The weather in Texas is notoriously unpredictable, which means — across much of the state, anyway — we never really know when that first cold front will arrive to mark the unofficial start of autumn. One thing that never changes, however, is the stunning fall foliage and a plethora of festive activities to enjoy during the harvest season. In no particular order, here are 12 of the most beautiful fall getaways in Texas.

1. Garner State Park (Concan)
Garner State Park, 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838, USA
Flickr/Kelly Harris
If you're wondering about the best cities to visit in fall, Concan is definitely one of them. This slice of paradise on the Frio River is the most popular state park in Texas for overnight camping. While summer is the busiest season by far, autumn has its own unique reasons to visit -- namely, the unparalleled foliage. Trees line the riverbanks, showcasing their brilliant hues for all to see. More information about Garner State Park in our previous article.
2. Lost Maples State Natural Area (Vanderpool)
Lost Maples State Natural Area, 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885, USA
TripAdvisor/Andrey N.
Easily the most iconic fall foliage destination in Texas, Lost Maples is a truly magical place. When fall arrives, the bigtooth maples erupt in a spectacular display of warm, yet eye-popping colors guaranteed to leave you awestruck. Ten miles of trails wind through the park, including one that ascends a 2,200-foot tall cliff and provides sweeping panoramas of the forest terrain. More information about Lost Maples State Natural Area in our previous article.
3. Tyler State Park (Tyler)
Tyler State Park Lake, Texas 75706, USA
TripAdvisor/M J
Tyler might be a fairly large city, but its state park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day. While the spring-fed lake and 13 miles of trails are bucket-list-worthy year-round, the autumn colors add an extra special sense of wonderment. More information about Tyler State Park in our previous article.
4. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park (Pittsburg)
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, 341 State, Park Rd 2117, Pittsburg, TX 75686, USA
TripAdvisor/M J
Many people have never even heard of Pittsburg, Texas, but this tiny town is among the best leaf-peeping spots in the state. Towering trees that appear to tickle the clouds show off their most vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges come fall. More information about Lake Bob Sandlin State Park in our previous article.
5. Daingerfield State Park (Daingerfield)
Daingerfield State Park Lake, Texas 75638, USA
TripAdvisor/Ibrahim Dousky
Pines, oaks, dogwoods, and more lush tree varieties define this lesser-known state park nestled deep in East Texas. Take an easy stroll around the 80-acre lake or challenge yourself on a 1.2-mile hike leading to the highest point in the park -- either way, you're in for some pretty incredible views. You can access more information about Daingerfield State Park in our feature article.
6. Davy Crockett National Forest (Ratcliff)
Davy Crockett National Forest, Texas 75847, USA
TripAdvisor/Camy G.
Nothing quite compares to the certain blissful solitude that only nature can provide, and there's plenty of it to be found in the Davy Crockett National Forest. During fall, the crisp air and brightly-colored leaves blanketing the forest floor make for a peaceful, breathtaking scene. More information about Davy Crockett National Forest in our previous article.

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7. Sam Houston National Forest (New Waverly)
Sam Houston National Forest, Texas 77358, USA
TripAdvisor/Bob M.
Spanning over 160,000 acres, the Sam Houston National Forest is a vast wooded landscape that allows for near-endless exploration. Walk among the trees on the 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail, which meanders through the trees. No matter which section of the trail you embark on, rest assured the scenery is simply unparalleled during autumn. You can read about the Sam Houston National Forest on the USDA Forest Service website.
8. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Dell City, TX 79847, USA
Flickr/Visit El Paso
Not many people associate West Texas with colorful autumn blooms, but you'll find just that -- in abundance, actually -- at Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The short-and-sweet McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail is under a mile long and showcases the stunning foliage in all its glory. It just might be the best place to visit in Texas in October! More information about Guadalupe Mountains National Park in our previous article.
9. Martin Dies Jr. State Park (Jasper)
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park, 634 Park Rd 48 S, Jasper, TX 75951, USA
TripAdvisor/dastagg
We have covered this underappreciated state park, but its beauty during the harvest season deserves a spotlight. Paddling the Angelina and Neches Rivers with striking hues in all directions is an experience whose splendor cannot be overstated.
10. Davey Dogwood Park (Palestine)
Davey Dogwood Park, 4205 N Link St, Palestine, TX 75803, USA
TripAdvisor/dgs331
This 254-acre park is named after the Dogwood tree, which blooms in early spring. It's an amazing spectacle, but the equally gorgeous fall foliage deserves some recognition, too. The leaves usually hit their peak in November, and eight miles of trails allow for a peaceful stroll amidst the vivid colors.
11. Love Creek Orchards (Medina)
Love Creek Orchards/The Apple Store, 14024 TX-16 N, Medina, TX 78055, USA
TripAdvisor/Leigh A.
Hiding in the small Hill Country town of Medina, Love Creek Orchards is a quintessential autumn destination. Their bakery churns out some of the best apple pie in Texas, as well as apple ice cream (with real fruit chunks!) and a slew of other treats. Don't miss out on their pumpkin patch, which will be held on select dates in October. More information about Love Creek Orchards in our previous article.
12. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden (Dallas)
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218, USA
Facebook/Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Each fall, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden transforms into an enchanting pumpkin wonderland. Through November 1, more than 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash blanket almost every inch of the grounds. Guests can enjoy an array of festive activities like a hay bale maze, live music, cooking demonstrations, and -- of course -- an epic pumpkin patch. For more information about Autumn at the Arboretum read our feature article.

How many of these best places to visit in Texas in October have you checked off your fall bucket list? Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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More to Explore

Fall Getaways in Texas

Katie Lawrence | August 16, 2022

What is the best place to visit in Texas in October?

While the Lone Star State has no shortage of bucket-list-worthy fall destinations, if we had to pick just one best place to visit in Texas in October, it would be the Dallas Arboretum. Each year, the arboretum holds its annual Autumn at the Arboretum fall festival, which transforms the gardens into an autumn wonderland complete with nearly 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash. Exact dates vary from year to year, but the event typically begins in mid-September and runs through the end of October. It's truly a fairy tale come to life, so make plans to visit this season!

What are the best pumpkin patches in Texas?

Of all the best pumpkin patches in Texas, one of our favorites has to be Dewberry Farm. Located in Brookshire, just an hour west of Houston proper, this sprawling autumn oasis comes alive with festivities during fall. The pumpkin patch sits on multiple acres of land, featuring hundreds of pumpkins that are each unique in their own special way. Take a free hayride out to the patch, pick a couple of pumpkins, then ride back to the main farm to keep the fun going all day long. Other activities include a train ride, corn maze, and lots of delicious food.

Where are the best places to see fall foliage in Texas?

One of the best places to see fall foliage in Texas is – surprisingly — Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Most people don't associate autumn leaves with the desert, but some of the higher-elevation trails in the park showcase spectacular seasonal splendor. In particular, the McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail features especially breathtaking fall scenery — and the best part is that it's under a mile long!

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