Texas may not be New England when it comes to seeing colorful fall foliage, but the Lone Star State still knows how to put on an autumn show.
From the rolling hills near San Antonio to scenic parks farther afield, plenty of Texas destinations burst into brilliant shades of red, orange and gold when the temperatures drop. Here are some of the best spots to hit the road and soak up the season’s colors — no plane ticket required.
Garner State Park
234 RR 1050, Concan, (830) 232-6132, tpwd.texas.gov
Garner is popular during summer for a reason — have you ever floated the Frio River? Even beyond summer, Garner is a must-see during fall. The foliage here actually changes, and with cooler fall weather and the silhouette of limestone mountain, Old Baldy, overlooking the park, it’s easy to forget you’re still in Texas!
Pedernales Falls State Park
2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, (830) 868-7304, tpwd.texas.gov
Right in the heart of Central Texas, Pedernales Falls offers plenty of ways to experience the beauty of nature — especially in the fall. In addition to camping, picnicking, geocaching, bird-watching and riding horses, there’s also plenty of fun to be had hiking the park’s trails.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
37221 FM 187, Vanderpool, (830) 966-3413, tpwd.texas.gov
If you’re a sucker for fall foliage, Lost Maples is a must-visit — especially if you don’t want to go too far from home. True to its name, this park is filled with bigtooth maples that flash their reddish orange leaves every fall. This natural area is perfect for hiking, so grab your camera and let the views here take your breath away.
Martin Dies Jr. State Park
634 Park Road 4a8 South, Jasper, (409) 384-5231, tpwd.texas.gov
This 705-acre recreation area is complete with nature spots where you can simply get lost in all the beauty of the park. The park offers a number of campsite options including a cozy cabin, making it a great spot for telling scary late-night campfire stories surrounded by lush towering trees.
Big Bend National Park Big Bend National Park
Multiple entrances, (432) 477-2251, nps.gov
You can’t list gorgeous places to visit in Texas and leave out Big Bend National Park, which is one of the state’s most beautiful parks at all times of year. Those seeking fall splendor should hike out to Cattail Falls at this time of year.
Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway
100 Park Road 71, Mineral Wells, (940) 328-1171, tpwd.texas.gov
Did you know that Lake Mineral Wells is the only state park in Texas that protects part of the Western Cross Timbers and Mineral Wells Trailway? Well, now you do. The park is also complete with an area for rock climbing, so you can reach new heights and take in the amazing scenery here.
Inks Lake State Park
3630 Park Road 4 W, Burnet, (512) 793-2223, tpwd.texas.gov
If you’re looking for hills, Inks Lake is worth the visit. With a variety of trees and plants – cedar, live oak, prickly pear cacti and yucca – the landscape here is absolutely gorgeous. North of Austin, Inks Lake is a prime spot to appreciate nature, which you can do while camping, backpacking, picnicking and hiking. Just make it a point to swing by the Devil’s Waterhole.
Daingerfield State Park
455 Park Road 17, Daingerfield, (903) 645-2921, tpwd.texas.gov
You’ll be up for quite a road trip if you head out to Daingerfield. This state park is located southwest of Texarkana, which is quite a drive, but provides top-notch views. With a range of fall colors found in the foliage, you’ll be enamored by the scenery here.
Cedar Hill State Park
1570 FM1382, Cedar Hill, (972) 291-3900, tpwd.texas.gov It’s not often we’ll throw out suggestions near Dallas, because, well … Dallas. But if you’re so inclined to head way up north, be sure to put Cedar Hill on your itinerary. This North Texas park is ideal for biking and hiking, and makes it a point to bring nature to the forefront. The park also lets you tour an old farm, so agriculture is also really essential to the vibe here.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
1629 Park Road 59, Glen Rose, (254) 897-4588, tpwd.texas.gov
Even on top of having a cool name, Dinosaur Valley State Park has a lot to offer. Aside from being able to catch some spectacular fall colors, visitors can check out the footprints of dinosaurs who left their tracks in the bed of the Paluxy River! Aside from that, there’s also hiking, biking, camping, and horse-riding.
Tyler State Park
789 Park Road 16, Tyler, (903) 597-5338, tpwd.texas.gov
There may be a lot of things to do within this state park, but the scenery alone is reason enough to make the trip up north. A 64-acre spring-fed lake, 100-foot-tall trees and historic structures can all be found here, and you’ll have a blast roaming around and taking it all in.
Cooper Lake State Park
1690 FM 3505, Sulphur Springs, (903) 945-5256, tpwd.texas.gov
Located in far north Texas, heading to Cooper Lake State Park will be quite a trek for San Antonians. Still, you’ll be able to enjoy lakeside camping, hiking, birding, horse-riding and just simply appreciate the serene views on the natural prairie. Even without spending time in the lake you’ll be able to have lots of fun and make your trip worthwhile.
