Eureka Springs Fall foliage

Summer is still going strong but, with autumn waiting in the wings, now is a great time to plan your Eureka Springs fall foliage getaway. Eureka Springs offers the perfect escape for anyone looking to experience the Ozarks’ breathtaking canvas of autumn.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is an ideal location for viewing fall foliage. The city is known for its historic charm, winding streets, and Victorian architecture that is picturesque all year ’round. With the addition of autumn’s vibrant display of colors, however, picturesque becomes breathtaking.

5 Ojo, our Eureka Springs Inn, is nestled on a wooded lot atop the highest peak inside city limits. This means you don’t need to go anywhere to enjoy a limitless vista of fall colors. Further, our convenient location also allows you to easily explore the area. Why, downtown is just a short stroll or trolley ride away. Even farther flung destinations are easily accessed from town, typically along pleasant, Ozark mountain roads.

Below are a few of the top places and ways to take in that lush, Eureka Springs fall foliage.

The Best of Eureka Springs Fall Foliage

fall leaves on the boardwalk
Take in the season’s bright colors
with a relaxing walk or hike

Lake Leatherwood City Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience fall colors. This 1,600-acre park is home to a spring-fed lake, surrounded by a forest. Trees that burst into a symphony of reds, oranges, and yellows as the season progresses. The park’s trails, ranging from easy to moderate, offer stunning views of the foliage. For a particularly scenic experience, take the Beacham Trail. This popular trail loops around the lake, providing reflections of the fall colors in the water.

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for big cats and other wildlife, offers a unique way to enjoy the fall foliage. The refuge’s elevated location provides sweeping views of the surrounding forests, making it a picturesque spot to appreciate the changing leaves while seeing majestic animals up close. 

Hobbs State Park, Arkansas largest state park, has 12,000 beautiful acres to explore. For fall colors, Pigeon Roost Trail, a 9.5-mile loop with stunning vistas of the Ozarks is a favorite. The Van Winkle Trail offers a shorter trek, infused with history and beautiful autumn scenery.

Beaver Lake, located just west of Eureka Springs, is another prime spot for fall color viewing. The lake’s clear waters mirror the surrounding forests, creating a stunning contrast of spectacular fall foliage against the blue water. War Eagle Trail offers a moderate hike with beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding bluffs, making it an excellent choice for leaf-peeping.

Beaver Lake in autumn
Fall on Beaver Lake

Pig Trail Scenic Byway is an iconic route with some of the best views in the region, for those who prefer the comfort of their car. This 19-mile stretch of Highway 23 winds through the Ozark National Forest, with several points where you can stop and take in the scenery.

And Home Again

Eureka Springs and its surrounding areas are a haven for anyone looking to experience the beauty of fall. Whether you’re hiking through the woods, visiting a wildlife refuge, or enjoying a scenic drive, the area’s vibrant colors are sure to leave you in awe.

After a day of exploring, return to 5 Ojo, Eureka Springs’ only 4-star, historic inn. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply someone who enjoys the crisp, cool air of autumn, a fall visit to Eureka Springs is not to be missed.  Book your Eureka Springs fall foliage getaway today!