Where to Find the Best Fall Foliage in Texas

When the crisp autumn air hits and green forests start to paint themselves warmer hues of amber and gold, it’s a great time to explore nature. And while it has a small window, Texas’ fall foliage can be just as beautiful (if not more) as anywhere else.

Every autumn from early October to mid-December, our state displays some of the most beautiful color palettes in the country. Visit these four Texas parks to experience all the beauty autumn has to offer.

Garner State Park

When to go: Mid-to-late November
Colors: Deep orange and yellow
Trees: Bald cypress, Texas redbud, Ashe juniper, pecan, Spanish oak, persimmon, and Lacey oak

One of the most popular places to view fall foliage in Texas is Garner State Park. Some of the most beautiful trees in Texas line the Frio River, and the 11 miles of hiking trail display endless colorful leaves. A prominent tree in this ecosystem is the bald cypress, which can grow over 100 feet tall and live to be more than 600 years old. The changing foliage of the cypress offers a rich orange-and-yellow landscape, as if the sunrise itself were present in the hue of the leaves.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

When to go: Late October to early November
Colors: Bronze and crimson
Trees: Gray oak, Chinquapin oak, Texas madrones, walnut, ash, and bigtooth maple

One of the more surprising and breathtaking locations to see fall foliage in Texas is Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which spans over 135 square miles and is home to 1,000 plant species. Though the area is mostly desert, a few water sources have created cool sanctuaries where a variety of tree species, including the gorgeous gray oak tree, can grow. The foliage of the gray oak changes to a beautiful pastel of bronze and crimson, adding a deep, stark contrast to the other, brighter, foliage. The National Park Service recommends calling ahead to purchase passes and stay updated on any seasonal differentiations in prime foliage times.

Lake Bob Sandlin State Park

When to go: Mid-October to mid-November
Colors: Yellow, amber, and burgundy
Trees: Texas redbud, dogwood, cypress, red maple, sweetgum, elm, hickory, and oak

During the fall, Texans can fish, mountain bike, and hike at Lake Bob Sandlin while enjoying gorgeous autumn backgrounds. One of the more prominent tree types in this area is the Texas redbud, whose changing foliage offers a bright yellow palette complemented by rich amber accents. When the forest lights up with fall hues, the entire color palette is reflected onto the lake, creating a beautiful spectacle. Nearby Daingerfield State Park is another excellent location to visit while in the area.

Lost Maples State Natural Area

When to go: Early October to late November
Colors: Scarlet and gold
Trees: Bigtooth maple, red oak, walnut, sycamore, and Lacey oak

Lost Maples State Natural Area is perhaps the most beautiful location to view fall foliage in Texas’ Hill Country. The most prosperous species in the area is the bigtooth maple, one of the most brilliant foliage-producing trees. These maples are an isolated population, making this a unique spot to visit. Hike the eastern trail to find them in abundance and marvel at the scarlet landscape trimmed with gold. Park services recommend arriving early and on weekdays because of the area’s popularity during autumn.

The Science Behind Fall Colors

When temperatures get colder, chlorophyll (the pigment that gives leaves their green color) breaks down and another pigment in the leaf becomes visible.

• Yellow: Trees like the Texas redbud have prominent yellow foliage in the fall. Xanthophyll is the pigment responsible for bright yellow leaves.
• Orange: In trees with orange leaves, like the bald cypress, carotene (a pigment also found in carrots) is responsible for the change.
• Red: Red foliage, like that on the bigtooth maple, appears when anthocyanins are given an opportunity to show off their hue.

Fall in love with the beauty of Texas this autumn. Remember to check foliage reports for up-to-date information.

Enjoy Texas’ wild beauty year-round at these four magical national forests.