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 2024, 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 22 across the entire Northern Hemisphere, but fall in Texas doesn't truly get going until mid-October.
Around the middle of October, 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 stunning as ever, and the fall foliage will transport you into a gilded wonderland (especially when the sunlight hits just right).
As we head into late October, fall colors begin rearing their heads in East and Central Texas.
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.
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 mid-November.
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is such a hidden gem - especially during 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.
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.
Once Halloween ends and November is upon us, the autumn hues start pushing further and further south.
Mid-to-late November is your best bet for seeing the majority of Texas inspire with peak fall foliage. It's a view you don't want to miss.
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.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!