FLORA

It's Fall, Y'all

Fall isn’t just a time for pumpkin-spiced everything, cool-weather hikes and Thanksgiving overindulgence. It’s also when nature shows off the autumnal art display of trees clad in brilliant colors. Here are some trees to look for this fall and where to see them.

 Tim Fitzharris | Minden Pictures

SWEETGUMS

Unique sweetgums show a variety of colors during fall: bright oranges, soft yellows, dark purples, vivid reds. Big Thicket National Preserve and Sabine National Forest provide natural habitats for these trees. You can find these gems of nature at Daingerfield, Tyler and Lake Bob Sandlin state parks. Anytime in November is a prime time.

 Eric W. Pohl

SUMACS

Displaying a vivid red, these trees can be seen throughout the hiking trails of Lake Livingston State Park and Huntsville State Park. Western-ranging flameleaf sumacs are peppered through Inks Lake State Park. Mid-November is the best time to visit.

 sonja sommerfeld | tpwd

BALD CYPRESS

These copper-red trees can be observed in a variety of places. McKinney Falls State Park is famous for Old Baldy, one of the largest bald cypress trees in Texas, or look along the waterways at Garner, Guadalupe River and Martin Dies Jr. state parks. Late October to early November days provide the best views.

 Larry Ditto

SYCAMORES

Find this orange-leafed beauty in places such as the well-watered areas of Cleburne State Park and Colorado Bend State Park. Mother Neff State Park displays some throughout its hiking trails. The prime time for viewing is early to mid-November.

 Jerod Foster

COTTONWOODS

Bright golden-yellow cottonwoods are found in the lower elevations of Caprock Canyons State Park or along the banks of Limpia Creek at Davis Mountains State Park. If you’re hiking on the trails of Palo Duro Canyon State Park, look around to see a yellow fall wonderland.

 Eric W. Pohl

TEXAS RED OAKS

These oaks with red, orange and yellow autumn leaves can be found at Lake Mineral Wells State Park, along with Pedernales Falls and Dinosaur Valley state parks. It’s best to go in early November to catch a glimpse of these beauties.

 sonja sommerfeld | tpwd

BIGTOOTH MAPLES

The bright red leaves of these West Texas natives can be found along the banks of the Sabinal River in Lost Maples State Natural Area. Boerne also has a collection along Cibolo Creek. Try to visit in mid-November, peak time for these maples.