6 autumn driving destinations within 3 hours of Fort Worth. Here’s what to expect.
Whether you just want to run off to a fall oasis for a day, or you’re tired of long drives, you’ll find plenty to do only a few hours away from Fort Worth.
Here are six day trips to some of the most charming autumn destinations in Texas. The best part — you can drive there in less than three hours.
1. Tyler State Park
Distance from Fort Worth: 2 hr. 8 min. (131.5 mi) Location: Tyler State Park Area 1 Bath House, 789 Park Rd. 16, Tyler Attractions: 64-acre spring-fed lake, 100-foot tall trees, historic structures Need to know: Park hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily. Tickets $6 daily, free for children under 13. Reservations recommended online or by calling 512-389-8900. Busy season is March to Thanksgiving.
The large city’s state park offers a peaceful escape year round, but is especially perfect during the fall. Because it’s so close to Dallas-Fort Worth, it’s perfect for a day trip or weekend visit.
Play at the lake, wet a line, wander through the woods or relax with your binoculars. You can boat, fish or swim in the lake. Or hike, mountain bike, picnic, geocache, camp, bird watch and enjoy nature. Overnight options include campsites ranging from water only to full hookups, cabins and screened shelters.
Explore the Pineywoods on more than 13 miles of trails. Don’t miss the Whispering Pines Nature Trail, laid out more than 70 years ago by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Buy nature-oriented gifts, toys and books; souvenirs; snacks; and fishing and camping supplies.
Fish the lake for crappie, perch, catfish or bass. The park has three fishing piers and a boat ramp, and loans fishing rods, reels and tackle boxes. You can rent canoes, paddle boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and johnboats there or bring your own. From Labor Day to Memorial Day, boat rentals are available daily except Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Check out “America’s Rose Capital.” You’ll find attractions like science museums, the Texas State Railroad and zip lines. If you have kids, be sure to check out the Discovery Science Place. Time your visit to attend The Rose Festival from Oct. 13 to 16. Visit the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, the East Texas Oil Museum in Kilgore, or the Salt Palace Museum in Grand Saline. Shop First Monday Trade Days in Canton.
2. Davey Dogwood Park
Distance from Fort Worth: 2 hr. 18 min. (142.6 mi) Location: 4205 N Link St., Palestine Attractions: 5-mile drive-through, 8-mile hiking and biking trail, scenic views Need to know: Park hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. To rent the pavilion, call 903-723-7406. Two entrances: one off of Link St. and the other on Queen St. off N. Loop 256. Picnic areas near the entrance and center. Free admission.
In 1938, two businessmen named Charles W. Wooldridge and Eugene Fish met for coffee and agreed that Palestine should have a dogwood trail. That first year, 20,000 visitors went to marvel at the beauty of the dogwood trees in the area. Attendance doubled the second year, cementing its place as a well-known East Texas tourism destination.
While the dogwood trees for which the Palestine park is named bloom in early spring, the fall foliage is a sight to behold. The white blossoms of the dogwood trees transition to a rich red display.
The 254-acre park is open year-round and has five miles of roads, eight miles of hiking and biking trails and scenic views. Inside Davey Dogwood Park, there are two picnic areas including one overlooking Manley Mountain, which is one of the highest points in Anderson County.
3. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
Distance from Fort Worth: 2 hr. 26 min. (145.6 mi) Location: 341 State, Park Rd. 2117, Pittsburg Attractions: 9,000-acre lake, 75 campsites, 3.3 miles of wooded trails Need to know: Gate hours are 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily and office hours are 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily. Tickets are $4 daily, free for children under 13. Reservations recommended online or by calling 512-389-8900. Busy season is March through October.
At the shore of Lake Bob Sandlin, two ecoregions meet. The northeast Texas area boasts massive trees, tall grasses, a fascinating mix of plants and animals and plentiful fishing.
On the 9,000-acre lake, you can swim, fish, paddle and boat. Or picnic, hike, camp, geocache, mountain bike and nature watch under the vibrant trees. Bring a group for a tranquil picnic by the lake at the pavilion.
Anglers will have plenty of opportunities for fishing. Fish from shore, pier or boat, or try the stocked Trout Pond or Brim Pond. Catch largemouth bass, catfish and crappie. The park features a fish cleaning station as well as fishing poles and kayaks for rent. While you don’t need a fishing license to fish from shore or pier, you’ll need a license to fish from a boat.
