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Prepare for fall in Kansas City with this foliage forecast

Use these fall foliage predictions to plan your scenic drives in and around Kansas City this autumn.

Loose Park Fall photo KCtoday

Head to Loose Park for local foliage views.

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The question on everyone’s mind: When will Kansas City see peak fall colors?

Sweater weather is right around the corner, but we’ve still got a few weeks before Autumn officially starts on Sunday, Sept. 22. Now, with help from the Farmer’s Almanac, we’re crunching the leaves — ahem, dates — ahead of time so you know the best time to take a scenic hike, drive, or weekend vacay.

Your fall forecast

It’s going to be a vibrant one in Kansas City, with some of this year’s best leaf peeping projected to be in Missouri + eastern Kansas. Metro residents can expect peak colors at home from mid-October to early November:

  • The first yellow leaves may be spotted as soon as Sunday, Oct. 6-Thursday, Oct.10.
  • Orange and red leaves are expected to appear around Friday, Oct. 25-Monday, Oct. 28.
  • From Sunday, Nov 3. through Saturday, Nov. 9, you can expect to see red and brown, as the trees prepare for winter.
KCtoday_treehouse Airbnb

Sip your coffee on the porch in your coziest sweater. | Photo via Airbnb

Plan your seasonal staycation

There’s no shortage of local hiking trails or metro parks to admire Kansas City in the fall — but sometimes it’s best to get away. Enter your autumn Airbnb oasis.

  • Hidden treehouse | 1 hour NW from KC — Easton, KS | What better place to go leaf-peeping than a literal treehouse? Enjoy the view from its screened patio or explore its two miles of walking trails.
  • Overlook cottage | 40 minutes SW from KC — Lone Jack, MO | Opt for something cozier with this tiny home getaway, complete with romantic waterfront gazebo. Nearby hiking opportunities include Lone Jack Conservation Area and Powell Gardens.
  • Luxury cabin | 3+ hours from KC — Leasburg, MO | Experience its lush forests and riverbluffs with the whole family at this modern mega cabin. It’s not really roughing it when you have an outdoor movie projector.
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