A day trip from Dallas to see fall foliage? That may be something that’s off your radar.
One thing people don’t usually associate with Texas is color. But we know better!
Central to some of the most scenic areas in Texas, Dallas is a great starting point for a fall day trip to see fall foliage.
These are the best day trips from Dallas to see fall foliage:
Tyler State Park
Location: Tyler, Texas
Distance from Dallas: Just under 100 miles; 1.5 hours
Entry Fee: $6/day for adults; free for children 12 and under
Just two hours East of Dallas, Tyler State Park is a quick day trip from Dallas to see fall foliage. The park sits on 980 acres of beautiful pineywood terrain and is an oasis for nature lovers. The woodland forest, packed with 100-foot-tall trees, is centered around a spectacular spring-fed lake.
Tyler State Park is covered with pines, oaks, and tall hardwoods. The park’s 13+ miles of trails allow you to explore the brilliant colors of fall while hiking or mountain biking.
There is so much to do at Tyler State Park that the whole family will surely be satisfied! Weekends through November are the busiest times to visit, so I recommend going in the early morning or on a weekday. To guarantee entry, it’s easy to reserve passes online before you visit.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Location: Glen Rose, Texas
Distance from Dallas: 80 miles; 1.5 hours
Entry Fee: $8/day adults; children 12 and under free
Dinosaur Valley State Park isn’t just one of the best places to day-trip from Dallas to see fall foliage; it’s also where the first distinct sauropod tracks were found. Just head toward the water to see these massive fossilized dinosaur tracks buried in the bed of the Paluxy River.
While hiking is a popular activity, there are other ways to experience Dinosaur Valley State Park’s painting of fall colors, including mountain biking, fishing, and camping.
Hiking With Dinosaurs
The Park’s more than 20 miles of hiking, biking, and horse trails will amaze you with their display of colors.
The Rocky Ridge Trail offers a one-mile moderate hike along a high ridge trail, leading to a scenic view of the valley. The River’s edge is on an easy two-mile trail, perfect for kids to discover the different dinosaur tracks.
As I can personally attest, the park often reaches capacity. Don’t let a quick day trip from Dallas to see fall foliage turn into a bad day for your family!
Pro Tip: Buy your passes online ahead of time.
Turner Falls Park
Location: Davis, Oklahoma
Distance from Dallas: 120 miles; 2 hours
Entry Fee: Summer and winter admission rates vary (range is adults $9-20, children 6-12 $6-16, and kids 5 and under are free)
Although located in Oklahoma, Turner Falls Park is an easy two-hour drive from Dallas, making it a quick day trip to see the fall foliage.
With over 1,500 acres filled with caves, hiking trails, and a spring-fed
creek that winds all the way through the park, Turner Falls Park is one of the country’s three top geological parks.
Chasing Waterfalls
Turner Falls is home to Oklahoma’s largest waterfall, which cascades 77 feet into one of the three clear blue natural swimming areas. Colorful, blooming trees cover the park’s surrounding hills and nearby Arbuckle Mountains.
Collings Castle
You might also stumble upon Collings Castle, an English-inspired rock castle built as a private residence in the 1930s. Don’t skip out on exploring these spectacular ruins!
The fall foliage of the surrounding Arbuckle Mountains and cooler temperatures make early fall a beautiful time to visit. Turner Falls often sells out, especially on summer weekends, so book your tickets in advance.
Beavers Bend State Park
Location: Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Distance from Dallas: 180 miles; 3 hours
Entry Fee: There is no admission to drive into Beavers Bend State Park; however, a parking pass is required if you plan to stop and park. Passes can be purchased here or onsite.
Beavers Bend State Park is perhaps the most spectacular fall destination within driving distance of Dallas. You can play a round of golf at the 18-hole Cedar Creek Golf Course or explore the 180 miles of shoreline by canoe, kayak, or paddle boat.
Hiking Trails
One of the most popular ways to enjoy the beauty of the fall colors throughout Beavers Bend State Park is on hiking trails. With options from easy or moderate to the 26-mile-long David Boren trail, hikers can enjoy a canopy of colorful leaves.
Crystal waters from Broken Bow Lake make this one of the most scenic spots for a day trip from Dallas to see fall foliage.
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
Location: Pittsburg, Texas
Distance from Dallas: 150 miles; 2 hours
Entry Fee: $5/day for adults; kids 12 and under are free
“Where East Meets West” is the slogan of Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, a reference to the meeting of the Piney Woods and Blackland Prairie eco systems.