Explore three miles of wooded trails on bike or foot. For a weekend stay, you can choose from 75 campsites with water and electricity, set up your tent at a primitive campsite or reserve a cabin or screened shelter. The park offers tours and nature walks most weekends. Browse the gift shop at the front office for clothes, snacks, souvenirs and outdoor essentials.
Consider visiting the nearby towns of Mount Pleasant, Mount Vernon and Pittsburg. You can also check out the Governor Hogg Shrine in Quitman, Lake Monticello, Lake Cypress Springs and the Ezekiel Airship in Pittsburg.
4. Daingerfield State Park
Distance from Fort Worth: 2 hr. 43 min. (168.8 mi) Location: 455 Park Rd. 17, Daingerfield Attractions: 80-acre lake, East Texas Pineywoods, historic cabins Need to know: Park hours are 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily. Tickets are $4 daily, free for children under 13. Reservations recommended online or by calling 512-389-8900.
Take a short road trip to check out the East Texas Pineywoods, wandering through a cathedral of trees including pines, oaks and dogwoods. In the forest at Daingerfield State Park, walk the trails, paddle Little Pine Lake, or relax at your campsite.
Enjoy the Rustling Leaves Trail, a 2.4-mile easy hike around the lake. The 1.2-mile Mountain View Trail takes you to the highest point in the park. You can hike, go birding or geocaching, have a picnic or set up camp.
In the 80-acre lake, you can swim, boat or paddle, and fish. Fish for crappie, bass, catfish, perch or chain pickerel. Borrow fishing equipment and bring your own bait or purchase worms at the park store. You don’t need a license to fish from shore or boat in the park. Rent a paddle boat, paddle board, canoe, kayak or flat-bottom boat.
Stay at one of the campsites or historic cabins, or reserve the group hall or pavilion for a group gathering. There are two cabins that house four people, one for six people, and the Bass Lodge sleeps up to 15 people.
Through November, dance Saturday night away to jukebox tunes at the pavilion. Some weekends feature karaoke or live music. Drive though the shops and restaurants of Daingerfield or the town of Jefferson just 30 miles southeast of the park.
5. Colorado Bend State Park
Distance from Fort Worth: 2 hr. 51 min. (164.6 mi) Location: 2236 Park Hill Dr, Bend Attractions: Sinkholes, caves, springs Need to know: Park hours are 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily. Tickets are $5 daily, free for children under 13. Reservations recommended online or by calling 512-389-8900. Check weather and road conditions before your visit.
Spend a fall weekend exploring the wilderness of Colorado Bend, two hours northwest of Austin. It features 70-foot Gorman Falls, one of the biggest and most stunning waterfalls in Texas.
On a warm fall day, cool off in Spicewood Springs, a spring-fed swimming hole. Book a cave tour to explore the world underneath the park. Test your limits on 35 miles of hike and bike trails. Tour Gorman Falls on your own or with a park guide, taking a 3-mile round trip hike over rough and rocky terrain.
Camping along the Colorado River offers an unforgettable experience. The park offers drive-up sites, walk-in tent sites and primitive hike-in sites.
6. Sam Houston National Forest
Distance from Fort Worth: 2 hr. 52 min. (197.4 mi) Location: 394 FM 1375 West, New Waverly Attractions: hiking, camping, fishing, hunting Need to know: Open year-round. Bring your own drinking water. Insect repellent is recommended. Admission is free.
Located 50 miles north of Houston is one of only four national forests in Texas. Sam Houston National Forest offers 163,000 acres of pine trees and hardwood forests.
Sam Houston has three campgrounds: Cagle, Double Lake and Stubblefield. History buffs may want to visit the Double Lake recreation area, constructed in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It features a historic pavilion and bathhouse and a 24-acre lake with a swimming area, a concession stand and campgrounds.
The forest features an abundance of hiking and mountain biking trails. One of the best attractions is the Lone Star Hiking Trail, offering 128 miles of walkways for hikers. Wander the forest across woodlands, swamps and meadows. The 22,000-acre Lake Conroe is another attraction, known for its swimming, boating, fishing and sailing.