Fall Colors in Harrison, Arkansas and the Ozark Mountains

Harrison, Arkansas and the Ozark Mountains surrounding the area come alive with brilliant vivid color in the fall months. Oranges, reds, yellows and greens dot the landscape with vibrant color. A relaxing drive up and down Harrison's many scenic highways will energize your visual senses with spectacular sights of the rolling hills and deep valleys of color.

Maplewood Cemetery (pictured above and to the right) is a must see while in Harrison, Arkansas with hundreds of mature Sugar Maple trees throughout the grounds. This peaceful colorful experience is enjoyed by families, tour groups, walkers and photographers alike. Maplewood Cemetery is one of the most photographed locations in the area during the Autumn color season.

When will the leaves be at their peak? This is the most asked question received! The Blackgum (red), Sassafras (red, orange, or yellow), Sweetgum (red, yellow, or purple), Red Maple (red, yellow, or orange), Dogwood (brownish red), Poison Ivy and Poison Oak (red), Virginia Creeper (red), Sumac (red), Buckeye (yellowish brown), Walnut (yellow) and American Wild Plum (yellow) are the first varieties to show color. These varieties of plants usually react strongly to fewer hours of sunlight as the fall days grow shorter the last of September or the first part of October.

It is hard to determine exactly when the peak color will occur. The majority of the Hardwoods will peak, depending on weather, anywhere between late September and late October. The state website www.Arkansas.com, with the help of their color spotters, provides visitors with a weekly Fall Color Update starting in late September and into the month of November.

The most popular way to enjoy Harrison and Ozarks' fall colors is to take a leisurely drive or motorcycle ride down the Scenic Highways, hike the many Ozark trails, canoe down the Buffalo National River, take a walk though Maplewood Cemetery or stroll along the banks of Lake Harrison. Whichever avenue you take, you will enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery the Ozarks has to offer.