We have a long list of reasons to visit the Crescent Hotel in the fall, but we are giving you the scoop on our best-loved activities for any Eureka Springs visitor during autumn. From stunning foliage to seasonal festivals, you won’t want to miss out on Creating Lifetime Memories with these fun fall favorites.
Local Food & Seasonal Drink
It wouldn’t be fall without the warm and cozy menu additions at local eateries. At the Hotel, The Crystal Dining Room has a special War Eagle breakfast buffet featuring products of the Ozarks made at the nearby War Eagle Mill.
Around town, visit our local breweries (Eureka Springs Brewery & Got A Hold Brewing) for special autumn offerings.
Guests of the hotel can enjoy the best views in town from our 4th floor. At Skybar Gourmet Pizza or across the hall try Theodora’s Surprise (featured cocktail with Ghost Pepper Vodka) & a Colossal Cupcake while watching the sun set below the brilliant mountainside at Top of the Crest.
Fall Tasting Tip: Try a flight of Oktoberfest regional craft beers on special at Skybar Gourmet Pizza
Perfect Hiking Weather
One of the most magical aspects of fall is the stunning blend of colors that trees criss-cross the hillsides both in town and off the beaten path. What better way to get up close and personal with nature than a fall hike?
The Leatherwood Loop Trail stretches 4.2 miles in length and leads you around the stunning Lake Leatherwood. If you’re interested in a full day of hiking, Lake Leatherwood Park has many fabulous interwoven trails such as the Beacham Trail, which connects to the Leatherwood Loop. Take a look at the Lake Leatherwood map to see all of the park trails!
For a short and sweet hike, head to the Black Bass Lake Trail. Enjoy views of Black Bass Lake which is surrounded by stunning bluffs and towering pines. One of the most scenic trails in Eureka Springs, We suggest packing a picnic and enjoying it at the picnic table area near the entrance to the hike!
The Kings River Overlook Trail is a short, easy hike to a spectacular view. The trailhead is a bit of a challenge to get to, but once there, the trail is just a short out-and-back trail to get the scenery.
Winding Mountain Drives
Take a scenic drive, whether by car or motorcycle. The winding mountain roads in the fall are absolutely stunning. Two options from Eureka Springs and traveling through the Ozark National Forest include:
Head south and travel to the Buffalo River Region and visit Ponca. It’s rut season for the elk and as fall air temps cool, the bulls begin bugling which makes for great wildlife watching opportunities.
WHERE TO FIND ELK: In the fields of the Boxley Valley along Highway 43, south of Ponca. Also, on Highway 21, from the Hwys 43 & 21 junction, and south toward the Buffalo River Trail trailhead.
Head North to the Mark Twain National Forest. Stop at Roaring River State Park to feed the trout, have a picnic lunch, or visit the nature center to learn about the park.
There are endless road trip possibilities in and around Eureka Springs; you just have to get here to experience them at the height of their glory this fall!
Day Trip Tip:
War Eagle Mill is just a short 26-mile scenic drive from the hotel. See a working gristmill demonstration and have lunch.
Fall Festivals & Events in Eureka Springs
If you’re looking for other reasons to come to Eureka Springs this fall, our events calendar is packed with several great ideas:
- 51st Annual Antique Autos in the Ozarks—September 10th
- Corvette Weekend—September 30th-October 2nd
- Hillberry Music Festival—September 29th-October 2nd
- War Eagle Mill Craft Fair–October 13th-16th
- 75th Annual Original Ozark Folk Festival—November 11th-14th
Fall Resort Activities
The Crescent Hotel’s resort hosts have a long list of activities and events for the fall season. Fun happenings include:
- Under the Crescent Moon Series – Evening Concerts/ Movies in the Fountain Garden (9/22, 10/6, 10/20, 10/27 – Details to come.)
September 22nd Evening Concert on the Lawn with the Vagabonds–Get Tickets - Crescent Campout with the Kids – 9/24
- Fall Festival in Frisco Sporting Club – 11/5
- Folk Festival Candle Concert – 11/10
Nearby Outdoor Adventures
Get up close to the show of colors with a zip-lining experience at Ozark Mountain Ziplines. You’ll zip through the hardwood forest from up to 300+ feet high. View the trees and limestone cliffs on an exhilarating ride.
Dogwood Canyon stretches over 10,000 acres on the Missouri-Arkansas border. You’ll find exceptional views of the Ozark Mountains while hiking, fishing, taking a Segway tour, biking, horseback riding, or a wildlife tram tour
Blue Spring Heritage Center is considered a sacred space by multiple Native American tribes, the springs circulate 38 million (yep, you read that right!) gallons of water each day. Feeding trout from the dock, circling through the medicinal gardens, and exploring the shelter bluff create an environment for tranquility.
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a 459-acre wildlife refuge for abused, abandoned, and neglected big cats. The refuge houses over 100 animals including lions, tigers, cougars, and bears.
Head underground to one of our area caves and caverns. See a vast array of living formations – like domes, fossils, waterfalls, and soda straws.
Eureka Springs transforms into a magical place in the fall covered with vibrant colors and cooler temperatures. The pace becomes a little slower and you can take things at a leisurely pace. Make your plans now to visit the Crescent Hotel this fall and book your stay today.
The Eureka Springs Fall Foliage website is the authority on all things fall in Eureka Springs.