There’s nothing quite like autumn in Central Texas. As the weather cools and the leaves begin to shift into warm tones of amber, crimson, and gold, the region transforms into a picturesque canvas of color. And lucky for Austinites, some of the most stunning fall foliage in Texas is just a short drive away.
This article takes you through the best fall foliage road trips around Austin. From hidden backroads and historic parks to scenic riversides and cozy small towns, these drives offer the kind of natural beauty that makes you slow down, breathe in the crisp air, and simply enjoy the view.
Overview of Fall Drives Around Austin
Texas may not be famous for autumn color like New England, but the Hill Country delivers a unique, understated charm with bursts of vibrant foliage along creeks, canyons, and ridgelines. Fall colors usually peak from late October to mid-November, depending on rainfall and temperature.
This road trip guide highlights routes that showcase the best leaf-peeping opportunities near Austin. Whether you’re seeking weekend getaways or easy day trips, these drives pair fiery landscapes with stops for hikes, history, and hearty local meals. Bring your camera—these views don’t last long.
Best Scenic Drives and Leaf-Peeping Spots Near Austin
1. Lost Maples State Natural Area
Famous for its Uvalde bigtooth maple trees, Lost Maples is the top fall foliage destination in Texas. The scenic Sabinal River Valley glows with reds and oranges throughout late October.
Address: 37221 FM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: $6/day; $20–$30 for campsites
Famous For: Peak fall foliage and colorful canyon trails
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Reserve a day pass weeks in advance—fall weekends sell out fast.
2. Inks Lake State Park
This lakeside retreat near Burnet offers golden oaks, red sumacs, and scenic granite outcrops perfect for fall photos. The Lake Trail and Devil’s Waterhole are particularly beautiful this time of year.
Address: 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: $6/day; $20–$26 for campsites
Famous For: Colorful lakeside views and pink granite trails
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit mid-week in early November for quieter trails and peak color.
3. Colorado Bend State Park
Tucked into a remote corner of the Hill Country, this park combines fall foliage with waterfalls, caves, and rugged beauty. The Gorman Falls trail is a must in autumn.
Address: 2236 Park Hill Dr, Bend, TX 76824
Hours: Daily, 6 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: $5/day; $15–$30 for campsites
Famous For: Cascading waterfalls and creekside color
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Pack layers—the weather shifts fast between chilly mornings and sunny afternoons.
4. Willow City Loop
This 13-mile scenic drive north of Fredericksburg is known for spring wildflowers, but come fall, the oaks and mesquite trees burst into earthy tones. It’s a quiet, curvy route through private ranch land with sweeping views.
Address: Start at TX-16 N and Willow City Loop Rd, Fredericksburg, TX
Hours: Always open
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Peaceful, private ranch scenery with fall charm
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Drive slowly and respectfully—this is private land with no stopping or parking zones.
5. Pedernales Falls State Park
Located just west of Austin, this park offers golden cottonwoods along the river and expansive overlooks of the fall-colored forest. Short hikes lead to fantastic photo ops.
Address: 2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: $6/day
Famous For: Fall reflections in cascading river pools
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Arrive in the morning for the best light and least crowd—sunrise over the falls is magical.
6. Blanco State Park
Small but scenic, Blanco State Park features a tree-lined riverbank with bald cypress that turn rusty red each fall. It’s a great quick trip for those wanting fall charm without the drive.
Address: 101 Park Rd 23, Blanco, TX 78606
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: $5/day
Famous For: Colorful riverside picnics and fishing spots
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Combine it with Real Ale Brewing or a stroll through Blanco’s antique shops.
7. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
This lesser-known refuge near Lago Vista is full of rugged terrain, hilltop vistas, and colorful forested canyons in autumn. The Sunset Deck Trail lives up to its name.
Address: 24518 RM 1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Remote hiking and birdwatching under colorful canopies
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring binoculars—fall is also peak season for migrating birds like hawks and warblers.
Best Food Stops Along the Fall Route
1. Blue Bonnet Café – Marble Falls
A cozy diner that’s served homestyle meals and Texas-sized pies since 1929. Ideal for breakfast before Balcones Canyonlands or after an Inks Lake hike.
Address: 211 US-281, Marble Falls, TX 78654
Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 8 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$18
Famous For: Meringue pies and Southern-style comfort food
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Grab pie slices to go—they’re perfect for a scenic overlook picnic.
2. Old German Bakery & Restaurant – Fredericksburg
Authentic German breakfasts, schnitzels, and strudels in a historic house downtown. A fall favorite after Willow City Loop drives.
Address: 225 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Hours: Thu–Mon, 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Approx Cost: $12–$22
Famous For: Breakfast combos and pastries with a German twist
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Arrive early—locals and travelers line up fast on weekends.
3. Redbud Café – Blanco
Farm-to-table lunch café located in Blanco’s historic square. Great sandwiches, soups, and seasonal specials using Texas produce.
Address: 410 4th St, Blanco, TX 78606
Hours: Tue–Sat, 11 AM – 3 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$16
Famous For: Seasonal fare and relaxed small-town charm
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Try the pear and brie sandwich if it’s on the fall menu.
Accommodations for a Cozy Fall Getaway
1. Barons CreekSide – Fredericksburg
Swiss-inspired cabins tucked along a creek with private patios and fireplaces—perfect for cool autumn nights.
Address: 316 Goehmann Ln, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Approx Cost: $180–$300
Famous For: Cozy log cabins and peaceful fall ambiance
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book early—fall weekends are the most popular time to visit.
2. Canyon of the Eagles – Burnet
Eco-resort with lakeside lodging, hiking, and starry skies near Inks Lake and Colorado Bend. Great for nature lovers and photographers.
Address: 16942 Ranch Rd 2341, Burnet, TX 78611
Approx Cost: $150–$250
Famous For: Lakeside cabins and an on-site observatory
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Combine your stay with a sunset hike and telescope tour.
3. Blanco Riverside Getaway
Affordable riverside cottages just steps from Blanco State Park. Ideal for relaxing after a scenic drive or foliage-filled picnic.
Address: 20 Main St, Blanco, TX 78606
Approx Cost: $100–$150
Famous For: Fall foliage views and peaceful riverside settings
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring a thermos of hot cider to sip while watching the leaves fall.
Packing Tips for a Fall Foliage Road Trip
- Camera with zoom and wide-angle lenses
- Lightweight jacket or fleece
- Thermos for coffee or cider
- Foldable picnic blanket
- Hiking boots or trail shoes
- Bug spray and sunscreen
- Paper map or offline GPS
- Travel mug and reusable utensils
- Fall-themed playlist
- Extra memory cards or phone storage
Local Tips & Seasonal Advice
- Foliage peaks late October to early November
- Check park websites for foliage updates
- Weekdays offer fewer crowds and better photography conditions
- Campsites and cabins book quickly—reserve early
- Some routes are narrow—drive slowly and watch for deer
- Early mornings offer the best lighting and fewer bugs
- Visit small-town festivals—many host fall events or craft fairs
- Don’t forget to fuel up before long scenic loops
- Pack a backup power bank for phones and cameras
- Bring a journal—fall colors inspire beautiful thoughts
Final Conclusion
There’s something deeply calming about a fall road trip—the golden trees, the scent of the air, and the joy of discovering beauty tucked around every bend. Around Austin, autumn arrives with its own Texas flair, blending warm sunsets with rustling leaves and endless photo ops.
Whether you’re chasing colors through the Hill Country or sipping cider on a cabin porch, these road trips remind us that nature doesn’t rush—and neither should we. So hit the road, follow the colors, and let fall unfold mile by mile.
