Explore Fall Magic and Halloween Fun at Texas State Parks This October
As the heat of summer gives way to crisp air and colorful leaves, autumn in Texas quietly takes center stage — and state parks across the Lone Star State are ready to welcome visitors with outdoor experiences that embrace the season. For residents across Greater Houston, this is the perfect time to unplug, explore, and enjoy everything from vibrant foliage to Halloween-themed festivities, all within a short road trip.
Fall Foliage: A Texas-Sized Show of Color
Autumn in Texas may be fleeting, but it’s a season of golden opportunities — a brief yet breathtaking window filled with fiery red maples and golden elms. While Greater Houston doesn’t see much color change, residents can easily hit the road to discover picture-perfect backdrops for day hikes, scenic strolls, and weekend camping trips. From Hill Country hideaways to East Texas escapes, these state parks burst with vibrant hues and outdoor adventure.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Location: Near Bandera in the Texas Hill Country (37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885)
Peak Foliage: Late October
Known for its breathtaking stands of Uvalde bigtooth maples, Lost Maples is the crown jewel of Texas fall foliage. This 2,174-acre natural area offers rugged canyons, crystal-clear water, and scenic overlooks.
-
Hike the 3-mile Maple Trail for stunning leaf views.
-
Fish the Sabinal River or try primitive camping for a rustic experience.
-
Spot migratory birds and native wildlife.
-
Pro Tip: Campsites book fast—reserve early at tpwd.texas.gov.
Garner State Park
Peak Foliage: Early November
Just 28 miles from Lost Maples, Garner State Park features rolling hills, vibrant trees, and the scenic Frio River. It’s a favorite for families and tradition-seekers alike.
-
Hike trails with river views and explore limestone bluffs.
-
Paddle, tube, or swim in the river.
-
Camp, play mini golf, or geocache with the whole family.
Guadalupe River State Park
Location: About 38 miles north of San Antonio (3350 Park Rd 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070)
Peak Foliage: Late October to November
Just north of San Antonio, Guadalupe State Park includes 1,938 acres with four miles of riverfront, ideal for fall getaways with plenty of outdoor fun.
-
Hike or bike 13 miles of trails, including the Painted Bunting Trail.
- Swim, canoe, or fish with borrowed gear from the park.
- Visit the Discovery Center and explore with hands-on activities.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Meridian State Park
Location: 50 miles northwest of Waco (173 Park Road #7, Meridian, TX 76665)
Peak Foliage: Late October to November
Tucked into limestone bluffs and home to peaceful Lake Meridian, this 505-acre park is a hidden gem for fall tranquility.
-
Walk the 2.2-mile Bosque Hiking Trail with scenic overlooks.
- Swim, fish from the ADA-accessible pier, or enjoy a peaceful paddle.
- Book a lakeside campsite and look for native wildlife like golden-cheeked warblers.
Copper Breaks State Park
Location: In north Texas (777 State Hwy Park Rd 62, Quanah, TX 79252)
Peak Foliage: Late October to November
This 1,190-acre park offers dramatic views, stargazing opportunities, and trails that weave through fall-colored junipers and mesquites across Copper Breaks.
-
Hike or mountain bike rugged trails like Juniper Ridge.
- Attend star parties or bring your telescope to enjoy the park’s dark skies.
- Fish, swim, or explore equestrian trails.
Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Location: One hour north of the DFW Metroplex (100 PW 4137, Pilot Point, TX 76258)
Peak Foliage: Early November
A sprawling 29,000-acre natural retreat just north of Dallas-Fort Worth, Ray Roberts Lake State Park has a little something for everyone.
Things to Do
- Stroll or bike along the 20-mile Greenbelt Corridor.
- Swim at beach areas or fish for bass and catfish.
- Camp or stay at the on-site lodge and marina for extra comfort.
Cooper Lake State Park
Location: 90 minutes northeast of Dallas (1690 FM 3505, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482)
Peak Foliage: Late October to November
With two separate units—Doctors Creek and South Sulphur—Cooper Lake State Park is a 3,000-acre park bursting with color and family-friendly activities.
-
Fish without a license from shore or rent a kayak.
- Explore scenic biking and hiking trails.
- Enjoy equestrian trails and campsites, or picnic under fiery fall canopies.
Daingerfield State Park
Location: Northeast Texas (455 Park Rd 17, Daingerfield, TX 75638)
Peak Foliage: Mid to Late October
Set around an 80-acre lake and surrounded by towering pines and hardwoods, Daingerfield offers an idyllic fall escape.
-
Walk the Rustling Leaves Trail or climb the Mountain View Trail.
- Rent a paddleboat, fish, or swim.
- Stay in a cozy cabin or camp lakeside for a full weekend retreat.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Martin Creek Lake State Park (East Texas)
Location: 20 miles southeast of Longview (9515 Co Rd 2181D, Tatum, TX 75691)
Peak Foliage: Late October to November
Martin Creek Lake State Park is a peaceful 286-acre park near Longview is perfect for fishing, hiking, or simply unwinding amid colorful trees.
Things to Do
- Fish from the lighted pier or paddle the scenic lake.
- Discover history-themed trails and old settler stories.
- Camp on a secluded island or enjoy lakeside amenities.
Plan Your Trip
Reservations are highly recommended during this popular season. Texans can reserve day passes up to 30 days in advance and overnight stays up to five months out at tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/reservations.
Insider Tip: Midweek visits often mean fewer crowds and more solitude on the trails — ideal for those looking to reconnect with nature.
Spooky Season Events Hosted by TPWD
October brings more than changing leaves — it’s also time for thrills and chills, and Texas State Parks are delivering with a lineup of Halloween-themed programs across the state. From haunted hikes to costume contests and trick-or-treating under the trees, these events offer something for every age.
Some highlights coming up:
-
Oct. 24 – “Boo in the Park” at Bonham State Park: Enjoy traditional trick-or-treating with a nature twist.
- Oct. 25 – Halloween Celebrations Galore: This is the big day! From the B.A.R.K. Ranger Halloween Hike at Fort Richardson to Spooky Stories with a Rangerat Tyler State Park, October 25th is packed with themed fun. Other can't-miss events include:
-
-
Spooky Science Fest: Night of the Living Bugs at Estero Llano Grande State Park
- Trail of the Dead at Choke Canyon State Park
- 10th Annual Boo Camp at Lake Bob Sandlin
- Trunk or Treat at Buescher and Cleburne State Parks
- Boo at the Bog at Fort Boggy State Park
- Wildlife Trick or Treat at Government Canyon
-
BOO-Gill Fishing and Haunted Boathouse at Huntsville State Park — just north of the Houston area.
-
-
Oct. 31 – Halloween Night Events Across Texas: Close out the month with eerie hikes, campfire stories, sugar skull crafting, and more. Local favorites include Halloween Night Hike at Guadalupe River and Spooky Stories in the Dark at Lake Casa Blanca.
For a full calendar of Halloween and fall-themed activities, visit tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/holidays.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Your Fall Adventure Starts Now
Whether you're in Katy, Cypress, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, or Baytown, a Texas State Park is never too far. With scenic escapes, educational programs, and festive family fun, these parks are an easy and affordable way to make lasting memories this fall season.
And don’t forget — reservations can fill up fast, especially for weekend events and Halloween festivities. Plan ahead and secure your spot to experience the best that autumn in Texas has to offer.
Find your fall escape or spooky adventure today at tpwd.texas.gov.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
