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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

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.

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Photo via Instagram / kimdewolff

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.

Photo via Instagram / wanderbekah

Davis Mountains State Park
TX-118, Fort Davis, (432) 426-3337, tpwd.texas.gov
Nestled over 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.

Photo via Instagram / texanflower

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.

Photo via Instagram / texas_through_my_lens

Cedar Hill State Park
1570 FM1382, Cedar Hill, (972) 291-3900, tpwd.texas.gov
This North Texas park may be a bit of a road trip, but if you’re so inclined to head out that far, be sure to put it on your itinerary. Cedar Hill State 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.

Photo via Instagram / wilddancerphotos

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.