P & M Pumpkin Ranch

Typically October 15–October 31

Forty-seven miles of two-lane blacktop on K-177 between Council Grove and Cassoday, crossing the largest remaining stretch of unplowed tallgrass prairie in North America. Big bluestem and Indian grass turn copper and bronze through the Flint Hills by mid-October, limestone outcrops breaking up the open horizon. The Schrumpf Hill overlook south of Cottonwood Falls is the spot to pull over.

Don’t miss: Bluestem prairie turning copper · Schrumpf Hill overlook · Council Grove to Cassoday drive

Typically October 18–November 3

Cottonwoods and bur oak line the north shore of Clinton Lake at the edge of Lawrence, a reservoir formed by damming the Wakarusa River a few miles above its meeting with the Kansas River. Nearly 25 miles of shoreline trail loop through the color, and on calm October mornings the turning trees double themselves in the water.

Don’t miss: Cottonwoods along the shoreline · 25 miles of shoreline trail · Reflections on calm water

Typically October 24–November 7

Sandstone hills capped with blackjack and post oak rise above Elk City Reservoir in the Chautauqua Hills, a narrow belt of rougher country crossing the otherwise flat plains of southeastern Kansas. The Table Mound Trail climbs through the oak woods to a rock-rimmed overlook, with the blackjack oaks turning deep crimson into early November.

Don’t miss: Table Mound Trail overlook · Blackjack oak color · Elk City Reservoir shoreline

Color nearby peaks October 30 2026 forecast

A 1977 roadside stand grown into a third-generation mill whose country store stays open year-round for signature cider and apple cider donuts. Fall adds a 10-acre corn maze, pumpkins, pressing-barn tours, bluegrass and the Ciderfest weekends.

Don’t miss: Apple cider donuts · 10-acre corn maze · Pressing barn tours