The trees in our neck of the woods are just starting to show off and put on their finery for fall. We want to know where you think is the best place to to find the most fabulous fall foliage.

You can never go wrong when you go leaf peeping along the Mississippi River. Missouri's Division of Tourism puts the border around the Hannibal area on the top of its list of fall color sightseeing.

"In Hannibal, mix Mark Twain lore with the shades of fall. Take in the sweeping vista from Lover's Leap, a huge bluff just outside the city limits. Travel south along the Mississippi River, through Louisiana and Clarksville – both have expansive river views along with shops and restaurants." --visitmo.com

 

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The drive from Clarksville to Hannibal on Highway 79 is part of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. It jogs across the Mississippi and picks back up in Illinois where can see some magnificent views from Quincy to Nauvoo. Some people claim it's the greatest drive in America, stretching 3000 miles and covering ten states from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.

The Illinois tourism bureau claims that Bayview Bridge and Bicentennial Park in Quincy is one of the top six romantic sites in the state. According to its website, the area has "countless opportunities for couples to experience romantic moments. Bluff-top views, river sights, and charming B&Bs."

"Bicentennial Park in Quincy is the place to see Bayview Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge over the Mississippi River. Snap photos with the bridge as the backdrop or relax on a park bench and look out at the moving waters."  --enjoyillinois.com

If you're looking for leaf colors by boat, Mark Twain Lake is a great place to visit. You can also hike the Joanna Trail or Lick Creek Trail around the lake to explore it on foot or even by horseback.

The very peak of fall colors is predicted to hit around Oct. 19 in our area. Don't wait though. Once the peak is reached, the leaves won't hang around long, and their demise can be hastened by a storm or strong winds.

We'll leave you with the words of Nobel Prize winning novelist Albert Camus,

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."

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