4 Texas State Parks You Can Go To See Fall Foliage In 2021

We’ve rounded up places where you can experience the full gamut of fall oranges, reds, and yellows near San Antonio.

FROM THE EXPRESS-NEWS: Someone vandalized the ancient monkey-shaped rock in the Lost Maples State Natural Area

Although it varies each year, Hill Country generally begins to see minimal fall foliage on October 19. Last year, Lost Maples reached fall foliage on Thanksgiving.

This year, several state parks are reporting that their leaves are starting to turn brown. Some even post regular fall forecasts on their websites and social media accounts so you can choose the best times to visit.

However, many state parks are expecting full days and record visits this year. With a few exceptions, most of these parks require you to pre-register for a day pass.

Below are the areas where you can see the fall foliage.

Guadalupe River State Park: Depending on the time of year, you might be rewarded with great views of the fall foliage along the 38-mile trip from San Antonio. Once inside the park, you can explore 21 km of hiking and biking trails. Watch for yellow poplars, bright red sumacs, and orange sycamores and cypresses.

Try the barred owl trail. It’s easy, short, and leads to a lookout. Take the trails along the Guadalupe River to watch the colorful leaves reflect on the river bank.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: The massive pink dome rising above the Hill Country is a popular hiking destination. This is perhaps one of the most breathtaking places to experience fall foliage. It is also only 90 miles from San Antonio.

Garner State Park: The park is 91 miles from San Antonio and the changing seasons attract thousands of people every year. Watch for mesquites, persimmons, oaks and cypresses, which change from green to yellow, red and orange. The belvedere along the Frio River is a must.

Lost Maples State Natural Area: Lost maples are perhaps the best known area to observe leaf change. And it’s only about 100 miles from San Antonio. With canyons and the Sabinal River reflecting fall foliage along its banks, Lost Maples is one of the most stunning places to capture the season.

Bigtooth maple trees usually begin to change color in late October or early November. Most people hike the East Trail, which includes most of the maple trees in the park.

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