It’s that short, glorious season when the weather is perfect. No matter what you may have heard, there are pockets of fall colors throughout the state, not just the Hill Country—you just have to know where to look, and when to go. Don’t let this autumn slip by without checking out some of Texas colorful fall displays.
Here is part one of our picks for Texas autumn color hot spots to get your wheels rolling…
Lost Maples State Natural Area | Vanderpool
The Texas Hill Country isn’t exactly known for its maples, so when a large stand of maples finds itself in a river valley here, it must be “lost.” Hence, the name. But as maples are famous for their autumn shows in other states, so they are here in the Hill Country. The back roads make an amazing ride to the park, but within the park, you will want to get off the bike and hike. The car traffic during the peak fall colors is very heavy, and no one is paying much attention to the road.
GO Map
Details: Lost Maples State Natural Area
Tyler|Henderson|Winnsboro Fall Foliage Tour
Wetter, greener East Texas has more trees than the more arid regions of the state, hence more opportunities to get eyefuls of autumn colors. The small towns here dress up for the season and welcome riders. There are seasonal events like Henderson’s Syrup Festival, always held on the second Saturday in November that will give you reason to stop, park and mosey around.
GO Fall Foliage Tour Map
Check out the Fall Foliage Tour loop map they’ve put together, just for you.
McKittrick Canyon | Salt Flat
When conditions are right, McKittrick Canyon has, by far, the most visually stunning fall colors display in Texas. But, and there’s always a but, it’s not simple to see it. You do have to hike into the Guadalupe Mountains, and it feels like, back in time. Beautiful Madrone tress with their blood red bark peeling away from the bone white trunks tower over you as you proceed down the canyon trail. The outside world disappears as the rugged mountains rise around you. It’s a long hike and rugged, but so worth it.
GO Map
Details: Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
More reading
We have an entire issue dedicated to autumn rides available for purchase.
When is the best time to go?
There’s no simple answer. The colors are dependent upon many factors, including the amount of rain that fell during the spring. It’s a moving target, for sure and the peak colors may last as little as week.
Call ahead to the local CVBs or Chambers of Commerce to check on the current status of the colors. Many municipalities in the fall colors areas offer telephone hotlines with fall color updates.
- Texas Parks and Wildlife foliage report updated regularly here or call (800) 791-1112.
- US Forest Service Fall Colors Hotline (800)354-4595
