Enjoy Fall in the Beautiful Ozarks!

Fall in the Ozarks is a special time of year. The temperatures begin to cool. The hills that make up the beauty of the Branson area burst with the colors of autumn. It is a time of year not to be missed. A warm fall day is perfect for a boat ride on Table Rock Lake. Summer lake days are for finding a cove, dropping anchor, and floating around for hours in the sunshine. Fall, on the other hand, lends itself to longer boat rides.

After Labor Day, Table Rock Lake will be quieter. The calmer water provides a great ride to explore the further ends of the lake. Table Rock Lake has over 800 miles of shoreline; that’s more than California! It can take hours, maybe even days to explore the entire lake. Did you know that Table Rock Lake reaches into Arkansas at its southernmost two points? These areas to the east and west, are over an hour apart by land and are not connected by water.

We recommend renting one of our pontoon boats and heading out towards the eastern end of Table Rock Lake. This area of the lake will take you by Table Rock Dam. Completed over 60 years ago, it dammed the White River creating Table Rock Lake. Today, you can boat by the dam and explore the Dewey Short Visitor’s Center located nearby. The visitor’s center does have courtesy boat parking. Click here to check the operating schedule.

Continuing southeast, you will pass the Showboat Branson Belle, State Park Marina, and Big Cedar Lodge. Big Cedar Lodge is another fun spot for a stop. Past their guest’s only gas dock, you will find courtesy boat parking. Just outside the marina store entrance there is a phone to call for the property’s shuttle. The shuttle can take you to one of the restaurants or the ice cream and coffee shop on property. The grounds around Big Cedar Lodge are beautiful for simply strolling along as well.

At the Big Cedar cove, you are almost to Arkansas! Between points 3 and 4 is the Arkansas state line. You will see a sign on the shoreline marking that you have crossed states. It is in this area that you will notice Table Rock Lake begins to look more like a river. The hills transition to rock bluffs and the water channel becomes narrower.

By now, you are getting close to the Cricket Creek section of Table Rock Lake. Local fishermen, amateurs, and professionals alike, seek out the narrow ends of Table Rock to drop their line. We bet you will pass several anglers as you travel along in this area. Cricket Creek Marina is a good point to stop, maybe stretch your legs and refuel the boat. From here, it is time to turn and head back towards Branson, Indian Point or Kimberling City. It is not possible to make a loop along Table Rock Lake, so you’ll be heading back the same route you came, but we promise you’ll enjoy the fall scenery and catch some sights you missed on your way to Cricket Creek.

Here are some resources to help you plan a day of fall boating on Table Rock Lake: Boat Rentals