Texas isn’t known for its fall season. With a long summer season that seems to turn to winter rather quickly, autumn only lasts a few weeks out of the year in the Lone Star State. Although Texas’ autumn is short, there are still a few great parks to visit during fall to embrace the cooler weather and admire stunning fall colors from the changing leaves. Plan your next fall getaway at these top Texas parks that offer great views of fall foliage, and consider staying in a cabin to get the whole fall experience.
Lost Maples State Natural Area, Vanderpool
Lost Maples State Natural Area is the most popular state park in Texas to visit during the fall months. The changing maple leaves, which turn red, orange, and yellow, draw crowds to this state park during autumn. The Uvalde bigtooth maples don’t start changing color until late October or early November, so plan a trip during that time to catch peak foliage colors. The East Trail is where most of the park’s maple trees are, so choose to take a hike on this trail to view the best of Lost Maples State Natural Area’s changing fall foliage.
Daingerfield State Park, Daingerfield
The oak, sweetgum, and cypress trees found at Daingerfield State Park turn yellow, red, and orange during autumn. You can see the fall foliage on a scenic drive within the park or take a hike on the many miles of trails here. Daingerfield State Park is home to Little Pine Lake, which offers excellent views of fall foliage from the trees that line the lake’s banks. Take a kayak out on the lake to view fall colors reflected on the lake’s surface for some true solace.
Garner State Park, Concan
Garner State Park draws loads of people annually due to its beautiful scenery. This popular Texas state park is a great spot to visit during fall when the trees start to change and the forest comes alive with color. The mesquite, persimmon, oak, and cypress trees are the ones to look for during fall since they change from green to beautiful yellow, red, and orange hues. The scenic overlook along the Frio River is a popular spot to view stunning fall foliage in Garner State Park.
Tyler State Park, Tyler
One of the best things to do in Tyler is the Tyler State Park, a fall oasis where the maples, sweetgums, dogwoods, and oaks change during autumn. For the best views of fall foliage, take a hike or choose to explore the 64-acre lake by canoe or kayak. Treks on the Lakeshore Trail or the Whispering Pines Trail are two options to view the best fall foliage that Tyler State Park offers. Head to Tyler State Park during late November or early December to catch peak fall foliage here.
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, Pittsburg
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park is another East Texas park that will guarantee great views of changing fall foliage. Here, sweetgum, elm, hickory, and maple trees bring color to the forests and the shores along with Lake Bob Sandlin. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park has both great hiking and mountain biking trail options that are sure to boast views of fall leaves. However, the lake here is the park’s focal point, so fishermen should enjoy the colorful views along the banks while fishing for bass and catfish.
Guadalupe River State Park, Spring Branch
Even the journey to Guadalupe River State Park will reward you with great views of fall foliage. Once inside the park, however, explore the area through the 13 miles of hiking and biking trails. When it comes to the changing leaves, it shouldn’t be hard to pinpoint the yellow cottonwoods, bright red sumacs, orange sycamore, and cypress trees. Barred Owl Trail is an easy and short hiking trail that leads to a scenic overlook. Take this trail to view the Guadalupe River and the colorful trees that line its bank.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon
Home to Palo Duro Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a must-visit no matter what time of year. However, the cooler temperatures and the changing leaves during autumn make visiting this Panhandle park more enjoyable. The cottonwood trees are what you should look for here since they turn a brilliant yellow in fall. Experience the area by a scenic drive, a horseback ride, mountain biking, or hiking.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is one of two national parks in the state. This area boasts incredible hiking trails with stunning mountain views and is home to the state’s highest peak. During the autumn season, McKittrick Canyon Trail is the hiking trail to take to catch impressive views of fall foliage. Maple, oak, and ash trees along the McKittrick Canyon Trail create a dazzling fall scene during late October and early November.
