Here Are The Best Times And Places To View Texas' Fall Foliage In 2023
By Katie Lawrence|Published September 05, 2023
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Fall is definitely my favorite season – what about you? As the days grow shorter and a crisp breeze infiltrates the air, it’s time to answer the burning question that’s at the forefront of all of our minds as fall approaches: “When do leaves change color in Texas?” Luckily, thanks to the Smoky Mountains Texas fall foliage map 2023, we don’t have to play guessing games all season long. The interactive map makes it easier than ever to figure out exactly when fall foliage will arrive all across Texas, ensuring your leaf-peeping adventures can go on without a hitch.
Fall begins on September 23 across the entire Northern Hemisphere, but fall in Texas doesn't truly get going until mid-October.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Dell City, TX 79847, USA
Around October 16 is when the first hints of autumn foliage will start arriving in the Lone Star State. The leaves change first in West Texas and the Panhandle, so this is a great time to plan a trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
If you've always wanted to visit the iconic Palo Duro Canyon State Park, mid-October is also a fantastic time.
The weather is perfect, the red canyon walls are are stunning as ever, and the fall foliage will transport you into a gilded wonderland (especially when the sunlight hits just right).
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As we head into the week of October 23-30, fall colors begin rearing their heads in East and Central Texas.
Daingerfield State Park, 455 Park Rd 17, Daingerfield, TX 75638, USA
Daingerfield State Park is one of my favorite late-October leaf-peeping spots. An 80-acre lake is surrounded by trees all dressed up in their finest reds, oranges, and yellows, and it's truly a spectacular sight to behold.
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Of course, you can't talk about fall in Texas without mentioning Lost Maples State Natural Area.
Lost Maples State Natural Area, 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885, USA
Located in the small town of Vanderpool, this state park is arguably the most iconic fall foliage destination in the state. The leaves start changing in late October, but the true peak of the season isn't until mid-November.
Mid-to-late November (somewhere around November 13-20) is your best bet for seeing the lake's iconic cypress trees donning their autumn attire.
There you have it, folks. Thanks to our friends over at Smoky Mountains, you won’t need to Google “When do leaves change in Texas?” this year.
Where will you go leaf-peeping this fall in Texas? What are your favorite things to do during harvest season in the Lone Star State? Tell us in the comments, and check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List if you need ideas about what to bring on your autumnal adventures.
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