Fall Road Trips for Stunning Scenery Around Texas

The abundance of fall colors in Texas is something out of a dream you do not wish to miss. This magical region provides an ideal place for the fall road trip. Here is a guide on the best road trips to take around Texas.

1. Garner State Park (Concan)

With red, yellow, and orange foliage as far as the eye can see, Concan is one of the best cities to visit this fall season. Garner State Parks offers plenty of miles of hiking trails, camping options, and easy access to the Frio River. It is a great place to hike, swim, or enjoy a relaxing weekend with family or friends.

Due to the 2.9 miles of Frio River that wind through 1,774 acres of picturesque Hill Country terrains, Garner State Park offers plenty to see and do. You can swim in the Frio River, run a paddle boat, or float its waters on an inner tube. You can also camp, fish, study nature, ride bikes, or play miniature golf.

2. East Texas Trail

East Texas is one of the most unforgettable destinations for a fall trip. It's a place where fall colors permeate the Deep South.

To view the colorful broad-leaved trees, take the scenic drive from Athens to Palestine. This 145-mile road trip is known as the Pineywoods Autumn Trail, and it bursts with red, yellow, and orange fall foliage.

Several scenic stops along the East Texas Trail include the Lake Athens, Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, the East Texas Arboretum, and Tara Vineyard & Winery. For an additional adventure, head to New York or hop on the Texas State Railroad for an easy trip through the wonderful East Texas woodlands.

3. Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia

New England destinations perhaps come to mind when you think of places to see autumn foliage. However, the southern parts of the country have beautiful fall colors, too. A road trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia offers beautiful foliage without the cold weather you would find up north.

Start your trip at the Russell Brasstown scenic drive in the northern part of the state, which will take you through the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Chattahoochee River. Stop at Helen and Brasstown Bald, the ultimate foliage viewing vantage point. You can hike in the nearby Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest or visit vineyards and wineries in Georgia Wine Country.

4. Palo Doro Canyon

The Palo Doro Canyon, also known as "The Grand Canyon of Texas," lies in the heart of the Texas Panhandle. This second-largest canyon in the country is 20 miles from downtown Amarillo and offers astounding history and beauty.

With its miles of trails and several historic sites, this majestic landscape was formed because of millions of years of water erosion by the Red River's Prairie Dog Town Fork. The Palo Doro Canyon gallery features archaeological and nature shows, historical video productions, turquoise jewelry, handmade hunting knives, and a huge selection of Kiowa and Comanche tools.

Take a zip line across the canyon at the Palo Doro Zip Line Adventure Park for some thrilling outdoor fun. For a whole family, take a horseback tour from Old West Stables on the canyon floor to Timber Creek Canyon. You can rest in one of the three cabins on the canyon's rim or rent out the canyon's new glamping sites for a more luxurious experience.

5. Texas Barbecue Trail

It would be a crime if you take a road trip across Texas and fail to eat some barbecue. The Texas Barbecue Trail promises an awe-inspiring experience that allows you to see the amazing small towns scattered across Central Texas. Moreover, each stop along this self-guided tour provides you with a savory local barbecue, special attractions, and a sense of community.

The byway from Austin to San Antonio, sometimes referred to as the Barbecue Belt, is around 245 miles long and passes by meat-centric restaurants such as the Salt Lick and Iron Works BBQ. Austin has plenty to offer in live music and performance, so be sure to take in a show at one of the many live music venues. Don't forget to two-step at one of the honky-tonk bars.

6. Rhode Island

Even if Rhode Island may not be famous for its waterfront landscapes, it is a beautiful place to visit this fall. This state has reserved some great opportunities to relish autumn foliage. You can opt for state parks, urban sceneries, or dozes of scenic drives.

The fall season might differ from one year to another, but the brightest colors often explode across Rhode Island from early October until the end of the month. The autumn first comes to the heavily wooded northwest and slowly moves southeast. Plan your visit in early to mid-October if your destination is the Providence area. The best time to visit the Newport area is mid to late October.

7. Daingerfield State Park

The Daingerfield State Park boasts over 500 acres of land and is home to sassafras, maples, oaks, and pine trees. This plethora of trees looks spectacular in fall, making the Daingerfield State Park a must-see jewel this season.

The state park transforms into the majestic crimson red, bright yellow, and burnt orange from October to mid-November. Therefore, plan your fall sightseeing road trip in October and mid-November. Apart from seeing the beautiful fall colors, other adventures you can enjoy during your road trip in this state park include camping, geocaching, picnicking, birding, hiking, fishing, and swimming.

8. Lost Maples State Natural Area

A road trip to the Lost Maples State Natural Area will provide you with the perfect scenery of the natural beauty in Texas. This region boasts dense woodland, making it a hotspot for stunning fall colors. In addition, you will have plenty of opportunities to see picturesque grasslands, canyons, and limestone bluffs at this site.

The best time to plan your fall road trip to the Lost Maples State Natural Area is mid-October to early November. During this time, you will see the natural area covered in a kaleidoscope of rich yellows, reds, and vibrant oranges.

9. Tyler State Park

Tyler State Park features 13 miles of biking and hiking trails and picnic, fishing, campgrounds, and kayaking areas. It also boasts 100-foot tall trees of sweetgums, dogwoods, oaks, and maples, presenting you with an unforgettable sight in fall. The Whispering Pines Trail and the Lakeshore Trail are the best places to see fall's fiery orange and red tones in the state park.

You can also see the stunning fall colors from the 170-foot-long bridge in the park. Other activities apart from sightseeing in this state park include camping, picnicking, swimming, biking, birding, fishing, and boating.

Bottom Line

Texas boasts several incredible places to see magnificent yellow, gold, orange, and red hues during fall. From Garner State Park to Tyler State Park, Texas have endless great spots to celebrate the autumn season.

With that said, adventuring Texas on a motorcycle can be a thrilling and unforgettable way to explore the beauty of nature. A touring bike with a hitch carrier gives you more comfort, offers you all the storage you need, and allows you to bring a passenger. Get ready to hit the open road without worrying about ruining your budget by taking an affordable motorcycle loan designed just for your two-wheeler.