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, America!
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 annually released 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, plan your tip, and figure out when to see fall colors in Texas this season.
You can find the link to this fabulous, fabulous fall foliage prediction map right here. Happy adventuring!
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
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:
1. Garner State Park (Concan)
Garner State Park, 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838, USA
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.
2. Lost Maples State Natural Area (Vanderpool)
Lost Maples State Natural Area, 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885, USA
Lost Maples is known across the state for having some of the most intense fall foliage in the state and as a 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 updated year to year.
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.
4. Dinosaur Valley State Park (Glen Rose)
Dinosaur Valley State Park, 1629 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043, USA
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.
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.
Will you be visiting Texas this year? Have you found the best state parks to visit, to hike through, to fall in love with during the beautiful months of autumn?
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge in the autumnal beauty of Texas this year, folks. Check out the annual fall foliage map and plan your adventure! There’s no better time like the present.
Keep in mind that some of these places are on this fall foliage road trip. Maybe you’ll consider adding the rest, too!
The OIYS Visitor Center
When To See Fall Colors In Texas
August 31, 2019
Meghan Kraft
What is there to do in Texas in the fall?
Autumn is a great time to go camping in Texas, especially in spots like the Big Bend National Park. 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.
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
Love Texas?
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
