On a scale of 1-10, how ready are you to pack away swimsuits and sandals in exchange for sweaters and boots? We can’t wait for the weather to change, and we’re dreaming about which gorgeous natural areas we’d like to visit this fall in search of vibrant foliage and outdoor adventures. Here are our picks for Beautiful Texas Spots to See this Fall.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
37221 F.M. 187
Vanderpool, TX 78885
Dubbed a, “Changing Beauty,” Lost Maples State Park is a sanctuary to Uvalde bigtooth maples, whose foliage exudes hues of red, orange, and yellow each autumn . You can even keep track of the leaves changing colors with the park’s Fall Foliage Color Report (which should be updated later this fall). A sight and a spectacle, visitors will also find the natural area is great for year-round hiking and exploring over 10 miles of trails that loop along a 2,200-foot cliff. Fishing, bird watching, star gazing, and geocaching are more outdoor activities that will get the fall family fun going! Book your park passes here!
Garner State Park
234 RR 1050
Concan, TX 78838
This popular vacation destination on the Frio River is a seasonal beauty worth the trip year-round. Garner State Park sits upon a thrilling terrain of dramatic canyons, brisk streams, and limestone cliffs located on the edge of the Edwards Plateau. Bald Cypress trees sit at the river’s edge, bowing over with lush vegetation while Texas Madrones nestle into canyon nooks, their unique red bark giving the area a warm kiss of color. Picnics, hiking trails, canoeing, miniature golf, fishing; no shortage of activities here! Reservations are suggested to enter the park and cabins are available to rent for those extra cozy fall feels.
McKinney Falls State Park
5808 McKinney Falls Parkway
Austin, TX 78744
Located just 13 miles from the Capitol, McKinney Falls State Park can seem worlds away from the hustle and bustle of our growing city. This State Park offers camping, hiking, mountain and road biking, geocaching, bouldering, fishing, swimming and picnicking. Onion Creek forms most of the northern boundary of the park and spills over limestone rocks at the Lower Falls into a popular swimming hole. McKinney Falls is particularly beautiful during spring wildflower season when bluebonnets greet you from the roadside and in the fall when the foliage is bursting with shades of orange and yellow.
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78746
Looking for nature a little bit closer to the city? The Zilker Botanical Garden is a 26-acre natural oasis that is home to The Taniguchi Japanese and Mabel Davis Rose Gardens supported in beauty by live oaks, Koi-filled ponds, a mishmash of cultivated plants, sunny lawns, and more. A “jewel in the heart of Austin,” the garden is a sight not to be skipped in your fall planning. Purchase a photography session for $50 to snap your cute fall family photos. It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas cards!
Schumacher’s Crossing
Hunt, TX 78024
The untouched and charming-as-heck small town, Hunt, is located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country with the good ol’ Guadalupe River running smack dab in the middle of it and forking just outside of town. Schumacher’s Crossing is a swimming hole on the river, offering crystal clear waters and a shadowy oasis thanks to the native Bald Cypress trees surrounding the area. The lush river greenery transforms yearly into a true fall beauty boasting pops of bright yellow next to the bustling spring-fed river. Snag a picnic table on the bank for a perfect and picturesque fall outing! Check out this helpful fact sheet.
Gorman Falls
2236 Park Hill Dr.
Bend, TX 76824
Become one with nature and wilderness at the rugged and breathtaking Colorado Bend State Park. Patrons can enjoy tent camping, the cool waters of Spicewood Springs, a wild cave tour, freshwater fishing, and 35 miles of hiking and bike trails! But perhaps the sight most marveled is the jungle-like 70-foot spring-fed Gorman Falls. The waterfall is guided by layers of travertine formations, which amass over time through evaporating spring waters. The vegetation is lush from base to peak along rocky, and sometimes slippery, three-mile terrain. Lace-up those hiking boots and get ready to experience a must-visit fall wonder! Reservations are recommended and can be made here.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
16710 Ranch Rd. 965
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
A mystical and massive (425 feet, to be exact) dome reaches toward the Texas sky and swirls with 12,000 years of area history as well as legends of magic and spiritual powers believed by the Tonkawa Indians. Pink granite, called batholith, peaks through patches of evolving shrubbery and lichens growing on Enchanted Rock. Warm colors come to life at golden hour and radiantly reflect on the basin below. Explore 11 miles of hiking trails to the top for spine-tingling Hill Country views. Reserve your visit here.
Mount Bonnell
3800 Mount Bonnell Rd
Austin, TX 78731
Well, folks, you don’t have to travel far or wide for this one. Mount Bonnell has been said, and it’s been done, but we’ll never stop boasting our city’s natural awe and wonder. After a mild 102-stair climb, you’ll find yourself 775 feet up, engulfed in a tranquil haze as the sun rises and sets over the Colorado River Valley. Once settled, take in a breath of fresh fall air (or well, humidity, at this point) and the familiar, but fascinating stretch of an always-beautiful Austin.
Happy Fall, Y’all!
