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AUSTIN (KXAN) — Looking for an outdoor adventure this fall? Depending on the weather, one of Texas’ many state parks may be just what you’re looking for.
Across the Lone Star State, there are 85 state parks, natural areas and historic sites currently operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
The first parks were opened to the public in the 1930s and the newest, Old Tunnel State Park, opened in 2012. TPWD also has plans to develop five sites into future state parks.
TPWD splits the state into seven ‘natural regions,’ each of which is home to several state parks. The Prairies & Lakes region is home to 21 parks, more than any other region. The South Texas Plains region is home to the fewest, with seven parks.
To determine the average fall totals, we looked at the number of visitors each September, October and November since 2019. In an average fall, the st ate park system as a whole welcomes about 2.1 million people.
The Prairies & Lakes region records the most fall visitors on average, with about 657,000 across its parks. The Hill Country region typically sees just over 540,000 visitors in an average fall.
State parks in the Big Bend Country region typically get the fewest number of visitors each fall, with around 95,000.
But which individual state parks get the most visitors in an average fall? Here’s the top 10 countdown:
10. Huntsville State Park
Set in the Sam Houston National Forest, Huntsville State Park boasts “majestic trees and natural beauty of the East Texas Pineywoods,” according to TPWD. Lake Raven offers fishing, swimming and kayaking — but watch out for alligators that live in the park! Over the past five years, the park has welcomed an average of 52,410 visitors each fall.
9. Dinosaur Valley State Park
TPWD says dinosaur footprints were left in the mud at the edge of an ancient ocean. At Dinosaur Valley State Park, you can literally walk in their tracks. The park also offers camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, geocaching and mountain biking. Over the past five years, the park has welcomed an average of 57,860 visitors each fall.
8. Lost Maples State Natural Area
TPWD calls Lost Maples State Natural Area spectacular year-round, but it is especially known for the bright fall colors of the Uvalde bigtooth maple trees. Located about two hours northwest of San Antonio, the area features steep canyon walls and the scenic Sabinal River. Over the past five years, the park has welcomed an average of 60,956 visitors each fall.
7. Brazos Bend State Park
If you’re looking for a “wild” experience, TPWD says to check out Brazos Bend State Park, calling it a “nature lover’s paradise” while just 45 miles from downtown Houston. Over the past five years, the park has welcomed an average of 65,225 visitors each fall.
6. McKinney Falls State Park
TPWD says McKinney Falls State Park, within the city of Austin, features “rugged beauty.” Onion Creek flows over limestone ledges and trails wind through the Hill Country woods. Over the past five years, the park has welcomed an average of 68,073 visitors each fall.
5. Cedar Hill State Park
Just 20 miles from downtown Dallas, Cedar Hill State Park feels like “a world away from the city,” TPWD says. The park includes a lake, a working farm from the 1800s and rugged limestone hills. Over the past five years, the park has welcomed an average of 71,989 visitors each fall.
4. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Climbing the giant granite dome “is almost a rite of passage for Texans,” TPWD says. But there’s more to the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area than just the dome. “The scenery, rock formations and legends are magical, too!” Over the past five years, the park has welcomed an average of 72,914 visitors each fall.
3. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is referred to by TPWD as the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” In fact, it’s the second-largest canyon in the U.S., behind only — you guessed it — the Grand Canyon. Over the past five years, the park has welcomed an average of 94,399 visitors each fall.
2. Garner State Park
TPWD says “fun traditions and beautiful scenery” bring people back to Garner State Park time after time. The 1,774-acre park along 2.9 miles of the Frio River boasts 16 miles of scenic trails. Other activities include camping, canoeing, fishing, miniature golf and geocaching. Over the past five years, the park has welcomed an average of 103,761 visitors each fall.
1. Ray Roberts Lake State Park
TPWD calls Ray Roberts Lake State Park a “natural playground.” You can escape the bustle of the DFW Metroplex and “get back to nature.” Over the past five years, the park has welcomed an average of 143,632 visitors each fall.
Or if you’re looking for a little more peace and quiet, here are the state parks that typically see the fewest visitors each fall:
- Estero Llano Grande State Park (5,219 visitors in an average fall)
- Mission Tejas State Park (4,765)
- Big Bend Ranch State Park (4,578)
- Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site (3,998)
- Fort Boggy State Park (3,796)
- Resaca de la Palma State Park (3,695)
- Kickapoo Cavern State Park (1,895)
- Fort Leaton State Historic Site (1,874)
- Devils River State Natural Area (1,468)
- Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area (304) – access by guided tour only
Looking for a different season? Check out our previous countdowns:
Balmorhea State Park, Indian Lodge and the Wyler Aerial Tramway have been removed from this list. Balmorhea State Park was closed to visitors from September 2019 to June 2021. Indian Lodge closed in January 2023 for renovations. Wyler Aerial Tramway has been closed to visitors since April 2020.