But theHill Country, an exception, is renowned for having enough elevation and greenery to deserve its name.
People come here to explore the winery trail inFredericksburgor go tubing down the river inNew Braunfels.
Little do they know that this is where autumn puts on one of its final and most surprising shows.
The Sabinal River, which begins in Lost Maples State Natural Area, offers good fishing.Credit: BROWN W. CANNON III
Here are some can’t-miss spots to see fall color in theTexas Hill Country.
It had also been a while since we’d made any turns or seen any other cars.
My road trip pal and I were on thehunt for fall colorin what seemed like the most unlikely place.
Bigtooth maples transform from a sea of bright green into a fiery mix of orange and red within just a few weeks.Credit: BROWN W. CANNON III
But then we saw red.
Long after the GPS had stopped working, Utopia came into view like a humble mirage.
The town’s population rings in at a whopping 167.
Operating since 1986, the Lost Maples Cafe is known for having the area’s best homemade pies.Credit: BROWN W. CANNON III
For this small crook of Texas Hill Country, that’s big.
Let’s keep it nice."
If you’re ambitious, you’re free to visit both destinations in a day.
Set out on the Maple Trail in Lost Maples State Natural Area to see fall foliage.Credit: BROWN W. CANNON III
That and people have found out about the fall color.
“It pushed everybody outside to go seek something new.”
“This park is 43 years old,” says Fitzsimmons.
The Grotto is a gem within Lost Maples State Natural Area.Credit: BROWN W. CANNON III
“When it first opened in 1979, it was a sleepy little place.
A Texas Hill Country native, she lived in the area at the time.
The park is so named for that very reason.
Credit: BROWN W. CANNON III
These maples are, well, lostout of place.
“This isn’t a Vermont or Maine fall.
This is a Texas fall,” Fitzsimmons tells out-of-towners.
Credit: BROWN W. CANNON III
Garner State Park
Less than 30 miles away,Garner State Parkbears the season differently.
Reservations for both get snapped up quick, especially in autumn.
“Everyone kept asking why they couldn’t spend the night here!”
At Treehouse Utopia, book the Chapelle.
“So eventually we decided to give them the chance.”
Waters leads guests individually to the property to ensure utmost privacy and tranquility.
He was probably singing about Texas.
Stay at the Carousel.
It’s rumored that these secluded roads used to be among his favorite to ride alone on his motorcycle.
Perhaps that’s just to help itstay hiddenawhile longer.
During fall, the trees lining the rocks create a postcard-worthy backdrop.
Rest up in the Chateau tree house.Credit: BROWN W. CANNON III
The parks cypress, sumac, sycamore, and cottonwood trees turn vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds.
The park is a short drive from Austin and San Antonio.
The easy and short Barred Owl Trail leads to a scenic overlook on the river.
Sabinal River Winery is a perfect place to wind down and relax.Credit: BROWN W. CANNON III
