Let’s go on a drive today, Missouri! Carving out time for a long, leisurely drive doesn’t always mesh with our busy schedules. Long gone are the days of weekly Sunday drives through the country, at least for most of us. But when autumn arrives, however, we’ve got the perfect excuse to spend an hour or two just admiring the fall foliage. This one-hour drive through Missouri along the Sugar Camp Scenic Byway is an ideal way to see the beautiful fall colors.

Many a movie and television show has started with the clarion call, "Road Trip!"
All Trails/Michael S.
So we're getting ready to roll down the windows to allow the crisp autumn air to filter in as we begin our 28-mile drive along the Sugar Camp National Forest Scenic Byway.
The scenic byway consists of approximately eight miles of paved roads with the following 20 miles taking you down dirt and gravel roads.
Trip Advisor/Katyspain
Together, they wind you through the breathtaking Mark Twain National Forest.
Be sure to bring your camera along!
All Trails/Michael S.
The Byway will lead you through some of the area’s most stunning and colorful fall foliage in Missouri.
One perk is that you won’t find too much traffic along the road.
All Trails/Michael S.
That gives you more brain power to spend on the sweeping views of hills, valleys, and the Ozark Mountains drenched in the colors of fall.

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While 28 miles isn’t a particularly long drive, you might want to allow some time to get out of the car.
Facebook/U.S. Forest Service – Mark Twain National Forest
In addition to stretching your legs, you'll get to admire the scenic views. (Can you think of a better backdrop for family photos or selfies?)
If you’ve got plenty of time, bring along a picnic lunch.
Trip Advisor/Katyspain
Sugar Camp Tower and Onyx Cave are both popular stops along the route.
If you have time, you can also explore more of the Mark Twain National Forest.
All Trails/Michael S.
Table Rock Lake and Roaring River State Park are both within easy driving distance of the scenic byway, too.
Yellow, daffodil, mustard, lemon...whatever you call these colors, they are amazing!
Facebook/U.S. Forest Service – Mark Twain National Forest

To learn more about the Sugar Camp National Forest Scenic Byway, visit the USDA Forest Service website.

Would you agree that this is among the best roads to enjoy the fall colors in Missouri? What is your favorite scenic drive through Missouri? Join the conversation in the comments!

Have time for another fall foliage road trip? Then, pack your bags and hit the highway for this itinerary to experience Missouri like you’ve never seen it before!

If you’d like to explore hikes along the Sugar Camp Scenic Byway, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

If you’re still in the mood for more Show Me State adventures, take a look at this video:

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More to Explore

More to Love about Missouri

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | August 04, 2023

What are some other road trips in Missouri?

  • Natural Wonders Road Trip - This trip goes from the Devil’s Icebox Trail to 10 different natural wonders and ends at the Marvel Cave in Ruth C. Township.
  • Most Picturesque Water Mills Road Trip - This trip goes from the Dillard Hill State Historic Site to five different mills and ends at the Hodgson Water Mill in Dawt Township.
  • Haunted Places Road Trip - This trip goes from Jesse James' Birthplace in Kearney to nine different haunted places in Missouri and ends at the Peace Church Cemetery in Joplin.

Read on to learn more about other great road trips in Missouri.

Where can we find hiking trails in Missouri?

  • The Klondike Park Trail meanders through a former quarry and offers scenic views of the Missouri River.
  • The Bell Mountain Loop Trail in Belleview is for more advanced hikers due to its 11.6-mile length but the views of the surrounding oak forested hills are worth it.
  • The Clifty Creek Nature Area Trail in Dixon is a 2.5-mile loop trail that passes by beautiful limestone rock formations along some moderately rocky terrain.

Read on to learn about some of the many other great hiking trails in Missouri.

Where can we find historical sites in Missouri?

  • Graham Cave in Montgomery County is a Native American archeological site located inside of the 356-acre Graham Cave State Park.
  • The National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City pays homage to those who served in World War I.
  • The Anheuser Busch Brewery in St. Louis, opened in 1852 by Adolphus Busch, consists of 189 structures on 142 acres.

Read on to learn more about the many other fascinating historical sites in Missouri.

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Sugar Camp National Forest Scenic Byway (recgovnpsdata), Eagle Rock, MO 65641, USA