In Texas, fall isn’t just a season – it’s a collection of experiences that celebrate community, color, and discovery. The Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) is excited about the change of seasons, so we’ve put together a short list highlighting four state parks: Lost Maples, Daingerfield, Garner, and Caddo Lake. Each park offers visitors unique experiences. Whether you’re drawn to Vanderpool’s crimson canyons, Daingerfield’s festival rhythms, or Garner’s riverside serenity, every destination invites you to join a tradition filled with falling leaves, crisp air, and memories made under the autumn sky.
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- Lost Maples State Natural Area — Vanderpool’s Fiery Retreat
As late October gives way to early November, Lost Maples (Vanderpool) bursts into color with its renowned Uvalde bigtooth maples—fiery reds, brilliant oranges, and sunny golds flood the rugged canyons. Combine your foliage visit with the spirit of Vanderpool’s informal fall exodus. It is perfect for early planners. Links to explore: Authentic Texas and Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Seasonal Events and Happenings: While Lost Maples doesn’t host a formal festival, the nearby town of Vanderpool sees a fall pilgrimage each year as visitors flock to book campsite and hiking reservations to coincide with peak foliage. Perfect for hiking and backpacking across over 10 miles of trails, fishing in the Sabinal River, wildlife viewing and birding for species like golden-cheeked warblers, camping at primitive or RV sites, and stargazing, thanks to its dark night skies. Link to explore: Friends of Lost Maples
Peak: Late October.
Visitor Takeaway: “Lost Maples is … so gorgeous!! … Get your Fall reservation early, it fills up fast” — Reddit
Note from a Ranger: Bringing to light an extraordinary characteristic about Lost Maples, park ranger Jesus Rubio noted, “We’ve got a state champion bigtooth maple towering 40 feet above Sabinal Canyon. Its massive trunk nearly 85 inches around and a crown spreading 45 feet. These maples begin to color in late October, but if you’re lucky, they’ll be at peak brilliance in early November—drawing in upwards of 80,000 leaf‑lovers in just six weeks.” — Ranger, Jesus Rubio
- Daingerfield State Park — East Texas’s Autumn Fanfare
Deep in East Texas, Daingerfield State Park enjoys dramatic fall color, especially in early October when the surrounding pine, oak, and cypress canopy shifts to glowing tones—ideal for leisurely lakeside strolls and family hikes. Links to explore: Texas Highways and Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Seasonal Events and Happenings: Daingerfield town celebrates the season with its Daingerfield Fall Fest on the second weekend of October, offering community charm alongside park adventures. Pair Daingerfield Fall Fest with a stroll through russet-hued trails. Link to explore: Explore Texas
Peak: Second weekend of October.
Visitor Takeaway: Marjie L., a park visitor noted, “We went somewhat late for the autumn trail in East Texas Pineywoods, but good fortune was on our side—many trees were still in full fall colors at Daingerfield State Park… The leaves are in blazing yellow, orange, red, and pink! … What a lovely sight!” —TripAdvisor
Note from a Ranger: “What makes Daingerfield special, beyond its towering ‘cathedral of trees’ is Little Pine Lake. It’s one of the clearest lakes in northeast Texas. Visitors come mostly for swimming or boating because, honestly, the clarity of this spring‑fed lake is a rare gem in the Pineywoods.” — Ranger Killian
- Garner State Park — Hill Country’s Riverside Glow
Nestled along the Frio River, Garner’s bald cypress, oak, and juniper trees shift into a serene palette of bronze, fiery red, and golden hues in late October through Thanksgiving. Bring grandkids for a morning of casting lines or counting pollinators, then watch the canyon glow as the day unwinds. Link to explore: Austin Travels
Seasonal Events and Happenings: The park hosts events like Fishing Basics for Kids and a Texas Pollinator BioBlitz in early to mid‑October—perfect timing for families looking to blend leaf‑peeping with nature learning. Link to explore: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.
Peak: Mid-October.
Visitor Takeaway: Garner’s fall display took this visitor by surprise—not only for its color, but for the peaceful hiking trails and photo-worthy views that make it a perfect seasonal escape. Saurabh V. left a Google review stating, “We went to see fall colors and were surprised by the vivid colors of the trees here… There are so many places for taking pictures. Enjoy the fall colors in TX.”
Note from a Ranger: When we reached out to ask the park’s interpretive ranger, Jacob Resendiz, about a unique aspect of this state park, he said, “The dancing. Here at Garner, there is a tradition of dancing. It’s part of the culture that began when the CCC built the park, and it brings people from all the surrounding areas. Most often, visitors have stories about their experiences, and many will tell how they met their significant other or made a special connection while dancing at the camp. At first, there was live music. Then it became a dancehall with a jukebox, and now it’s an electronic jukebox as the tradition continues each year.”— Interpretive Ranger, Jacob Resendiz
- Caddo Lake State Park & Hill Country Gems — Quiet, Unexpected Warmth
While smaller parks like Caddo Lake, Inks Lake, and Lake Mineral Wells may not run annual festivals tied to fall color, they offer peaceful escapes. Link to explore: East Texas History
- Caddo Lake’s reflective waters amplify copper and bronze shades in its bald cypress swamp.
- Inks Lake and Lake Mineral Wells glow with cedar elm, red oak, and sumac, offering a quieter, more reflective foliage experience.
Peak: October or into mid-November.
Visitor Takeaway: Park visitor Bee Gee posted photos and shared his adventure on social media. — “I took Waffle on a hike at Inks Lake State Park this weekend, and we were both surprised by the fall colors! The foliage around Devil’s Waterhole and Stumpy Hollow was especially vibrant. Definitely recommend checking it out if you’re in the area.” — Texas State Parks Group Page on Facebook
Note from a Ranger: We spoke with park interpretive ranger Lane Neely and asked him to highlight something distinct about Caddo Lake State Park that others may not know. He shared, “Caddo Lake State Park is home to the oldest surviving species of fish known as the American paddlefish, dating back over 300 million years—and most people are not familiar with that fact.” – Super interesting! This species existed long before the dinosaurs and is currently listed as a threatened species in Texas. — Interpretive Ranger, Lane Neely.
We hope this story inspires you to plan early, embrace local traditions, and experience firsthand how the Lone Star State truly shines in autumn.