McKinney Falls State Park
5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, (512) 243-1643, tpwd.texas.gov
McKinney Falls is a short drive north, located within Austin’s city limits at the confluence of Onion Creek and Williamson Creek. This spot is truly an escape from city life without being out in the sticks. There’s a hard-surface trail that’s perfect for wheels, or you can opt for a traditional, rugged hike. Though you likely won’t want to go for a swim, the beauty of the waterfalls are worth checking out too.
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
341 State Park Road 2117, Pittsburg, (903) 572-5531, tpwd.texas.gov
Within this park, where two ecoregions meet, you’ll be amazed by lots of different natural wonders. From massive trees and tall grasses to a variety of plants and animals, there’s a lot to take in here. You can find a variety of trees here that provide lush fall color, including oak, hickory, pine, dogwood, redbud and maple.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
400 Pine Canyon, Salt Flat, (915) 828-3251, nps.gov
Go almost as far as New Mexico and you’ll find yourself in this national park where lots of adventures await you. Consider it a bucket list item at any point of the year, but especially in the fall. The change in leaf colors will definitely be worth the trip. If you’re looking for something extra to really make your trip worthwhile, be sure to hit up the sand dunes.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
16710 Ranch Road 965, Fredericksburg, (830) 685-3636, tpwd.texas.gov
If you can’t go far from home, Enchanted Rock is a more than sufficient option for appreciating the beauty of Texas’ natural wonders. While the giant pink rock is usually the draw here, fall provides an extra bit of scenery here as much of the foliage changes colors. All in all, you’re in for a gorgeous landscape at Enchanted Rock.
Martin Creek Lake State Park
9515 Co Road 2181D, Tatum, (903) 836-4336, tpwd.texas.gov
Head to east Texas and you’ll be able to explore the 286 acres at this recreational area. Yup, it’s pretty small here, but you won’t need much space to appreciate the undisturbed wonder of the land. You can fish or walk the trails, or just simply sit back and enjoy the sunset making its way down over the lake.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, tpwd.texas.gov
Need an excuse to go on a road trip? Let Palo Duro be reason enough for you. Located in the Panhandle, this state park is home to the second-largest canyon in the U.S. The canyon’s cottonwood trees turn yellow in the fall, competing in brilliance with the reddish rock of the canyon.
Ray Roberts Lake State Park
100 P W 4137, Pilot Point, (940) 686-2148, tpwd.texas.gov
Surrounding this impressive lake are wooded equestrian and hiking trails. Sunsets are always breathtaking in Texas, but nothing beats the mesmerizing effect of watching a sunset over a lake, surrounded by several species of trees that close the fall season with a colorful bang.
Davis Mountains State Park
TX-118, Fort Davis, (432) 426-3337, tpwd.texas.gov
Spread across 2,709 acres, this state park offers a different type of view. Just as unbeatable as the fall sunset is the fall night sky. Up in the mountains you’ll be able to isolate yourself from the unnatural lights out in the world and take in the night sky. If you aren’t a night owl, equally impressive are this park’s yellow-leaved cottonwood trees.
Caprock Canyons
850 Caprock Canyon Park Road, Quitaque, (806) 455-1492, tpwd.texas.gov
Venture up to the Panhandle and you’ll be able to explore Caprock Canyons — where there’s miles and miles of open land. You won’t run out of things to do here, as you can camp and watch bison roam free. Yes, really. There are still splashes of fall color across this open landscape, though, thanks to the local population of cottonwood trees.
Blanco State Park
101 Park Rd 23, Blanco, (830) 833-4333, tpwd.texas.gov
A wildlife viewing station — which is exactly what it sounds like — can be found at this Central Texas park, along with cedar and pecan trees along the hills. If that sounds picturesque, that’s because it is. Bring a camera to take lots of photographs of this beautiful space.
Guadalupe River State Park
3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, (830) 438-2656, tpwd.texas.gov
A quick drive away and you’ll find yourself in Guadalupe River State Park. Though popular for its swimming hole, you can visit for its awesome trails — 13 miles worth to be exact. Throughout the trails, both long and short, you can score some awesome views that will have you in awe.
Galveston Island State Park
14901 FM3005, Galveston, (409) 737-1222, tpwd.texas.gov
You might not think to go to the coast any time besides summer, but Galveston Island is totally worth a trip this time of year. You’ll be able to hike, bike, paddle, fish and swim without melting in the sun. Now just wait until the sun goes down, you’ll be speechless.
Caddo Lake State Park
245 Park Rd 2, Karnack, (903) 679-3351, tpwd.texas.gov
Located in East Texas, Caddo Lake is all about wildlife and the natural lake. Camp, fish, paddle, hike and go boating here — whatever you may wish. All activities aside, the serene beauty of this park is reason enough to make it out here.