Fall in Texas doesn’t come rushing in. It sort of eases its way across the state, swapping the summer heat for cooler mornings, small-town festivals, and the scent of something good cooking over a fire pit. And when those first pops of orange and gold finally show up in the Hill Country or East Texas, it’s pure magic.
This is the season for pumpkin patches, wine trails, and road trips with the windows down. From the glowing maples at Lost Maples to cozy weekends wandering through Fredericksburg or Tyler State Park, there’s something about fall here that just feels right.
So, grab a sweater (you’ll probably shed it by noon), pack your camera, and get ready to explore. Here are my favorite spots to catch that short-but-sweet Texas fall, and trust me, it’s worth every mile.
Also Read: 15 Best Places to Visit in Texas for families
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Texas’ fall crown jewel, Lost Maples glows with fiery reds and golds from late October to mid-November. The East Trail offers the best leaf views, climbing to scenic overlooks framed by bigtooth maples. Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds. Parking fills fast during peak color and advance reservations are required even for day use or they’re all out.
Garner State Park
By late October, the cypress trees along the Frio River blaze orange and rust. Hike the Old Baldy Trail for sweeping views of the valley, or paddle beneath the changing leaves. The Frio Canyon lookout near sunset is one of the most underrated fall views in Texas.
Tyler State Park
East Texas’ piney woods meet maple and sweetgum color here, peaking in early November. The 2 mile long Lakeshore Trail wraps around the water for mirrored reflections of gold and red. Bring a kayak at sunrise; the still surface doubles the color show.
Caddo Lake State Park
You’ll never forget your first glimpse of Caddo’s bald cypress trees dripping in amber Spanish moss. Colors peak late October through November. Rent a canoe and paddle Mill Pond or Saw Mill Pond Trail for eerie, cinematic beauty – especially when morning fog lifts off the water. Private swamp tours outside the state park are also great to enjoy the fall colors.
Guadalupe River State Park
The Guadalupe River, while recently remembered for the devastating flood of July 2025, is usually a very calm, shallow, and scenic river. Head to the state park to make the most of this river on a budget. The bald cypress lining the river turn brilliant copper by early November. For the best color, hike the Bald Cypress Trail or swim area overlooks near River Crossing Trail. Tip: go midweek, weekends get busy once the colors start popping.
River Road, New Braunfels
This scenic drive between Canyon Lake and New Braunfels winds under arches of orange and yellow cypress. The best color hits mid-November. Stop at the second low-water crossing for postcard-perfect views of the Guadalupe. Go early or on weekdays; traffic builds fast when the leaves peak.
McKittrick Canyon, Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Nicknamed the “most beautiful spot in Texas,” McKittrick Canyon bursts with red maples and oak color in late October. The reason McKittrick Canyon shows such vivid fall color while the rest of the park stays mostly desert-brown comes down to microclimate, elevation, and water.
The McKittrick Canyon Trail to Pratt Cabin is the must-do hike; it is about 5 miles round trip. Arrive early morning; trailhead parking fills by 9 a.m. during peak weekends. Hike up the grotto and catch the beautiful fall foliage in McKittrick Canyon.
McKinney Falls State Park
Just minutes from Austin, McKinney Falls surprises locals with pockets of color from red oaks and sycamores, usually around early November. The Homestead Trail offers peaceful views over Onion Creek. After a rain, the falls are flowing, it’s an ideal time for photos. Be sure to take swimsuits – the water is okay enough to swim and the shallow falls are great for families with kids.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend’s fall colors are subtle, not sweeping. Don’t expect New England-style foliage. Plant life is sparse, and the desert dominates. In the Chisos Basin (Oak Creek Canyon area) you may spot oaks turning yellow or gold in cooler months. The Window Trail is among the few routes that thread through vegetation rather than pure desert rock. Other areas for fall foliage include Pine Canyon, Boot Canyon, and Cat Tail falls.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Color peaks in early November as cypress and sycamores frame the river in copper and gold. The Twin Falls Trail and the overlook near the main falls offer the best views. Go right after a light rain; the water’s reflection makes the color pop.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
More granite than foliage, but the contrast is striking. The Live Oak and Turkey Pass Trails offer pockets of rusty oaks and golden grasses around late October. Climb early morning for cooler temps and quiet views before the day-trip crowds arrive.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Dino tracks plus fall foliage, sign me up! The Paluxy River valley shows off fall color from late October to early November, with cedar elms and cottonwoods turning gold. The Overlook Trail gives the best panoramic view. Hike the riverbed to see fossilized tracks framed by autumn color – most visitors miss this quiet section.
Dallas Arboretum
By late October, the Arboretum’s Pumpkin Village steals the show with over 100,000 pumpkins. The Jonsson Color Garden peaks mid-November with Japanese maples and dogwoods turning crimson. Visit on weekday mornings for soft light and fewer strollers. It’s one of the prettiest urban fall walks in Texas.
Further Reading: 12 Incredible Christmas Destinations in the Lone Star State
Fort Worth Botanic Gardens
The Japanese Garden is the highlight here. Maples turn scarlet and gold from late October into early November, surrounding koi ponds and arched bridges. Go early or on a weekday – the reflections on the water at opening hour are worth the early wake-up.
Sabine National Forest
Straddling the Louisiana border, Sabine’s hardwood mix – sweetgum, red oak, hickory – lights up in early November. Drive FM 83 through the forest for color on both sides. For solitude, hike the Trail Between the Lakes; it’s 28 miles long but even a short section delivers that deep-woods peace.
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
Late October brings a mix of dogwoods, sweetgums, and maples that light up the shoreline. The Brim Pond and Lakeview Trails are local favorites for color and quiet. Rent a cabin if you can – the sunrise over the lake feels almost northern.
Daingerfield State Park
A compact gem in East Texas, Daingerfield glows with cypress, oak, and maple color from late October to mid-November. The Rustling Leaves Trail circles the lake for the best views. Bring a picnic; this park is made for slow, easy afternoons.
Fall in Texas doesn’t stick around long, but when it hits, it’s unforgettable. The maples in the Hill Country, the copper cypress along the Frio, the quiet lakes tucked into East Texas; they each catch the light differently, but all have that same magic that makes you slow down.
So, don’t overthink it. Pick a weekend, grab a friend, and hit the road while the leaves are still holding on.