Texas State Parks Offer Spectacular Autumn Leaves Escapades
Texas state parks may not rival New England for foliage fame, but they offer pockets of striking colour worthy of a visit during the autumn season. One such destination is the Lost Maples State Natural Area, located in the Edwards Plateau, two hours northwest of San Antonio.
Lost Maples is renowned for its Uvalde bigtooth maples, which turn red, yellow, orange, and even purple during autumn. The Scenic Overlook offers roadside access to river views with brilliant fall colours, while the Maple Trail, a half-mile easy route, leads through a dense canopy of fall colours. For those seeking a longer hike, the East Trail Loop is a 10-mile loop with views of the park's fall foliage and a 2,200-foot cliff edge.
The park's fall appeal centers around the crimson, gold, and orange leaves of the bald cypress trees against the sparkling water and limestone rock formations. Another park with a similar charm is Garner State Park, located in the Hill Country. Visitors can rent a canoe or kayak to paddle along the 3-mile river or hike trails like the Bridges Trail or Old Baldy Trail for fall colour views.
McKinney Falls State Park, located southeast of downtown Austin, offers fiery displays from bald cypress and oak to sycamore and pecan trees during autumn. The Onion Creek Loop Trail hugs the creek for close encounters with the colorful canopy.
For those in northeast Texas's Piney Woods, Daingerfield State Park presents a kaleidoscope of purples, reds, yellows, and oranges during autumn. The Rustling Leaves Trail loop is a 2.4-mile path around Lake Daingerfield, winding through turning foliage and offering many bird sightings.
Bastrop State Park, located in central Texas, is known for its distinctive pine-hardwood that bursts into warm tones during autumn. Visitors can drive along Park Road 1C or walk/bike the Lost Pines Trail to view the fall colours. The Lost Pines area, an isolated band of loblolly pines, creates a shaded canopy where leaves turn rich yellows, reds, and oranges.
Amarillo serves as a key starting point to explore Palo Duro Canyon State Park's scenic autumn landscapes. The season of autumn is characterized by shorter days, cold snaps, and vibrant changes in foliage, including reds, oranges, and golds.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a picturesque destination, Texas state parks provide an ideal setting for observing the transitions of autumn without the hustle of larger destinations. So pack your bags and prepare for a leaf-peeping adventure in the Lone Star State!
(Note: The Gas Station, a nearby restaurant and inn, was used in the cult classic film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, for those interested in a bit of movie history.)
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