The Small State Park Where You Can View The Best Fall Foliage In Texas
By Katie Lawrence|Published October 18, 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).
There are (surprisingly) quite a few state parks with fall foliage in Texas. One of my favorites is Martin Creek Lake State Park in Tatum because it’s criminally underrated. This woodland oasis features towering pines, meandering trails, a beautiful lake, and some of the most dazzling autumn hues you’ve ever seen. You’ll hardly believe you’re still in Texas!
Martin Creek Lake State Park is located in the small town of Tatum, just 20 miles southeast of Longview - but you'd never know it's so close to a relatively big city.
Peace and solitude abound in this little slice of heaven, where towering pine trees create a canopy within which visitors can take respite from the constant demands of everyday life.
The park is open year-round and offers such activities as fishing, camping, paddling, swimming, hiking, and biking.
Perhaps you'll admire the warm, seasonal hues while casting a line on the lake. The water is warm all year thanks to a power plant, and anglers can expect to catch largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, yellow catfish, tilapia, and sunfish.
If you don't enjoy fishing, the trails showcase the dazzling red, orange, and yellow colors just as well.
You can also visit the Facebook page for Martin Creek Lake State Park for updates about the status of this year's fall foliage.
Have you ever visited Martin Creek Lake State Park in the fall? Are there any other state parks with fall foliage in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our hiking packing list for everything you need to hit the trails in the park.
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