Fall in Central Texas might be brief, but it’s stunning. With a mix of evergreens and color-changing trees, Austin and the surrounding Texas Hill Country offer beautiful fall foliage, creating perfect conditions for capturing the season’s rich reds, oranges, and yellows. Here’s a guide to some of the best spots to witness and photograph fall foliage near Austin:

1. Texas Hill Country

Lyndon B. Johnson State Park Cattle - Photo by Dalton Mitchell

Just a short drive west of Austin, the Texas Hill Country becomes a breathtaking canvas of color each fall. Areas like Lost Maples State Natural Area near Vanderpool are especially known for their vibrant maples, which peak in late October to early November. This park offers incredible trails through canyons and overlooks, perfect for wide-angle landscape shots. Check trail conditions before your trip, as the park can get crowded during peak color seasons. For an equally scenic alternative, try Inks Lake State Park, where oaks and sumacs display fiery colors alongside the lake's calm waters.

2. McKinney Falls State Park

Located just 13 miles from downtown Austin, McKinney Falls offers both fall colors and waterfalls, making it a favorite for nature and landscape photographers. The park has several hiking trails that wind through cypress-lined Onion Creek, where the changing leaves add an extra layer of beauty. In addition to capturing fall foliage, you can find unique compositions by incorporating the limestone formations and waterfalls for a perfect autumn scene.

3. Lady Bird Lake & the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

Downtown Austin - Photo by Dalton Mitchell

For those looking to stay close to the city, Lady Bird Lake is an urban oasis in the heart of Austin, where cypress and pecan trees along the shoreline turn to shades of yellow and orange in the fall. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail loops around the lake, offering plenty of vantage points to capture Austin’s skyline against the backdrop of seasonal colors. Early morning light here is ideal, casting a soft glow over the lake and creating reflections of the colorful foliage.

4. Zilker Botanical Garden

Indian Blanket with Bee - Photo by Dalton Mitchell

Zilker Botanical Garden’s diverse plant life transforms in fall, offering rich colors and textures, particularly in its Japanese Garden section. Early mornings are best for natural light and minimal crowds. Since the garden features a variety of plants from around the world, you’ll find unique foliage that adds a variety of hues to your images, making it ideal for close-ups and macro photography as well.

5. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

A spring bloom at the Balcones Canyonlands Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center - Photo by Dalton Mitchell

If you’re up for a drive, Balcones Canyonlands near Marble Falls provides expansive views over the Texas Hill Country and colorful fall landscapes, especially along the Doeskin Ranch and Warbler Vista trails. The oak, sumac, and juniper trees provide a wide spectrum of autumn colors. This spot is also fantastic for wildlife photography, with chances to capture deer, birds, and other species.

Photography Tips for Fall Foliage

Shoot during golden hour: Early mornings and late afternoons provide softer light and enhance the warm colors of autumn leaves.
Use a polarizer: This reduces glare from leaves and enhances the colors of the sky, water, and foliage.
Try different angles: Shoot up through the trees for a dynamic perspective, or use a low angle to capture fallen leaves in the foreground with trees in the background.

With the right timing and these beautiful spots, Austin’s fall foliage offers stunning photo opportunities for photographers at every level. Find more of my favorite photography spots here.

Where to Find Fall Foliage Near Austin: A Photographer’s Guide