The Dallas-Fort Worth area has no shortage of beautiful parks that show vibrant shades of yellow, red, and orange during fall. North Texas is blessed with an impressive variety of trees, which includes Shumard red oaks and bur oaks turning red and bronze. Plenty of maples grow in the area as well, including autumn blaze maples, which truly deserve their name.
When is the best time to see fall foliage near Dallas
Fall colors usually start to show in North Texas in October and reach their peak in the last two weeks of the month. It's still possible to see some impressive displays in early and even mid-November. On higher elevations fall usually arrives earlier than in the lower areas.
Where to see fall colors in and near Dallas
Urban parks and gardens
When colder temperatures arrive in Dallas, it's time to check out some urban parks and gardens for brilliant colors. Japanese maples are among the most beautiful trees in the fall. Dallas Arboretum boasts quite a variety of maple trees, but the most spectacular colors can be seen at the Japanese Garden at Fort Worth Botanic Garden. They are most beautiful in early November.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park is another excellent leaf-peeping location in North Texas. In addition to life-size dinosaur statues, there are numerous scenic hiking trails. Thanks to lots of elms, hackberry, sumac, sycamore, and Texas red oak trees, the park is a perfect weekend getaway.
White Rock Creek Trail
White Rock Lake is a 1015 ac (410 ha) water body located just 5 mi (8 km) northeast of downtown Dallas. The park surrounding the lake transforms in the fall due to abundant cottonwoods. It's perfect for biking, kayaking, and hiking. White Rock Creek Trail is especially scenic during autumn.
Cedar Ridge Preserve
Cedar Ridge Preserve is a bird and butterfly sanctuary located just outside of Dallas. The park, which occupies 600 ac (242 ha), features lots of native tree species, like oaks and green cedars.
Daingerfield State Park
In just a 1.5-hour drive from Dallas-Fort Worth, you can reach the picturesque nature reserves of East Texas, which are among the top leaf-peeping destinations in the state. Daingerfield State Park is a must-see in the fall, especially the Rustling Leaves Nature Trail. As the weather is still nice, it's possible to go kayaking and take in fall views from the lake. The park boasts colorful maples, gums, and oaks. Also, stop by Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards, which are simply stunning in early to mid-November.
Tyler State Park
If you want to get lost in a spectacular fall forest, visit Tyler State Park. With abundant maples, sweetgums, dogwoods, and oaks, the park will amaze onlookers with vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. Take the Lakeshore Trail or the Whispering Pines Trail for the most scenic vistas. Also, you can drive along Highway 14 and continue your leaf-peeping experience in Hawkins. If you crave more, choose Highway 2869 then and take in even more splendor in Winnsboro.
Hill Country and Guadalupe Mountains
If you don't mind doing more driving, you can easily get to the famous Hill Country and Guadalupe Mountains in the southwest. Texas fall foliage season is a great occasion to explore the Lone Star State and appreciate its diverse nature.
Practical info
When is the best time to see fall foliage near Dallas?
Fall foliage in North Texas usually starts in October and peaks around the last two weeks of the month, with remnants still noticeable in the early to mid-November period. The higher elevations generally see the colors turn earlier compared to the lower areas. Show more
Where to see fall colors in and near Dallas?
To witness the fall foliage in full glory, some of the most recommended destinations in and near Dallas are the Japanese Garden at Fort Worth Botanic Garden, White Rock Creek Trail, Cedar Ridge Preserve and Tyler State Park. In addition, places like Dinosaur Valley State Park and Daingerfield State Park are great weekend getaways for stunning leaf-peeping in North Texas, while Guadalupe Mountains and Hill Country offer colorful views of maples, gums, and oaks by hiking or driving. Show more
What types of trees are most commonly found in the Dallas area that change colors in the fall?
Bur oaks, Shumard red oaks, and autumn blaze maples are the most prevalent trees in the Dallas area that change colors in autumn. Additionally, sweetgums, dogwoods, sumac, sycamores, cottonwoods, and elms are other popular species around the area that change color to exhibit magnificent shades of yellow, red, and orange. Show more
Are there any weekend getaway options for leaf-peeping in North Texas besides urban parks?
Daingerfield State Park and Dinosaur Valley State Park make for rejuvenating retreats for leaf-peeping in North Texas, with both places located within a 1.5-hour drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Tyler State Park satisfies the urge for a spectacular fall experience with its stunning foliage forest. The Rustling Leaves Nature Trail of Daingerfield State Park, particularly the Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards, is a breathtaking sight during the early to mid-November period. Show more
Which highways or trails in Tyler State Park offer the most scenic spots to view fall foliage?
For the most beautiful vistas of fall foliage in Tyler State Park, avid sightseers must check out the Lakeshore Trail and the Whispering Pines Trail. For an unquenched desire for more leaf-peeping, opt for Highway 14 and explore Hawkins. Highway 2869 is the best for taking in the leafy splendor and soaking in the beauty of Winnsboro. Show more
