The Wild Colors of Texas
As autumn approaches, the leaves on the trees turn beautiful colors of classic fall foliage.
The best places to get the true feeling of the season are the state parks of the Hill Country region right in the heart of Texas. The time to see the Hill County’s parks is in October through November, so waiting is not an option if wanting to see these gems of fall.
1.Lost Maples State Park
The vibrant colors the autumn brings to the Big Tooth Maple trees draws in nature lovers from around the state. The state park shows that Texas really does have four seasons. The park consists of 11 miles of hiking trails through the parades of color. The foliage starts in mid October and lasts through Thanksgiving.
2. Enchanted Rock State Park
Enchanted Rock is a massive granite dome just outside Fredericksburg. It towers over the surrounding oak and maple trees that in the autumn create almost a crown around the giant rock. Along the hike to the top , a series of small caves ascends along the sides. Adventurous visitors are more than welcome to discover a case of their own and crawl inside.
3. Bastrop State Park
It has been almost two years since Bastrop and its surrounding pine forest were engulfed in flames. As the new plants emerge from the old ashes, its as if the park is being reborn. It is recovering and the trails are open to the public again. The remaining “Lost Pine” trees with drop the their needles leaving a beautiful maroon blanket on the forest floor.
4. Cibolo Nature Center, Boerne TX
This park is hidden from most of the public eye. The small Cibolo creek ripples through the nature park and provides life to towering cypress trees. It is home to three distinct environments, Cypress forest, marshland and rolling prairie grass, which turns a auburn red as the weather cools off.
5. Garner State Park
Garner State park is overstuffed with people in the summer time,but when the heat fades the park becomes serene and embraces the foliage . A hike up to Crystal cave overlook will give a birds eye view of the pecan trees along the frio river and the adventurers a chance to crawl down into a cave of flickering crystals.
6. Hill Country State Natural Area
Kept covert in the rugged hill country of Bandera , the Hill Country State Natural Area is a retreat of undeveloped soil. 40 miles of multi- use trails weave through green valleys and clear spring fed creeks. Horses are welcome to trot along with the hikers on the off-road trails as well.
7. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
The piney woods and the hickory trees form a silhouette around the border of the lake and create a sense of pure serenity for the local sports fisherman. The lake is stocked with multiple species of fish, and local bass fishing tournaments are held in mid October.
8. Government Canyon state Park
Minutes outside of San Antonio is a park new to the state park family. It a perfects getaway for the weekend when sick of the concrete jungle. 40 miles of trials extend down into the canyon and into a creek where weeping willows line the banks.
9. Eisenhower Park
Just of Camp Bullis road lies a city park that has no major signs of city life. A few trails are paved and seem to be used more for a leisurely walk with the family than an intense hiking workout.On the other hand the ‘Hill View’ trial is of natural surface and also gives a calming overlook of San Antonio.
10.Landa Park
Located in the center of New Braunfels is a busy park with a welcoming environment.Though its spring fed pool is the park’s main attraction, it is complete with hiking trails, a train ride through the park and even paddle boats to enjoy the crystal clear springs.
