This Fall, Explore the Branson Lakes

Jessica DeLucia Branson

The Beauty of Branson Lakes in the Fall

Autumn in the Ozark Mountains. There’s simply no better time to experience the natural beauty near Branson, MO where fall foliage explodes in an extraordinary array of reds, yellows, and oranges. To experience the sights as leaves throughout the Ozarks burst into a kaleidoscope of amazing hues and colors is to witness the wonders of a shifting season. If you've been looking for a sign, this is it. It's time to pack your bags to visit the Branson Lakes for an exceptional Branson family vacation.

While the leaves change and temperatures cool, the Branson area is filled with seasonal events, craft shows, music festivals, and outdoor adventures. But one of the best ways to experience Fall in the Ozarks is by exploring the spectacular Branson Lakes area.

Explore the Lakes

Three beautiful lakes - Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock Lake and Bull Shoals Lake - all offer pristine waters where you can swim, water ski, wakeboard, sail, jet ski, kayak, and fish! Though cool this time of year, the waters never freeze, and the lakes offer up some of the nation’s best fishing and outdoor activities. Whether you bring your own boat, or choose one of the many boat rental options, Branson’s gorgeous lakes offer some of the area’s best fall foliage viewing in mid-September to November in the beautiful Ozark mountains.

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Branson also offers several scenic boat tours that provide 360-degree views of the area landscape. With a variety of ash, hickory, maple and oak trees, the Ozarks foliage typically reaches its peak and most vibrant colors by mid-October.


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Of course, you can also find plenty of great areas to view the foliage from land – and still get your fix of the lakes. One great spot is the Table Rock Lakeshore Trail. This 2.2-mile paved pathway starts near the Dewey Short Visitor Center and offers incredible views of both the leaves as well as the lake. This is the perfect time to capture memorable photos with the beautiful fall colors!

Another great option is a visit to the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area where a forested trail leads you right to Lake Taneycomo in all its glory.

You will also find a beautiful combination of forest and lakefront by walking the boardwalk at Branson Landing. While the Landing is home to many shops, restaurants and entertainment options, the boardwalk path leading away from the shops offers epic views of the fall colors along the Lake Taneycomo bluffs. Near the Landing, you can also catch a bird’s eye view of the Lakes area from atop the 150-foot-high Branson Ferris Wheel.


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Scenic Destinations

By vehicle, you can traverse the twisting roads along highways 165 and 265 for a little higher perspective, enjoying ridge top views of the trees and Table Rock Lake and Dam. Another popular attraction for viewing the fall colors is aboard the Branson Scenic Railway – with a 40-mile train ride providing exceptional views of the Ozarks foothills and tunnels!

No matter how you choose to experience and explore the Branson Lakes area, you might want to start at the Branson Welcome Center (U.S. Hwy 65 and State Hwy 248) where you can pick up free maps of the area to plan a scenic drive.

Other Things to Do in Branson

If you're on vacation and looking to explore more of Branson in the fall, there happens to be an exceptional amount of things to do in Branson. Silver Dollar City hosts their annual Harvest Festival, featuring crafts, pumpkins, rollercoasters, and a festive theme park experience. Peruse the many shops and places to eat offering specialty seasonal items and delights at Branson Landing located in historic downtown Branson. While you're downtown, attend the 50th Autumn Daze Arts, a free crafts and music festival with over 100 vendors, food trucks, kettle corn, and live entertainment!

You'll also enjoy live music, comedy, artist tributes, magic, Broadway-style productions, and acrobatic acts at one of the many Branson shows. Spend some time at Shepherd's PumpkinFest at Shepherd of the Hills farm and enjoy a unique pumpkin patch experience with pumpkin bowling and other Branson family activities. Regardless, if your fall vacation is in need of a change of scenery this upcoming season, look no further than Branson, MO!

Still searching for affordable accommodations? Put Westgate Branson Lakes Resort on your radar as this resort provides the whole family comfort with rustic style and picturesque lakeside views. Read up on the best places to stay in Branson, MO.


Frequently Asked Questions

If you or those in your party enjoy vibrant fall foliage, corn mazes, seasonal festivals, pumpkin decorating, craft booths, great food, plus other fall activities and outdoor adventures, the answer is a resounding yes!

Expect fewer crowds in the fall season compared to the peak months of summer. Consider this a fantastic opportunity to cruise around the area and view the beautiful Branson lakes and other scenic destinations.

Table Rock Lake is the largest lake in Branson totaling 43,100 surface acres and 745 miles of shoreline. Perhaps this calls for a few giant inflatables!

Any time of the year is an affordable time to visit Branson, MO when you stay at Westgate Resorts! Explore Westgate Branson Woods Hotel and other Branson vacation packages.


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