve (Missouri Botanical Garden) - Located off I-44 in Gray Summit, there are 17 miles of hiking trails and free parking. General admission is $5 for adults age 13 and up.
Maintz Wildlife Preserve - 804-acre area of rolling hills located in northwestern Cape Girardeau County.
If you're wanting to take a drive to see the colors, here are two routes MDC suggests:
• Highway 94 between Jefferson City and Hermann
• Highway 79 from Louisiana to Hannibal
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But really, the state's fall colors can be enjoyed from nearly everywhere. The common saying is that the third week in October is the best time of year, but MDC is actively tracking the changing colors and has weekly updates at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor. As of Sept. 28, the color have not started changing in the St. Louis Region, but they are "beginning to turn" in the Northeast, Kansas City and Central Regions.
If you're looking for some activities while you enjoy the views, you can hike trails in the MDC Conservation Areas and Missouri State Parks. Prairies and roadsides will even display beautiful shades of gold, purple, olive, and auburn with autumn wildflowers, shrubs, and grasses.
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