Texas Fall Foliage

Crisp fall temperatures bring on the gorgeous colors of fall leaves. In some parts of the country more so than others – mostly the northeast of the country.

Growing up in the far south of Texas, seeing the lovely colors of leaves was something I always dreamt of. But, as it often does, life got in the way.

As I was a student during the fall color and then I was a teacher during the fall color and couldn’t get away. Then I had kids in school during the fall color and couldn’t get away.

Thankfully, the fall leaves of the far northern portion of the United States isn’t something I’ve been able to see.

I got close to seeing the fall foliage one year in Dallas, Texas with this amazing tree.

It was in my neighbor’s yard and I was able to see it several times each day from my kitchen window. Thankfully I was watching one day when the tree positively glowed and I snapped this photo. I didn’t realize until later that this photo was taken at the absolute crescendo of color.

The perfect moment.

Imagine my delight when I discovered there IS fall color in Texas – and in several different spots!

Where to see fall foliage in Texas

Texas Fall Foliage: Lost Maples State Natural Area

Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, located 86 miles northwest of San Antonio and just a few miles from the tiny, barely a dot on the map, Vanderpool, Texas is Lost Maples State Natural Area. This park is home to a large group of Uvalde Bigtooth maple trees that grow happily here in their own isolated area. The leaves turn a gorgeous color in the fall. This park is quite small and gets really busy between October and November when fall color is at its best. Check out the Lost Maples Foliate Report here for the latest info.

Texas Fall Foliage: Daingerfield State Park

This park has lovely nature year round and the show in the fall is not to be missed. Sweetgum, Oaks, and Maples show off their fall colors of reds and golds which glow against the evergreen trees. Located about 2 1/2 hours east of Dallas, this small town with a population of just under 3000 is home to a spectacular color show each fall.

Texas Fall Foliage: Lake Bob Sandlin State Park

This northeast Texas state park has several varieties of trees that produce fall color. Here you’ll see the lovely colors from oak, hickory, pine, dogwood, redbud and maple trees. This 6639-acre park has been welcoming visitors since it opened in 1987.

Texas Fall Foliage: Cooper Lake State Park

Located just 1 1/2 hours northeast of Dallas, it is easy to leave the hustle and bustle of the big city to relax for a bit in this lovely park. Enjoy 3026 acres of natural beauty. This park is where 2 ecosystems meet – the Tallgrass Prairies and the Post Oak Savannah and with those ecosystems comes a large mix of trees. With so many varieties of trees: post oak, winged elm, bois d’arc, Texas honey locust, mesquite, eastern red cedar, toothache tree, eastern persimmon, Mexican wild plum and hickory, it is easy to imagine a fiery fall color experience.

So if you are daydreaming of beautiful falls colors but can’t make it up north this year …. head to one of these local spots!

Happy colorful travels,

Natalie,  The Educational Tourist