As the summer heat finally begins to fade, certain places in Texas transform into a sea of vibrant colors.
From the golden yellows to deep reds, the Lone Star State offers some of the most beautiful fall foliage you’ll ever see.
But where can you find these breathtaking views?
Don’t worry, you don’t have to travel to New England to soak in the season, we’ve got the perfect spots for you right here in Texas.
Keep reading to find out where to catch these stunning autumn scenes!
1. Garner State Park
Garner State Park is a magical place to visit in the fall and offers some of the best views of autumn foliage in the state.
You’ll find it in the Texas Hill Country, just a 1.5 hours drive west from San Antonio.
The park is famous for its vibrant display of colors as cypress, oak, mesquite and persimmon trees transform into brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow.
You can hike the 11 miles of trails, including the challenging Old Baldy Trail, which rewards you with stunning panoramic views of the colorful landscape.
The Frio River, with its crystal-clear waters, also adds to the park’s charm and is a perfect spot for kayaking or simply enjoying the serene surroundings.
2. Lost Maples State Natural Area
Lost Maples State Natural Area is a must-visit spot for leaf peepers and is found in the Texas Hill Country, just a 1 hour 45 minute drive from San Antonio.
This natural area is famous for its vibrant display of reds, oranges and yellows from the Uvalde bigtooth maples, especially from mid-October to mid-November.
With over 10 miles of hiking trails, you can explore scenic routes like the East Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the Sabinal River valley and the colorful landscape.
Besides hiking, the area also provides opportunities for camping, fishing and bird watching, making it a perfect fall getaway.
3. Caddo Lake State Park
Caddo Lake State Park is a mesmerizing spot to experience fall foliage, located near Karnack in the lush piney woods of East Texas.
The park is famous for its enchanting bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, which turn vibrant shades of orange and red during the fall months.
You can explore over 50 miles of paddling trails by canoe or kayak, which provides an excellent opportunity to experience the vibrant fall foliage from the water.
Hiking through the park’s trails, fishing or enjoying a peaceful boat tour are just a few of the many activities that make this park a fall favorite.
This place is pure magic and looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale.
4. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park in West Texas is a breathtaking destination year round but particularly in the fall, especially in the stunning McKittrick Canyon.
The canyon is often described as one of the most beautiful places in Texas during the autumn season.
From mid-October to mid-November, the park’s maples, oaks and ash trees burst into vibrant reds, oranges and yellows, creating a striking contrast against the desert landscape.
You can hike the scenic trails, such as the McKittrick Canyon Trail or the Devil’s Hall Trail, to immerse yourselves in this autumn beauty.
The park also offers opportunities for camping, wildlife watching and exploring its unique geological features, which include the fossilized reef and diverse desert landscapes.
5. Fort Worth Japanese Garden
The Fort Worth Japanese Garden, located in the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, is a stunning 7.5-acre oasis perfect for experiencing fall foliage.
It is renowned for its beauty, especially during the fall when the Japanese maples and other trees display vibrant autumn colors.
The trees provide a breathtaking backdrop for a leisurely stroll along its winding paths and serene ponds.
You can enjoy feeding koi fish, exploring the traditional tea garden and taking in the peacefulness of the zen garden.
The garden also hosts a Fall Festival which features cultural performances like taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations and traditional tea ceremonies.
6. Daingerfield State Park
Daingerfield State Park is another fantastic spot to enjoy the vibrant colors of fall, located in the piney woods of East Texas near the small city of Daingerfield.
This 500-acre park is famous for its stunning display of reds, oranges and yellows from the sweetgum and maple trees.
You can hike the Rustling Leaves Trail, a 2.4-mile loop around the serene Little Pine Lake, to fully immerse yourself in the autumn beauty.
Besides hiking, the park also offers activities like fishing, boating and camping, making it a perfect fall getaway for all.
7. Tyler State Park
Tyler State Park, located just north of Tyler, is a beautiful fall destination in the Piney Woods region.
This park is a vibrant oasis in autumn, with sweetgums, maples, dogwoods and oaks turning brilliant shades of yellow, red and orange.
You can explore the scenic 64-acre spring-fed lake by canoe or kayak, or hike the Lakeshore and Whispering Pines Trails for breathtaking views of the fall foliage.
The park also offers activities like fishing, camping, and picnicking so it’s the perfect spot for a fall family outing.
8. Dinosaur Valley State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park is a thrilling destination where you can experience fall foliage alongside ancient dinosaur tracks that are preserved in the Paluxy River bed.
It’s located in Glen Rose which is just an hour’s drive southwest from Fort Worth.
As you explore the park’s trails, you’ll be surrounded by a sea of orange, red, and yellow hues from cedar elms, sycamores and Texas red oaks.
The park also offers exciting activities like hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the season.
Don’t miss the chance to walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs along the Paluxy River, where well-preserved tracks that date back ~113 million years provide a peek into prehistory.
9. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, located in the Piney Woods of East Texas near Pittsburg, is a fantastic spot to enjoy the vibrant colors of fall.
From mid-October to mid-November, the park’s sweetgum, hickory and red maple trees transform into a stunning display of burgundy, gold, orange, red and yellow hues.
You can explore over three miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, or enjoy fishing for bass and catfish on the serene 9,000-acre lake.
The park also offers opportunities for camping, picnicking and wildlife watching so it’s a perfect fall getaway.
10. McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park is located just 13 miles from downtown Austin so it’s a fantastic spot to see the vibrant colors of fall whilst still being close to the city.
This stunning park is known for its breathtaking limestone waterfalls and the majestic bald cypress trees that turn brilliant shades of orange, red and yellow in late October and early November.
You can explore over nine miles of hiking trails, including paths that lead to the famous “Old Baldy,” which is a 500-year-old cypress tree.
The park also offers opportunities for camping, fishing and picnicking so you could easily spend an entire day here.
Whether you’re hiking along Onion Creek or taking in the stunning fall scenery, McKinney Falls State Park is a must-visit in the fall.
11. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is known for its stunning natural beauty, particularly during the fall when the foliage contrasts with the canyon’s red rock formations.
This natural wonder is located just a 30-minute drive from Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle.
Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” it features stunning red rock formations and vibrant fall colors as cottonwoods and sumacs turn golden yellow and fiery red.
You can explore over 30 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, with the 5.7-mile round-trip Lighthouse Trail being a must-see for its iconic rock formation.
The park also offers camping and picnicking areas so you could easily spend the day here.
12. Buffalo Bayou Park
Buffalo Bayou Park, located in the heart of Houston, is a vibrant urban green space perfect for enjoying fall foliage.
Spanning 160 acres, the park features many scenic trails where you can walk, bike or even kayak while surrounded by the colorful leaves of bald cypress, cottonwood and oak trees.
As you explore, you’ll find plenty of activities, from visiting the unique Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern to enjoying public art installations and picnicking in the lush gardens.
The park also offers one of the largest skateparks in the country, a dog park and boat tours, making it a fun destination for all ages.
It’s ideal if you’re located in Houston as you won’t even have to leave the city!
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