Fall is one of the most colorful seasons in Dallas, when the temperatures and daylight dip and the foliage starts changing into gorgeous shades of yellow, gold, and red. Of course, this area doesn’t provide the typical New England kind of massive fall color views, but you can still enjoy incredible leaf-peeping opportunities if you know where to look. Here are our top 5 places to see fall color near Dallas that will create lasting memories.
5 Best Places To See Fall Colors Near Dallas
If you are like most Dallas residents, you may want to know, “Where can I see fall colors in Dallas?” The best places to see fall colors in Dallas are:
1. White Rock Lake
Just 25 minutes from the suburbs hides the stunning White Rock Lake, one of the best places to view fall colors in Texas. Here, some of the best trees in Dallas show off their striking autumn colors, creating a scenic site for family getaways.
Bring a blanket, a bottle of wine, and some cookies and delight in a life changing picnic by the lake. The Sunset Bay near the Stone Tables, especially, would be a great spot for a picnic. You can even rent some fishing rod and try some fishing or just pour a glass of wine and watch the geese and ducks play in the water. In the evening, park your car on the hill and watch the sunset.
2. Dinosaur Valley State Park
The Dinosaur Valley State Park is 60 minutes away from South West of Fort Worth but it is absolutely stunning in the fall. Take a walk in the park’s hiking trail and you will be rewarded by a spectacular ocean of reds, yellows, and golds.
There are other ways to explore this picturesque land of colors including fishing at the pristine Paluxy River, camping, and mountain biking.
3. Palo Pinto Mountains
A few minutes’ drive from the Metro area lies Palo Pinto Mountains, another area you don’t want to exclude from your list of places to see fall colors in Dallas. The massive acres of trees offer an abundance of opportunities not only to delight in the autumn colors but also to hike and take pictures.
If you are planning on camping, get a spot at the Mineral Well State Park area. The park is located in the mountains and would be a great place to relax and spend the night after a long day of hiking and exploring the colorful mountains.
You can also bring a kayak and paddle on the River Brazos waters at Possum Kingdom State Park, another park located near the mountains. Not into kayaking? No problem! Hop into your car and drive on Highway 16 or Farm Road 4 and see some of the most scenic fall foliage.
4. Cedar Ridge Preserve
Cedar Ridge is not only one of the best places to see fall color near Dallas but it is also only 20 minutes from the city. The area lies on over 600 acres and boasts of 8 miles of hiking trails. Drive up the ridge and the beautiful views of the fall foliage and the Metro area will give your eyes something to feast on. The preserve is located about 750 ft. above sea level, which means you can see pretty far.
This is one of the best spots to explore autumn foliage without being overwhelmed by the scorching Texas heat. Also, it is not as jam-packed as the parks, which makes it perfect for anyone looking to escape the crowds and enjoy fall colors in a more natural setting.
5. Daingerfield State Park
Located in the heart of north Texas is Daingerfield State Park, an area blessed with towers of oaks, pines, and cypress trees. While this park is a great outdoor adventure destination all year round, it is truly magnificent in the autumn.
Rent a canoe and ride on the shimmering lake, explore the glorious hiking trails, or just sit by the lake and appreciate the splendid sea of yellow, orange, and red leaves. Look across the lake and admire the reflection of these beautiful colors off the surface of the water.
Where Can I See Fall Colors In Texas?
To see fall colors in Texas, head to any of the places listed above, if you live in Dallas or Fort Worth area. Other places you can enjoy the autumn foliage in Texas include:
- Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
- Cooper Lake State Park
- Caprock Canyons State Park
- Lost Maples State Natural Area
- Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
- David Mountains State Park
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- Garner State Park
- Winnsboro Autumn Trails
Do Leaves Change Color In Dallas?
Yes, leaves do change colors in Dallas. According to tree service Dallas experts, this happens due to the decrease in temperatures and in the length of daylight. This causes the leaves to stop making food.
As a result, the green coloring matter (chlorophyll) breaks down, causing the green color on the leaves to disappear and the orange and yellow colors to become more visible. This is what gives trees in Dallas their fall splendor.
In Dallas, the fall colors don’t usually become prevalent until mid to late October. But generally, autumn colors in North Texas depend on timing and location. Northern regions and higher altitudes will reach their peak much earlier than further south and places of lower elevations.
If you have planted trees in your Dallas property, always be on the lookout for any tree that shows fall colors too early, as this could sometimes be a sign of chlorosis. If possible, have it checked by a tree service Texas professional.
Tree Service Removal Overview
Now that you know where to see fall color near Dallas, pick one or two spots and give your family and memorable autumn getaway. All these places have exciting things to do for the entire family besides the magnificent leaf-viewing. Whether you are planning an entire weekend expedition or just a short day trip, these places will create the most blissful moments for you and your loved ones.
