Here Are the Best Times and Places to View Texas’s Fall Foliage in 2025

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 at the forefront of our minds as fall approaches: "When do leaves change color in Texas?" Depending on what part of Texas you live in or are visiting, the peak fall foliage will arrive at different times. Knowing when it will happen will ensure your leaf-peeping adventures can go on without a hitch.

Fall begins on September 22 across the entire Northern Hemisphere, but fall in Texas doesn't truly get going until October. Around the beginning of October this year, the first hints of autumn foliage should start arriving in the Lone Star State. The leaves change first in West Texas and the Panhandle, so this may be 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 a fantastic time. The weather is perfect, the red canyon walls are stunning as ever, and the fall foliage will transport you into a gilded wonderland (especially when the sunlight hits just right).

Fall colors begin rearing their heads in East and Central Texas as we head into late October. Daingerfield State Park is one of my favorite late-October leaf-peeping spots. Trees surround an 80-acre lake, all dressed up in their finest reds, oranges, and yellows, and it's truly a spectacular sight to behold. A camera is certainly a necessity when visiting this Texas state park during peak fall foliage.

Of course, you can't talk about fall in Texas without mentioning Lost Maples State Natural Area. 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 the first couple of weeks of November.

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is such a hidden gem, especially during the fall. Japanese maples are known for their jaw-dropping autumn colors, which you can see from late October all the way through the end of November. This is one of the best places in Texas to see fall foliage.

Garner State Park is also a can't-miss leaf-peeping spot during this time. All throughout November, the trees lining the Frio River erupt in a brilliant display of warm colors that will fill your heart with joy. And another must-visit spot, albeit a bit underrated compared to the others mentioned, is Lake Bob Sandlin State Park in Pittsburg, Texas.

Once Halloween ends and November is upon us, the autumn hues start pushing further and further south. Early-to-mid November is your best bet for seeing the majority of Texas inspired by peak fall foliage. It's a view you don't want to miss because by the time late November rolls around, the fall foliage will start to be past peak in most of the state.

There you have it, folks — now you know the answer to the age-old question, "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? Send us a message through our nominations page, and check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List if you need ideas about what to bring on your autumnal adventures.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own fall trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.

Feature Image: Photo by Ken Slade via Flickr