Finding Fall in Texas

By Kaitlyn Benacquisto
Blog Content Contributor

Fall means cooler temperatures, pumpkin spice lattes and changing leaves. However, in Texas, we never really get those cooler temperatures, which means our leaves don’t change. (We still drink the pumpkin spice lattes, though.) However, there are some hidden gems in Texas where the leaves do change. Here’s a guide of where to find fall leaves in the Lone Star state.

Big Bend National Park: Big Bend National Park has fall colors if you’re willing to look. While most of the park is green in the fall from the rainy season, there are hints of fall hidden amongst the trails. The Window Trail, which can be accessed from the Chisos Basin Trailhead, has lots of trees showing fall colors along the river.

Lost Maples State Natural Area: Lost Maples, two hours northwest of San Antonio, is known for its fall colors. There are also 10 miles of hiking trails and 30 campsites at this park. You can check here for weekly updates on the fall foliage complete with pictures.

Kerrville: Kerrville is right off of I-10 near Fredericksburg. It is a city of trees, with the Guadalupe River running through it. If you’re looking to see the trees while passing through instead of visiting a park, Kerrville is the place. You can see the abundance of trees and their changing leaves from your car while driving on I-10.

McKinney Falls State Park: Located in South Austin, McKinney Falls has looming cypress and oak trees. Trees line the creek and usually change colors in early November.

Tyler State Park: In this East Texas park, fall colors usually appear in late November to early December. The park has an abundance of trees as well as wildlife, including white-tailed deer, fox, coyote, armadillos and salamanders. There is a lake in the park that looks beautiful in the fall with the reflection of the fall leaves in the water.

Whether you’re in it for the beauty or pictures, or both, these options are sure to satisfy your fall needs.

Featured photo by Kaitlyn Benacquisto.