As part of our continued dedication to helping travelers find the best accommodations in areas that are interesting and exciting….this post is for the frolickers of fall. Every year we tap our toes in anticipation of the first falling leaves which signifies the arrival of Autumn. That little nip in the air and the smell of cider sends us gallivanting down the gorgeous back roads and byways in search of the perfect pumpkin and terrific fall foliage colors. So grab your coat and camera and let’s hit the Leaf Peeping Trails in Texas.
Our Association has over 50 members across our great state and most of them, if not all of them, can boast about beautiful fall surroundings. We will focus on several regions that are within an hour or so of a spectacular state park …with jaw dropping foliage that is sure to please even the finickiest frolicker. Some of our lodgings have bright colored trees or a pumpkin patch right on the property. We will be sure to mention other fun, fall events in these areas.
Wait. What’s that smell? Apple cider? Welcome back Fall. 🍁
Texas Hill Country Region
Lost Maples State Natural Area – 37221 F.M. 187 Vanderpool, TX 78885, 830-966-3413
Probably the most popular location in Texas for fall foliage, Lost Maples is about 2 hours northwest of San Antonio.
“Lost Maples protects a special stand of Uvalde bigtooth maples. Many folks come here to see colorful leaves on these and other trees in autumn. The show varies, depending on weather conditions.
Check the Fall Foliage report (starting mid-October).”
Garner State Park – 234 RR 1050 Concan, TX 78838, 830-232-6132
Some might argue that Garner State Park has the best foliage in the fall. You might just have to visit all of these parks and decide for yourself. Don’t worry about where to stay.
We’ve got you covered. Peak time: Halloween to mid Nov.
Where to stay: Hill Country Inns
Tip: One word: Oktoberfest
Prairies and Lakes Region of Texas
McKinney Falls State Park — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, TX 78744, (512) 243-1643
Located in Austin, in the prairies and lakes region of Texas, just bordering the Hill Country Region, McKinney Falls is known for showing off in the fall. Hiking is a favorite pastime here. You’ll see bright red and orange leaves of the Bald Cypress and Red Oak trees and you’ll hear the soothing sounds of Inion Creek cascading off of limestone bluffs.
Tip: Check their social media pages for details about events in the fall as well as weather updates.
Dinosaur Valley State Park — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, 1629 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043, 254-897-4588
Located just about an hour southwest of Fort Worth, Dinosaur Valley State Park is a favorite of kids of all ages. Prehistoric dinosaur tracks are visible in the bed of the Paluxy River. But in the autumn months, the trees steal the show in late October to mid November. Y’all can hike, bike and camp to your heart’s content. Check their website for park alerts.
Where to stay: Prairies & Lakes
Piney Woods Region
Daingerfield State Park – 455 Park Road 17, Daingerfield, TX 75638, 903-645-2921
“Cathedral of Trees”
Tall trees reach for the sky in the northeast corner of Texas. Explore life in the forest at
Daingerfield State Park as you wander the trails or paddle Little Pine Lake.
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park – 341 State Park Road 2117, Pittsburg, TX 75686, 903-572-5531
Two ecoregions meet here on the shore of Lake Bob Sandlin in northeast Texas. The result: massive trees that glow in the fall, tall grasses and a fascinating mix of plants and animals. The fishing is pretty good, too! No matter where you go in Texas, the fall season is the best because the weather is cooler and foliage is beautiful, but East Texas is an absolute delight, and Lake Bob Sandlin is one of the state’s finest features when the weather starts to change.
Caddo Lake State Park – 245 Park Road 2, Karnack, TX 75661 512-389-8900
An East Texas Treasure with Bald cypress trees draped with Spanish moss tower over the Big Cypress Bayou. Paddle Saw Mill Pond, stay in a historic cabin, or try your luck fishing. Discover an East Texas treasure!
Things to Do At Caddo Lake State Park, you can launch a boat, fish, geocache, paddle, hike, picnic, camp, or stay in a cabin. Rent our group hall for your next reunion!
Alligators live in the park; read our alligator safety tips before your visit.
Access the 26,810-acre Caddo Lake, which harbors more than 70 species of fish. We have a fishing pier and a boat ramp. You do not need a fishing license to fish from shore in a state park. Ask at headquarters about borrowing fishing gear to use in the park!
Where to stay: Piney Woods
Well thanks for coming along with us on this fabulous Fall Foliage Frolicking Trail in Texas! We sincerely hope y’all enjoy these ideas and, again, please don’t forget to tag us or share your
memories with us @ Texas Bed & Breakfast Association on Facebook and Instagram.
You might enjoy other region areas while you are traveling around the state. Check out our other fantastic members
See you on the porch.
Please use these hashtags #texasbedandbreakfastassociation #texasbedandbreakfasts #greattrailsoftexas #greatstaysoftexas #fallintexas
