Lost Maples State Natural Area

Texas has forests filled with maple, oak, ash, mesquite and cypress trees, creating a perfect scene for a colorful fall in mid-October when the green leaves spectacularly transition into vibrant reds, golden yellows and explosive oranges. From state parks to welcoming cities and the drives in between, here are some of Culture Trip’s favorite spots to enjoy the fall foliage in the Lone Star State.
As a city not too big to overwhelm and with more than enough comforts for those who do not wish to escape deep into nature, Athens is a perfect place to spend some in the fall. The area is home to some excellent driving routes that will take you under a canopy of leaves. You’ll also find the East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society, dedicated to the education of conservation. The hardwood forest and gardens come alive in autumn and are a dream to any future botanist who wishes to hike their way through the grounds.
Daingerfield State Park is a three-hour drive east of Fort Worth and is home to a lake surrounded by oak, sweetgum and cypress trees that turn red, yellow and orange in the fall, to the delight of any leaf peeper visiting this part of the Lone Star State. You can take a kayak and drift out peacefully to the center of the lake for an unforgettable afternoon. The park also has some great hiking trails but is well serviced with roads.
Tyler State Park lies 100mi (161km) east of Dallas and is home to the region’s famous maple, dogwood and oak trees that create the perfect fall foliage, all turning golden yellows, fiery reds and dazzling oranges. Its expansive 64-acre (26ha) lake is an excellent choice for kayaking, or you can hike the Lakeshore Trail, which will give you another perspective of the autumnal colors. Whichever choice you make, you won’t be disappointed.