Texas Fall Colors 2024

With its incredible diversity of landscapes, Texas is a great destination for a fall foliage drive starting from its scenic Texas Hill Country and ending in the Guadalupe Mountains on the border with New Mexico.

Best time to see fall foliage in Texas

October brings some coolness and relief from summer heat to Texas. This month also marks the beginning of fall foliage season, which usually peaks in early November. Hill Country, Central and East Texas look most spectacular in late November, around Thanksgiving. In South Texas Plains and Gulf Coast, fall foliage season stretches well into December.

Texas Hill Country

Lost Maples State Natural Area

The Texas Hill Country is undoubtedly the premier fall leaf peeping destination in the state. One of the most popular spots, Lost Maples State Natural Area, is nestled on the banks of the Sabinal River, about 1.5-2 hours from San Antonio. The area is, of course, most famous for its maples, producing fiery red and orange tones. There are also canyons and limestone bluffs that serve as the perfect backdrop for beautiful trees. Take the scenic East Trail which features bigtooth maples and red oaks. Also, consider combining East Trail with West Trail into a giant 8-mile (13-km) loop. And lastly, check out Lost Maples Winery, which is a perfect place to wind out after hiking and watch fall foliage pictures you've taken on the way. Early November is the best time to witness nature's spectacle in Lost Maples State Natural Area.

Garner State Park

Garner State Park, located in less than 2-hour drive west of San Antonio, is another perfect spot for a fall weekend. Maple, cypress, oak, persimmon, and mesquite trees produce a marvelous color palette there. Take a walk along the Frio River, preferably in late October-mid-November.

East Texas

Daingerfield State Park

East Texas is heaven for a leaf peeper. The Autumn Trails Tours encompass many of its picturesque towns, like Winnsboro or Pittsburg. Daingerfield State Park is one of the best foliage locations, especially the Rustling Leaves Nature Trail. As the weather is still warm, it's possible to rent a kayak and admire the trees from the lake. The park showcases colorful maples, gums, and oaks. Also, stop by Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards that are simply stunning in early to mid-November.

Tyler State Park

If you prefer to spend a day in a spectacular fall forest, exploring its most quiet nooks, visit Tyler State Park. With abundant maples, sweetgums, dogwoods, and oaks, the park offers a colorful palette of yellow, red, and orange leaves. This peaceful fall getaway boasts a 64-acre (25-ha) spring-fed lake. Tyler State Park offers boating, fishing, mountain biking, and birdwatching. Camp overnight and take the Lakeshore Trail or the Whispering Pines Trail for the most scenic vistas.

Lake Bob Sandlin State Park

The picturesque Lake Bob Sandlin State Park is located on the northern shore of Lake Bob Sandlin, 10 miles southwest of Mount Pleasant, in Titus County. The park occupies 639 acres of land and offers about three miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as swimming, kayaking, and fishing. This nature preserve boasts a large variety of deciduous trees: sweet gum, eastern red cedar, American elm, white oak, Shumard red oak, red maple, and others. Late October is usually the best time to see fall foliage in the park.

North Texas

Dinosaur Valley State Park

Dinosaur Valley State Park is a gem of North Texas not only because of life-size dinosaur statues but also due to the numerous scenic hiking trails showcasing its diverse nature. Thanks to lots of elms, hackberry, sumac, sycamore, and Texas red oak trees, the park is a perfect weekend getaway spot not far from the Dallas-Fort Worth Area.

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, located west of Plano, is a 200-acre (80-ha) park, which displays captivating natural beauty in the fall. The park boasts lots of hiking trails, and abundant wildlife like armadillos, cottontails, toads, and raccoons. It’s a perfect spot to combine leaf-peeping with walking, jogging, or hiking.

Southwest Texas

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to four of the highest peaks in Texas and features incredibly diverse flora and fauna. Oak and ash trees change color beautifully. Mountain views look most stunning in the fall due to colorful foliage accents. Take McKittrick Canyon Trail and make sure to stay in the park for the night to fully enjoy its beautiful landscapes.

Where to stay

Daingerfield State Park offers cabins for rent, which are available for reservation online. Tyler State Park has just a limited number of cabins so make sure to book in advance. Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers campgrounds and RV sites. There are also more lodging options in the nearby city of Carlsbad.