The Great Outdoors

A scenic state: The 4 best autumn hikes in Central Texas

Colorado State Park is at its best after a generous autumn rainfall, whichswells the Gorman Creek and subsequently feeds the picturesque 65-foot tallGorman Falls.

Colorado Bend State Park/Facebook
Enchanted Rock is best known for its geological anomaly, a huge granite domesteeped in Native American mysticism and lore.

Photo by Tian Rose
Every autumn, the leaves on the trees in Lost Maples State Natural Areatransform from a rich green to kaleidoscopic hues of orange, red and yellow.

Lost Maples State Natural Area/Facebook

A lot of people erroneously believe that Central Texas doesn’t offer much in terms of a traditionally scenic autumn. While it’s true that the area’s fall and winter temperatures could be best categorized as schizophrenic, we can still enjoy the same offerings of, say, a crisp November saunter in New England.

The following hikes represent some of our favorites in Central Texas. During the cooler days of autumn and winter, these sites are chock full of seasonal flora, lending a more enjoyable experience than in the summer months.

Lost Maples State Natural Area

Vanderpool
If you’ve never visited Lost Maples State Natural Area, then do yourself a favor and make the three-hour trek southwest to Vanderpool. Situated on the idyllic Sabinal River, the park boasts a unique display of Uvalde bigtooth maples along the popular East Trail.

Every autumn, the leaves on these trees transform from a rich green to kaleidoscopic hues of orange, red and yellow. Huge crowds regularly flock to witness this transformation and also take in the park’s breathtaking views, rocky plateaus and waterfalls.

Even on the Lost Maples’ busiest days, park visitors can easily escape the crowds by taking on steeper climbs to the windswept ridges surveying Can Creek and Mystic Canyons.

Up there you’ll not only find solitude, but also a seemingly “lost” stand of maples, juniper and cacti. Before making the journey to Vanderpool, check the Lost Maples Foliage Reports, which offer bimonthly updates on the color status of the changing leaves.

Colorado Bend State Park

Bend
Take TX-71 West to Llano and follow signs north along Highway 16 into Colorado Bend State Park. Upon approaching the park, you’ll venture through familiar Hill Country pastorals – mesquite trees, grassy pastures, distant peaks and winding dirt roads – that open onto quick glimpses of the Colorado River valley below.

The park is at its best after a generous autumn rainfall, which swells the Gorman Creek and subsequently feeds the picturesque 65-foot tall Gorman Falls. The waterfall can be accessed by way of the self-guided 1.5-mile Gorman Spring trail. The park’s other attractions, such as wild caves, sinkholes and other protected portions are accessible via guided tours only.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Fredericksburg
Enchanted Rock is best known for its geological anomaly, a huge granite dome steeped in Native American mysticism and lore. The park’s most popular jaunt is the three-quarter-mile Summit Trail, which leads to the top of the dome and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Although the hike itself is pretty short, the 800-foot climb makes it very strenuous. Even in the autumn, be sure to pack lots of water and some snacks for a quick picnic once you make it to the top.

Mount Bonnell

Austin
Although Mount Bonnell is admittedly more of a tourist destination than a hike, the city-operated park certainly challenges this distinction with spectacular views of the Austin skyline and Lady Bird Lake.

Make the short 190-foot climb up a steep set of stairs and find a private lookout spot along the hill slope. These nooks are perfect for picnicking or simply taking in autumnal glow of the city from one of its highest points.

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Outdoor Awards

12 scenic Texas campsites declared best places to pitch a tent in U.S.

Photo courtesy of Hipcamp

Only 12 Texas campgrounds were highlighted in the 2026 Hipcamp Awards.

A dozen outdoorsy sites scattered throughout Texas' vast landscape have been crowned the best places to camp in the U.S. And one of them is right outside Dallas-Fort Worth.

The 2026 Hipcamp Awards identified the places that Hipcamp users loved the most based on an analysis of bookings, ratings, and reviews across more than 500,000 campsites from August 2025 to August 2026. The featured campgrounds are "a celebration of the [h]osts who consistently offer some of the most incredible camping experiences in the world."

"There are thousands of incredible places to camp on Hipcamp, so being recognized in the Awards is a genuinely high bar," said Alyssa Ravasio, CEO and Founder of Hipcamp, in a release. "These are places that have earned exceptional feedback again and again, and we’re excited to give the Hosts behind them the recognition they deserve."

North Texans will recognize one winner on the list: Llama Land Ranch in Tool, a property just a short drive from Dallas where llamas and other wildlife roam free on 101 acres of land. Earlier this summer, the ranch was named one of America's 50 favorite camping spots, thanks to its affordability and variety of campsites, which are a mix of tent-only, RV/tent, and RV-only sites.

"From the moment we arrived, everything felt peaceful, welcoming, and thoughtfully set up," wrote one reviewer. "The campsite itself is beautiful, clean, and well-maintained, with just the right balance between comfort and nature. Waking up to the fresh air and scenic surroundings was incredibly relaxing. The highlight, of course, was the llamas—they were adorable, friendly, and added such a special touch to the entire stay."

Llama Land Ranch in Tool outside Dallas S'mores cooked over a fire are a must-have treat, regardless of how hot it is outside.Photo courtesy of Hipcamp

Campers that recommend the ranch don't only rave about the llamas. Many reviews also praise the owner, Judy, whose family has owned the property for almost 40 years.

"Judy was a fantastic host — kind, responsive, and clearly passionate about what she’s created," the review continued. "She made sure we had everything we needed and offered helpful tips to make the most of our visit. If you’re looking for something different from a typical camping trip, this is the perfect spot."

North Texas travelers that want to venture deep into the woods of East Texas can book a private yurt at The Ranch at Beulah. This expansive ranch is located in Elkhart, about 120 miles southeast of Dallas, or a two-hour drive away. Campers can roam the ranch trails, fish or swim in the nearby creeks, play a game at the volleyball pit, practice their aim at the tomahawk throwing range, or bake a delicious pizza in the outdoor kitchen equipped with a pizza oven.

Yurts range from $150-$204 per night, and reviewers highlight that the ranch is great for families, kids, and pets.

"We had a great weekend get-away from the city," one review said. "Noah made us feel so welcome and we had everything we needed. The dogs had a fun time and we enjoyed listening to the frogs serenade us at night."

The other award-winning best places to camp in the Lone Star State are:

5D Ranch, Navasota
Circle C CampGrounds, Montgomery
The Best Dam Spot, Staples
Boulderdash Cabin & Camping, Bandera
Laf Ranch, Medina
River Grove Campground, Gonzales
Hill Country Nature Retreat, Blanco
Camping Near Hamilton Pool, Dripping Springs
Colorado RiverBend Retreat, Smithville
Temple of the Bird, Terlingua

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