“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” – Albert Camus

It’s almost time for the “second spring,” which for many means it’s time for enjoying Missouri fall foliage in St. Louis. Predictions are that the leaves will begin to change colors around October 7, and peak between October 27 and November 11. SmokyMountains.com provides an interactive map predicting fall foliage across the U.S. If cooler fall days continue, the St. Louis area should see four to five weeks of color change this season. And throughout much of the St. Louis area, seniors can enjoy the colorful view from their car or on easy, safe walking paths.

10 Places to Admire Missouri Fall Foliage in the St. Louis Area

  1. TOWER GROVE PARK

Tower Grove Park is a wooded Victorian park with grassy meadows and approximately 7,000 trees. It is the second-largest park in the city, which makes it a great spot for enjoying Missouri fall foliage this season.

Location: 4257 Northeast Dr., St. Louis

Open: Sunrise to sunset daily

Phone: (314) 771-2679

  1. MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN

The Missouri Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark and home to a wide variety of plants and trees. Advance e-ticket purchases are recommended to ensure faster entry and guaranteed access. Shuttles are available.

Location: 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis

Open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (Last entry at 4:30 p.m.)

Phone: (314) 577-5100

  1. FOREST PARK

At 1,300 acres, Forest Park is the city’s largest park. It features beautiful landscapes sprinkled with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, lakes and streams—making it a dream destination for those seeking beautiful scenes of Missouri fall foliage.

Location: 5595 Grand Drive, St. Louis

Open: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Phone: (314) 367-7275

  1. SUGAR CREEK PARK

Sugar Creek Park is a small, 20-acre park off interstate 270 and Dougherty Ferry Road with a short walking trail.

Location: 435 Des Peres Rd., Des Peres

Open: Sunrise to sunset daily

  1. LONGVIEW FARM PARK

Longview Farm Park features trails that wind through woods and around a lake alongside stables and pastures.

Location: 13525 Clayton Rd., Town and Country

Open: 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily

Phone: (314) 587-2812

  1. CREVE COEUR LAKE MEMORIAL PARK

Woodlands surround a 320-acre lake located in Maryland Heights. Trails in the park are both paved and unpaved, and relatively flat. The trails are shared by walkers, runners, and cyclists.

Locations: 

Sailboat Cove: 13725 Marine Ave., St. Louis

Upper Creve Coeur: 13236 Streetcar Dr., St. Louis

Open: Dawn (half hour before official sunrise) to dusk (half hour after official sunset) daily. Gates open by 7 a.m.

View a map of the area

  1. MAIN STREET IN ST. CHARLES

Main Street is located along the tree-lined banks of the Missouri River. While viewing the foliage, you can visit a wide variety of shops, historic buildings and restaurants.

  1. LONE ELK PARK

Located approximately 30 minutes west of St. Louis,  Lone Elk Park is a wildlife management area, with bison, wild turkey, waterfowl, elk and deer. Miles of paved road wind through the park.

Location: 1 Lone Elk Park Rd., St. Louis, MO 63088 (It is advised that you use a GPS or a print out for directions to the park.)

Hours: 8 a.m. till official sunset daily

  1. ROCKWOODS RESERVATION

Rockwoods Reservation is a 1,880-acre state forest and wildlife conservation area in St. Louis County. There are about 13 miles of foot trails, some easier than others, that take hikers by caves and along Hamilton Creek. However, paved roads throughout the reservation allow you to drive through easily.

Location: 2751 Glencoe Rd., Wildwood, MO. Approximately 40 minutes west of St. Louis.

Open: Sunrise to one-half hour after sunset daily.

Phone: (636) 458-2236

  1. DR. EDMUND A. BABLER MEMORIAL STATE PARK

Babler Memorial State Park is a 35 to 40-minute scenic drive west from St. Louis to Wildwood. Babler’s trail options are described in detail on their website.

Location: 800 Guy Park Dr., Wildwood, MO

Open: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily April through October and 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily November through March

Phone: 636-458-3813

Find more fun activities for seniors by visiting Bethesda’s Senior Living blog.

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