Best Fall Road Trips in Texas

Fall is the perfect time for a road trip in Texas. From East Texas, through rolling Hill Country, and all over the state, the green leaves of summer are turning vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange. Whether you have a day, a weekend, or even longer, this is the time to get out into nature and explore the changing natural beauty around you.

These are some of the best road trips to take in Texas this fall, so get out and enjoy your beautiful state!

Texas Hill Country

Hill Country is located right in the heart of Texas, and road trips in this region allow travelers to see big cities, small towns, and lovely countryside. One of the most beautiful places to step out of the car and take a hike is the Enchanted Rock State Park, which features stunningly colorful granite formations. There are lots of fun attractions along the road as well, including the World's largest pair of cowboy boots, the Frontier Times Museum, and the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum.

Big Bend Region

Head west to explore Texas' Big Bend region, which is perfect for a fall road trip. You can start and end your route in Fort Davis, driving through the Davis Mountains and soaking in the serene mountain landscapes. There are several roadside parks along this route, as well as the McDonald Observatory on top of Mount Locke and the Madera Canyon.

Texas Barbecue Trail

It's practically a crime to road trip across Texas without eating some good barbecue. The drive from Austin to San Antonio is sometimes referred to as the Barbecue Belt because there are some amazing places to try ribs and brisket along the way. This route is about 245 miles long and passes by meat-centric restaurants like Iron Works BBQ and the Salt Lick.

Palo Duro Canyon

Palo Duro Canyon is located near Amarillo and provides lots of opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration. This canyon was home to prehistoric Native Americans and is thought to be nearly a million years old. Today, visitors drive through Palo Duro Canyon State Park to go camping, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and biking.

East Texas Routes

One of the most unforgettable regions for a fall road trip is East Texas, a place where autumn colors permeate the Deep South. One popular scenic drive is the 60-mile route from Tyler to Rusk along Highway 69. On this route, you'll see the Caddo Indian Mounds State Historic Site and the Mission Tejas State Park. To see America's longest footbridge, head to the Texas State Railroad and Jim Hogg State Park in Rusk on a road trip along Highway 31. And to really soak up the beauty of fall foliage, drive along Highway 19 from Palestine to Athens across rolling hills and tranquil meadows.