Texas doesn't have a reputation for colorful fall foliage, but that doesn't mean you need to fly out of state to see autumnal hues.
Many Texas parks, including some near San Antonio, put on a fall show each year. Whether you want to make a short jaunt to the Hill Country or have a more distant location in mind, these Texas parks are all worthy destinations for an autumnal road trip.
25 Texas parks within driving distance of San Antonio where you can see the fall colors
By San Antonio Current Staff on Thu, Oct 26, 2023 at 1:39 pm
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Shutterstock / Richard A McMillin
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!
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!
Shutterstock / Silvio Ligutti
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.
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.
Shutterstock / Silvio Ligutti
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.
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.
Shutterstock / Silvio Ligutti
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.
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.
Shutterstock / Richard A McMillin
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 in the summer, you can visit for its awesome trails — 13 miles worth to be exact. Throughout the trails, both long and short, you can appreciate the fall foliage, often reflected in and enhanced by the Guadalupe river.
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 in the summer, you can visit for its awesome trails — 13 miles worth to be exact. Throughout the trails, both long and short, you can appreciate the fall foliage, often reflected in and enhanced by the Guadalupe river.
Shutterstock / Paul A Smith
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park, (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.
Big Bend National Park, (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.
Shutterstock / Daniel Koglin
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.
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.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
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 travel to this 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 travel to this park.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
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.
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.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
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. It’s not one of the larger parks on this list, 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.
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. It’s not one of the larger parks on this list, 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.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
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.
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.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
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 appreciate the serene lakeside views on the natural prairie. Even without spending time swimming in the lake, you’ll be able to have lots of fun and make your trip worthwhile.
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 appreciate the serene lakeside views on the natural prairie. Even without spending time swimming in the lake, you’ll be able to have lots of fun and make your trip worthwhile.
Shutterstock / Stanley Ford
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.
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.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
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.
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.
Shutterstock / Kushal Bose
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.
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.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
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.
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.
Shutterstock / G B Hart
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.
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.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Huntsville State Park
565 Park Road 40 west, (936) 295-5644, tpwd.texas.gov
About an hour outside of Houston, this park offers more than the region’s characteristic pine trees. Red maples, post oaks, mockernut hickories and other smaller trees grow under the pine canopy, providing striking flashes of fall color. Whether you’d like to fish or kayak on Lake Raven or go on a hike and study the park’s nature, there is something here for everyone.
565 Park Road 40 west, (936) 295-5644, tpwd.texas.gov
About an hour outside of Houston, this park offers more than the region’s characteristic pine trees. Red maples, post oaks, mockernut hickories and other smaller trees grow under the pine canopy, providing striking flashes of fall color. Whether you’d like to fish or kayak on Lake Raven or go on a hike and study the park’s nature, there is something here for everyone.
Photo via Instagram / marcusc_photo
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.
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.
Earl Nottingham
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.
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.
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