Fall Really Does Happen in Texas–You Just Have to Know Where to Look

Our photographers take you to the spots of Texas where fall foliage impresses

Mother Nature’s autumnal coloration of leaves before she applies her cruel winter grip is a visual gift typically associated with areas of the country that actually experience four distinct seasons. In Texas, where for the most part it’s oppressively hot and dry in September and October, green can abruptly give way to brown, without displaying even a hint of the kaleidoscope of oranges, reds, and yellows typical of a postcard New England fall. There are hidden pockets of the state, however, where the trees, beneficiaries of just the right weather conditions, offer one final, dramatic blush. Follow our photographers to these special places for some of the best foliage in the state—from the Nolan River in North Texas and Garner State Park in the Hill Country, to the Canadian River in the Panhandle and Guadalupe Mountains National Park in West Texas.

Hill Country

The serene waters of Cypress Creek in Wimberley provide a mirror image of the nature lining Blue Hole Regional Park.

Photo: Pierce Ingram

Hill Country

A hiker passes through a grove of trees hugging the West Trail at Lost Maples State Natural Area.

Photo: Pierce Ingram

North Texas

On Farm-to-Market Road 4 in Palo Pinto County, the curvy stretch along the Brazos River provides a picturesque drive starting in mid-November.

Photo: Darren Huski

North Texas

Fall color appears in early November along the Nolan River, which runs southwest through two counties and meets the Brazos River at Lake Whitney.

Photo: Darren Huski

West Texas

An abundance of vibrant maples, which turn red and gold in late October, dot the scenic hike to Devil’s Hall in Pine Springs Canyon, located in Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Photo: Darren Huski

Panhandle

A November full moon, or “Full Beaver Moon” due to the animal’s pre-winter activity, rises at dusk along the Canadian River near Canadian.

Photo: Sean Fitzgerald

Panhandle

A November full moon, or “Full Beaver Moon” due to the animal’s pre-winter activity, rises at dusk along the Canadian River near Canadian.

Photo: Sean Fitzgerald

Hill Country

North Texas

On Farm-to-Market Road 4 in Palo Pinto County, the curvy stretch along the Brazos River provides a picturesque drive starting in mid-November. Photo: Darren Huski
Fall color appears in early November along the Nolan River, which runs southwest through two counties and meets the Brazos River at Lake Whitney. Photo: Darren Huski

West Texas

An abundance of vibrant maples, which turn red and gold in late October, dot the scenic hike to Devil’s Hall in Pine Springs Canyon, located in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Photo: Darren Huski

Panhandle

A November full moon, or “Full Beaver Moon” due to the animal’s pre-winter activity, rises at dusk along the Canadian River near Canadian. Photo: Sean Fitzgerald
The Canadian River Wagon Bridge, a walkable, steel-truss structure on the Canadian River, is the longest pin-connected bridge in Texas. Photo: Sean Fitzgerald

From the October 2019 issue

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