Three Day Trips for Fall Foliage

Lara DeHavenDay Trips

Fall Foliage

Montgomery, Texas is not known for its fall foliage. We have too many evergreens and the temperatures are not ideal for creating the typical fall color. We are definitely not like the New England area. However, there are places in Texas to enjoy the colorful changing of the seasons.

The most famous is probably the Lost Maples State Park, but it is quite a drive away from Lake Conroe. Today I am focusing on three day trips you can make to see some fall color. Each is less than 3 1/2 hours away.

McKinney Falls State Park

It is an easy drive to the Austin area. In fact, it will take you about 2 hours and 40 minutes to arrive at the McKinney Falls State Park from Montgomery, Texas. It is just 13 miles south of downtown Austin.

Cypress trees along the Onion Creek are the highlight of this hunt for fall foliage. Their leaves turn red, orange, and yellow. In addition to seeing the fall color, you can geo-cache, fish, walk, and many other fun things at the state park. Adults pay $6 to enter, but children 12 and under enter for free.

Tyler State Park

Situated 11 miles north of Tyler, sits the sprawling Tyler State Park. You can arrive her from Montgomery in almost exactly 3 hours.

Late November to early December the leaves on the trees in this park explode in color. It also has a large lake with tons of hiking trails. You can camp here and enjoy it longer than one day. This state park also charges $6 entry for adults while young children under 13 are free.

Dinosaur Valley State Park

This destination is probably the coolest one listed for anyone who loves dinosaurs. It is in Glen Rose, Texas. After driving about 3 hours and 20 minutes, you will arrive to the park and be greeted by large dinosaur statues.

Late October through November is the best time to come for fall foliage. It has probably the most variety of trees that have colorful autumnal leaves. From Texas Red Oak, Sycamore, and Cedar Elm trees to Sumac and Hackberry trees, you will see many different shades of fall color. Not to mention, see real dinosaur tracks in creek beds. This park also has a lot of different activities to enjoy. Adults are $7 each.

So you can see fall foliage with three easy day trips to state parks. If you want to explore further, then check out this website for all the places you can see fall color in Texas.