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By Meteorologist Mike Hernandez
“ Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald
Growing up in South Texas I remember my dad saying, “We only have two seasons, Really Hot and Humid and Not Quite As Hot!” As funny as that sounds, my dad was pretty much right! But of course the northern half of the state does have its share of wintry weather.
You don’t have to think back further than this past February when we had what’s been called “ The Big Freeze or the Snow-Mageddon” to realize yes, at times all of Texas does have it’s share of cold, chilly, windy and even snowy days.
The change in the weather pattern that typically happens in the middle to later parts of October when the first significant cold fronts blow through ignites the magnificent fall colors in parks all over. But before I share some of the best spots to go and see the colors, the meteorologist in me would like to take a moment and explain the actual process that causes the colors to change.
Trees and plants need three things to feed themselves and survive. Those three things together are called photosynthesis. They need water, carbon dioxide and sunlight. Water is absorbed through their roots, carbon dioxide is absorbed by tiny holes in the leaves, branches, stems and flowers. Sunlight is absorbed by a chemical in the tree’s leaves known as chlorophyll. Because chlorophyll needs sunlight and warmth in order for a plant to produce it, when the colder months set in, chlorophyll production deteriorates and this is why leaves change colors in the fall. The leaves are actually dying and will fall off as we head towards winter.
This brings me back to the middle of October. That’s when we start to see those cold fronts move through. At first they’re not real strong, just shifting the winds to the North for a couple of days and dropping temperatures only slightly. But as this weather pattern continues and the fronts get increasingly stronger the vibrant colors in the leaves begin to take hold.
From start to finish this process only lasts about 2-4 weeks! After that most of the leaves have already fallen off the trees as the stronger, biting winds of winter start to blow.
Be ready to go catch the beautiful change and the vibrant colors that explode this time of year. Timing is everything.
Now we know how and why the leaves change color, but what we don’t know is where? Where can we go in the Lone Star State and see this for ourselves?
Luckily there are state parks that have a stunning array of beautiful fall colors!!
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Located on the banks of the beautiful Sabinal River, this area is surrounded by hills of tall majestic trees and is close to Vanderpool in the Texas Hill Country. This is a favorite park for Texans to enjoy with a multitude of fall colors that you can’t evenimagine. Maple trees after maple trees combined with red, orange and yellow leaves that make walking a joy. The best time is during late October and early November. It’s the Bigtooth maples and the Red Oaks that make it a favorite and worthwhile trip for fall colors.
To witness the very best of the fall colors take the time and walk the east trail. That’s where hundreds of the beautiful maples turn color and drop their leaves.
There are detailed fall foliage reports that you can check out with the park or state. Texas weather is not always right on so I suggest to check the forecast and possibly visit early in the week and stay away from the crowds.
Garner State Park
About 90 miles West of San Antonio in Concan Texas along the banks of the clear flowing water of the Frio River, is Garner State Park. It has to be one of the best array of colors in the state of Texas. Blend in the multitude of palates using oak, persimmon, mesquite and a dab of cypress and you will have a painting that even Michelangelo would be jealous of. Imagine the sun bleeding through the leaves of orange and red as you stroll through a wonderland of colors that only Mother Nature could produce. There are miles and miles of dazzling breathtaking trails with the crisp clean smell of fall. There is also a scenic overlook made just for you to take pictures that will remain with you for a lifetime. If one day is not enough, then there are camping sites and even cabins that you can rent. Garner State Park is not far from Austin and San Antonio making it worth the exciting drive. Welcome in autumn with memories that are worth the time and immerse yourself in all of Garner’s glorious fall colors. October is the best time to visit Garner State Park.
Daingerfield State Park
In Northeast Texas, near the city of Daingerfield, you will find beautiful pine, oak, and cypress trees, in
Daingerfield State Park. This area known as the Piney woods is always beautiful, but especially when it comes to the fall season.
You will enjoy the cooler weather and have a choice of multiple hiking trails. Plus, for a dramatic change you can rent paddle boats and enjoy the scenery while gliding on the beautiful water. A smorgasbord of overwhelming colors of red, orange and yellow reflect on the water. By the way, cabins can be rented in advance online. This is truly one of my favorite parks to visit! The colors begin to turn here normally at the end of October and will sometimes last through the end of November.
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
The best time to visit is from mid- October through the middle of November near Pittsburg Texas. It is in the eastern portion of the state, also in the Piney Woods area. An artists paradise with so many colors that makes it one of the best places to see during the changing of fall leaves in Texas. Throughout the state there are many choices to enjoy but if you could only pick one then its Lake Bob Sandlin State Park. The park is alive with vibrant colors from the sweetgum trees, the hickory, the elm and the sumac blend with an artist imagination combined with the red maple trees. This will be a “wow” reaction resulting in a multitude of different color combinations, as if painted by an angels brush with strokes of burgundy, bright gold, soft orange, blazing red, and mellow yellow.
There are also hiking and mountain bike trails to enjoy.
For me the best part of getting to see the trees change colors is being able to enjoy nature sharing one of its most brilliant and beautiful processes. After a long, hot Texas summer I love the feel of the cooler breeze, the lower humidity and being among the trees as they tell us that it’s time for a change. It’s kind of a right of passage, isn’t it? Not only a notice of a coming change in our weather but also the passing of time. So get out and enjoy and experience this fall season and share in the colors that Mother Nature provides.
