Fall Is Here And These Are The 11 Best Places To See The Changing Leaves In Texas
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Fall is our favorite time of year in Texas because not only is the temperature a bit more comfortable for exploring all of our beautiful scenery, but it’s also an opportunity for us to prove our state is more than just dust and tumbleweeds.
From riverside Hill Country parks to enchanting mountaintop trails, the following 11 places offer the most amazing autumn leaf spectacles in the state. Plus, we’ve included the peak time for each spot’s foliage so you can plan trips accordingly!
One of the most popular summertime destinations in the state, this versatile park pulls out all the stops when fall rolls around. Persimmon, oak, mesquite, and cypress trees come alive in a spectacle of vibrant yellows, reds, and oranges, and every trail provides a slightly different view. Mid-November tends to be when the leaves peak, so we'd highly recommend planning a trip around that time.
Anyone who's lived in Texas for at least a year can tell you that Lost Maples is THE place to be this time of year. It's located near Medina's Apple Store, so get the full fall experience by taking a hike before indulging in some homemade pie and ice cream. The best views can be found on the East Trail in late October through early November.
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Although the entire park boasts breathtaking fall leaves, but this short and sweet hike is by far the most efficient way to soak in the beauty. At only .9 miles long, the McKittrick Canyon trail takes less than an hour to complete (that means more time to takes lots of pictures!) Fall colors in West Texas tend to start showing up around mid-October and last until mid-November, so there's a fairly large window of time to make it out there.
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With a large lake covering much of the land, Daingerfield State Park has multiple options to immerse yourself in its foliage. Hike one of the many trails or take a canoe out on the water and marvel at oak, sweetgum, and cypress trees that have erupted in a colorful explosion. Early November is the best time to catch the trees at their peak.
Fall foliage tends to peak a tad later than usual at this East Texas park - around late November/early December. Definitely keep this one in mind for a last hurrah of sorts to send fall off with a bang!
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This underrated park deep in the Piney Woods is full of sweetgum, elm, hickory, and maple trees whose leaves transform into a myriad of autumn hues throughout the month of November. Fisherman especially enjoy the scenes - waiting for a bite can be an agonizing process, and it's nice to pass the time by looking at something pretty.
The Hill Country gets in on the fall action as well! Guadalupe River State Park has 13 miles of trails for visitors to marvel at the cottonwood, sumac, sycamore, and cypress trees. Admiring the stark contrast between the leaves and turquoise water below will make you feel truly grateful for our beautiful state.
Most people are surprised enough to learn how much lush greenery surrounds these red rocks, so seeing the leaves change during fall is just icing on the cake. Cottonwood trees turn a breathtaking yellow from mid-October to mid-November, and cooler temperatures will make the trip much more enjoyable than a summertime visit.
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Our favorite pink blob doesn't disappoint when it comes to autumn foliage! Gorgeous red, yellow, and golds line its base, standing out even more against the pale granite backdrop. If hiking up the Summit Trail is typically too grueling due to intense heat, give it a try in mid-November and see how you fare! The view from up top is even more stunning this season.
Not too far from Dallas lies this refreshing escape from city life. Whether you're just visiting for the day or plan on spending a few nights, late October has proven to see the most spectacular foliage.
Known to some as Palo Duro's younger brother, Caprock Canyons hold their own when it comes to changing fall leaves. From about mid-October to mid-November, the cottonwoods turn all kinds of yellow and elevate the park into a category all its own.
Have you ever visited any of these places during fall? What are some of your favorite spots to visit this time of year + the best time to go?
For more fall fun in Texas, check out our previous article: These 6 Fall-Themed Train Rides In Texas Will Have You Feeling Festive.
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