Photo courtesy of TexasEagle/CC BY-NC 2.0.
As we get deeper into autumn, various spots across Texas will start showcasing vibrant fall foliage. Here’s where to find the best views.
Texas and jaw-dropping fall colors may not seem like an obvious pairing. After all, Texas seasons typically aren’t as varied and lengthy as, say, New England or the Pacific Northwest. Even so, there are quite a few beautiful sights across the state. We’ve gathered the top spots to find fall foliage in Texas.
For most of these places, the peak times to visit are between late October and late November. However, you might encounter fall foliage earlier in October or even pushing into December. Every year is a bit different—the Fall Foliage Map is a helpful guide for a given timeframe. It’s also often worth making reservations when applicable since areas like state parks can fill up faster in peak foliage season.
With that, let’s start hunting for some gorgeous nature!
1. Lost Maples State Natural Area
The word “maple” evokes lovely fall feelings, and Lost Maples delivers that vibe with abundant fall foliage. You’ll see red, yellow, and orange leaves on bigtooth maple and red oak trees, as well as wildflowers, canyons, and the peaceful Sabinal River. The highlight of the trails is a loop extending to the top of a 2,200-foot cliff that provides a gorgeous view. A bonus is that cell phone service isn’t available in the Lost Maples Natural Area. You can truly disconnect and enjoy the beauty around you.
Photo courtesy of bettyloulou70/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
2. McKinney Falls State Park
Only 13 miles from the Texas state capitol building in Austin, McKinney Falls offers no shortage of inspiring foliage. Onion Creek provides the “falls” part of the name as the water flows down limestone ledges and into pools. Nearly nine miles of trails offer picturesque views of the changing leaves, with bald cypress trees being the headliner. Gaze at Old Baldy, a tree that’s believed to be over 500 years old. Just think of all the autumns Old Baldy has seen!
3. Caprock Canyons
Head toward the Texas panhandle to soak in the rugged landscape of Caprock Canyons. You’ll likely spot buffalo roaming the plains, perhaps briefly convincing you that you’ve somehow fallen into the Oregon Trail computer game. Caprock Canyons also boasts 90 miles of trails and a barrage of bats in Clarity Tunnel, which is not as scary as it sounds. Of course, we’re here for fall foliage, and the yellow cottonwoods at the park do not disappoint.
4. Tyler State Park
Tyler is known for its extensive rose gardens, which are typically most bountiful in the spring and summer. You’ll still likely encounter some of the flowers en route to Tyler State Park in the fall, and you’ll definitely see a staggering variety of trees, many over 100 feet tall. Take in the Pineywoods and their unique maroon and gold colors on more than 13 miles of incredibly peaceful trails. Even if you don’t plan on fishing, stop by the lake for additional fall foliage indulgence.
Photo courtesy of Visit Tyler.
5. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
With a 9,000-acre lake, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to admire photo-worthy trees reflecting off the water at Lake Bob Sandlin State Park. The park is in the Post Oak Savannah area, the meeting point of two northeast Texas ecoregions, Piney Woods and Black Prairie. You’ll spot towering trees and a wide variety of animals and flora. If you want to try your hand at fishing, the stocked Trout Pond and Brim Pond look majestic, with colorful reds, oranges, and ambers in the background.
6. McKittrick Canyon
Tucked in the Guadalupe Mountains, the foliage at McKittrick Canyon is a unique experience. The extensive canyon walls protect the prickly pear cacti and century plants. And the Chihuahuan desert is a spectacular backdrop for leaves, which extends between vibrant reds, soft yellows, and dark browns. One word of warning: You might witness a black-tailed rattlesnake weaving in and out of the plants while you’re here. So, you know, keep your head on a swivel as you marvel.
7. Fort Worth Japanese Gardens
The Japanese Gardens are one of 19 destinations throughout the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens, but they’re your best bet for stunning foliage. Stroll through winding paths and over ponds stocked with more than 1,200 koi fish. Admire the cherry trees, Japanese maples, magnolias, and bamboo all around you. It’s a peaceful oasis amid one of the state’s largest metropolitan areas. This year, the Fall Japanese Festival takes place on November 2 and 3, bringing even more culture and history to the area.
8. Three Sisters Scenic Route
Are road trips your jam? Frio Canyon in Texas Hill Country sports a drive of about 100 miles. The Three Sisters loop consists of FM 335, 336, and 337 and is also known as the Twisted Sisters. You’re certainly welcome to sing “We’re Not Gonna Take It” while you pass through in homage to the band—which is only one Twisted Sister—though perhaps its cover of “Leader of the Pack” is more fitting. This route is popular among motorcyclists, so you might meet some cool people to tell you about their adventures. When the open road comes a-callin’, the scenery on this drive is tough to beat.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
