When most non-Texans think of Texas , images of grassy plains, mesquite trees, dusty deserts and prickly pear cactus often come to mind. As Texans, however, we know that our state is much more ecologically diverse—with low-lying coastal lands, rolling hills covered with cedar trees, and plentiful rivers that criss-cross the state.

But as the summer makes its welcomed departure and the temperatures begin to drop, did you also know that Texas is home to trees whose colorful fall foliage rivals that of the Northeast? In East Texas , the leaves of beech, dogwoods, blackgum, and hickory put on a colorful show every fall, and small towns across the region celebrate with autumn festivals.

The town of Winnsboro hosts “Autumn Trails” in October each year, with special events scheduled for every weekend, including a Big Woods Trail Ride, sidewalk sales, and a Taste of Winnsboro Cookout. Sightseers are also dispatched with specifically mapped routes of the best fall foliage trails in the region. In Texas , unlike the Northeast, the occurrences of fall foliage are more compact, so local organizations, such as the East Texas Tourism Association, set up hotlines for local residents to phone in sightings of colorful regions.   

The first trees that change colors in Winnsboro each fall are the red sumacs, followed by creepers, muscadine, and poison ivy. Orange and yellow leaves are added to the scenery by the sweet gum, oak, maple and elm trees. For the best times to see fall leaves in the area, call the Winnsboro Chamber of Commerce at 903-342-3666.

To the far west—about 100 miles east of El Paso and 200 miles west of Midland—more daring travelers seeking a fall fix can hike through McKittrick Canyon in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The favored trail is a 7-mile hike into the canyon that takes hikers past colorful big-tooth maples, various oak, walnut and ash trees, along with the Texas madrone-a native of western Texas and New Mexico . The fall leaves are an array of brilliant reds, subtle yellows, and deep browns that contrast against the desert-like landscape of the canyon. Other popular hikes include the Bowl, Devils Hall, Tejas Trail, and Indian Meadows Nature Trail. The leaves typically begin changing color in the second half of October and peak in the last week of October or first week of November, but weather conditions can affect this timeline. The park recommends that visitors call its information hotline when planning their trip for daily updates, 915-828-3251.

Finally, the Lost Maples State Natural Area located just north of Vanderpool in Texas Hill Country is another favorite destination for foliage fans. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department purchased the roughly 2,200 acres from private landowners in the early 1970s to preserve its unique resources, including an isolated population of big-tooth maples whose vivid fall leaves draw visitors every year. The park is also home to black walnut and red oak trees that contribute to the colorful fall scenery. Unfortunately, due to the record heat sustained this summer, many of the trees in the Lost Maples park are showing signs of heat stress this year, such as losing their leaves early. The larger maple trees along the trails, however, are in good condition and receiving much-needed water from the Sabinal River . Fall foliage updates will be posted beginning October 1st on the park’s website: tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/lost_maples/.

The colorful fall foliage of East, West and Central Texas is yet another layer of our state’s unique and diverse natural beauty. With fall officially upon us, I encourage you to take advantage of the some of the nation’s most colorful fall leaves— located right in our own backyard.

Sources: Texas Monthly; Texas Parks and Wildlife; Winnsboro Today

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Finance, Judiciary, Agriculture, and Budget Committees. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee's Immigration, Refugees and Border Security subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.