The Best Times And Places To View Fall Foliage In Texas

Fall is almost upon us, and while we may not see much in the way of temperature change here in Texas, the leaves definitely obey the unsaid rules of the season and change into some of the most vibrant, breathtaking colors you’ve ever seen. In our opinion? Autumn in Texas is completely, wildly underrated. We aren’t just a series of deserts and plains, y’all!

This state is stunningly lush and can be outrageously beautiful. It’s a true gem: one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for a bit of southwestern spice alongside your autumn color. This Smoky Mountains fall foliage map makes it easy for you to figure out when and where to head to Texas. Normally, the best time to view fall foliage in our state will be around early to mid-October, but that varies slightly depending on the region and the year. Take a look at the Texas fall colors map, plan your trip, and figure out when to see fall colors in the Lone Star State this season.

Steve Rainwater/Flickr

Here you can see how the fall foliage map helps folks to understand peak foliage in their state. In Texas, it tends to be a bit more difficult to nail down the absolute best spots to experience leaves changing color. Normally, they tend to show up later in the season as opposed to earlier. These five state parks and natural areas offer up some of the best ways to experience fall in Texas:

Flickr/trishzatx

Garner State Park is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in Texas. That's even more true in the fall, when cypress, oak, mesquite, and persimmon trees boast varying shades of the most vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows you've ever seen. There are 11 miles of trails, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to experience the scenery.

Garner State Park, 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838, USA

Flickr/gold41

Lost Maples is known across the state for having some of the most intense fall foliage and as one of the best places to see fall foliage in Texas. The Uvalde Bigtooth Maples show their colors in late October and early November, and most of the trees can be found on the East Trail. The leaves here are such a big deal that the park posts an annual fall foliage report that you can check before your trip to make sure you're going at the peak of the season. If by the time you click the link it hasn't been updated yet, check back often! The fine folks at the park service are great at keeping it up to date year to year.

Lost Maples State Natural Area, 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885, USA

tpwd.texas.gov

It's time to show north Texas some love. This state park has so many different ways to enjoy the Texas fall foliage - hiking, kayaking, picnicking, and taking a scenic drive are among them. Anytime between late October and late November will guarantee you a front-row seat to the show.

Daingerfield State Park Lake, Texas 75638, USA

Flickr/glamourschatz

Just an hour away from Fort Worth, this park offers more than just ancient dinosaur tracks - it's also a hub for breathtaking fall leaves. You can hike, bike, fish, camp, or all of the above from the end of October to the beginning of November to best experience the foliage.

Dinosaur Valley State Park, 1629 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043, USA

tpwd.texas.gov

Now we're headed over to east Texas, arguably the mecca of fall foliage in the state. From mid-October to mid-November, the sweetgum, hickory, and red maple trees follow the order of the season and change their leaves into a brilliant display of color. Hike, bike, fish, or simply gaze at the amazing spectacle surrounding the water.

Lake Bob Sandlin, Texas, USA

Will you be visiting Texas this year? Have you found the best state parks to visit, hike through, or fall in love with during the beautiful months of autumn? Let us know in the comments!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge in the autumnal beauty of Texas this year, folks. This fall colors map for Texas is a great roadmap for your autumn adventure in the Lone Star State!

Keep in mind that some of these places are on this fall foliage road trip in Texas. Maybe you’ll consider adding the rest, too.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Fall Colors Map for Texas

September 14, 2022

Sarah M.

What is there to do in Texas in the fall?

While the Lone Star State's summers are amazing, after months of heat and humidity, we're always happy for the arrival of fall in Texas. Autumn is a great time to go camping in Texas, especially in spots like the Big Bend National Park. You can also visit a fall festival, perhaps head to Barton Hill Farms for the day, or experience the stunning Texas fall foliage at Lost Maples State Natural Area. Autumn is Renaissance Festival season, and there should be no missing fun football games in the crisp fall air.

Where can I see the best fall foliage in Texas?

There's great fall foliage viewing all over Texas, but we would recommend visiting both state and national parks for the most intense viewing. Lost Maples State Natural Area, Daingerfield State Park, and Garner State Park tend to be some of the most popular. 

Why should I visit Texas in the fall?

The weather in Texas is arguably the best during the autumn season and it's also when and where folks who are looking for beautiful hiking opportunities and temperate camping should indulge. Texas is a cost-effective place to vacation, and you'll be hard-pressed to find kinder people. It's a true gem, made even more beautiful by way of a natural explosion of fall colors.