Unique Fall Colors
Oak, hickory, pine, dogwood, redbud, and maple trees make Lake Bob Sandlin State Park one of Texas’ best places to see fall colors. From mid-October through mid-November, the park glows as the trees show off their seasonal colors.
Lake Fun
The park’s 9,000-acre lake is a perfect spot for a relaxing day of fishing, paddling, or boating. A boat ramp, lighted pier, and fish cleaning station are available, as well as fishing poles and kayak rentals.
An easy day trip from Dallas to see fall foliage, Lake Bob Sandlin State Park is a day your family will not forget!
Caddo Lake State Park
Location: Karnack, Texas
Distance from Dallas: 168 miles; 2.5 hours
Entry Fee: $4/day for adults; children 12 and under are free
Located in East Texas, Caddo Lake State Park has an eerie yet spectacular feel. With its looming bald cypress trees covered by Spanish moss and surrounded by water, the park has a mix of bayous and wetlands covering nearly 27,000 acres.
“Human” Cypresses
Caddo Lake State Park contains some of the country’s best mature flooded bald cypress trees, including ones that are 400 years old!
Featuring several “human” characteristics, the cypress appears “bald” after they shed their leaves each fall. The short stumps poking through the water near the trees’ base are the “knees” – above-ground extensions of their root system.
The largest forested area in the park features a mix of pines and oaks, which can be especially brilliant in the fall.
Paddling Trails
The 10 official paddling trails, covering over 50 miles, make paddling the park’s mysterious maze of waterways amazing.
If you’re more of a land-lover like me, you can explore the park’s nearly three miles of trails. Take an easy walk on the short loop of the Caddo Forest trail or brave the steeper hills that the Pine Ridge trail offers.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Location: Vanderpool, Texas
Distance from Dallas: 330 miles; 5.5 hours
Entry Fee: $6/day for adults; children 12 and under are free
Known especially for its spectacular fall colors, Lost Maples State Natural Area is a 2,906-acre area of hills and canyons in South Texas. Though not a quick day trip from Dallas, it’s well worth the drive to see fall foliage.
Because it is designated as a Natural Area rather than a State Park, Los Maples maintains and protects its original beauty. The area is home to a forest stand of the uncommon Uvalde bigtooth maple, which is known for its vibrant red and gold fall colors. If you’re feeling up to the challenge, the East Trail offers three miles of beauty.
Because the foliage changes color in mid-October through mid-November, depending on weather, the park tends to be very crowded during this time. There is only space for 250 cars, so reserve your passes online ahead of time.
Possum Kingdom State Park
Location: Caddo, Texas
Distance from Dallas: 134 miles; 2.5 hours
Entry Fee: $4/day for adults; children 12 and under are free
Possum Kingdom State Park is 1,500 acres of a nature lover’s paradise nestled in the green hills of Palo Pinto County in Northwest Texas and is another easy day trip from Dallas to see fall foliage.
Known especially for camping and water activities, Possum Kingdom Lake and State Park offer incredible landscape views throughout the fall. As soon as the leaves start to turn, the mix of Texas cedar and oak trees that blanket the surrounding forest creates images akin to a picturesque painting.
Possum Kingdom’s 20,000-acre lake has some of the state’s clearest and bluest water, and its 300 miles of shoreline is home to many scenic coves, towering cliffs, and sandy beaches.
Daingerfield State Park
Location: Daingerfield, Texas
Distance from Dallas: 2.5 hours; 238 miles
Entry Fee: $4/day per adult; children 12 and under are free
In just over two hours, you can take another easy day trip from Dallas to see the fall foliage at Daingerfield State Park. Covering 507 acres in the Pineywoods of East Texas, Daingerfield State Park is home to a variety of deciduous trees that create a brilliant contrast from late October through November.
The park’s 2.4-mile Rustling Leaves Trail is an easy and relaxing hike that winds through the “Cathedral of Trees” that blankets the area around Lake Daingerfield.
You can also view the variety of vibrant colors from the water. Rent a boat or bring your own for a relaxing day. Paddle boats and boards, canoes, and kayaks are also available to rent year-round.
Falling for Autumn Colors
With so many options for a day trip from Dallas to see fall foliage, enjoying the color of autumn in Texas is a treat.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip now to one of these beautiful locations. We can’t wait to hear which was your favorite! Let us know in the comments below.
And, if you’re looking for some fun closer to home this fall, don’t miss our free annual DFW Fall Fest!
