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Texas is the biggest state in the lower 48, and because of its sheer size, it contains a vast diversity of landscapes, people, communities, and cultures. From the flat plains of west Texas to the Gulf Coast and up to the forested Hill Country, the Lone Star State is a fantastic place to explore at any time of the year. Fall does not generally come to mind when one thinks about Texas, but this end-of-the-year season is an excellent time to see what it has to offer.

Fort Worth is one of the biggest cities in Texas, and its surrounding area is replete with destinations that come alive in the fall. Let's explore nine must-see places near this bustling urban area that will help you get into the season this year.

Possum Kingdom State Park

Possum Kingdom State Park, located just 100 miles west of Fort Worth, is one of the best state parks in Texas for anyone looking to enjoy the crisp fall air by the water. Nestled along the shores of the expansive Possum Kingdom Lake, the park is known for its hiking trails, well-maintained campsites, and the changing colors of autumn in its woodlands.

The lake, with its deep blue waters surrounded in part by overhanging bluffs, becomes even more striking in the fall. You can take advantage of the park鈥檚 many trails to explore the area around the water or embark on a boat ride for a more unique view. Fishing is particularly popular at Possum Kingdom throughout the year, as the lake is home to a healthy population of bass, catfish, and crappie. Those who want to stay the night can set up camp at the Possum Hollow Campground, which features basic amenities.

Granbury

Granbury, situated about 40 miles southwest of Fort Worth, is a picturesque and cozy town. At the heart of Granbury is its historic downtown square, where you can take a stroll by its nice collection of locally owned restaurants, shops, and other amenities housed in well-preserved 19th-century buildings. One notable sight is the 1886 Granbury Opera House, which still puts on live performances and can be explored during your visit. For a spookier slice of the past, book a time with Granbury Ghost Tours, which takes guests on a guided walk through the town鈥檚 spookiest locations, recounting tales of local hauntings and legends.

Fall is an ideal time to visit, with seasonal festivals such as Harvest Moon Festival of the Arts, which showcases local art, live music, and food vendors on the charming square. Granbury鈥檚 is conveniently located near the shores of Lake Granbury, where boating, fishing, or enjoying lakeside walks are popular activities year-round but made particularly scenic in the fall.

Dinosaur Valley State Park

Dinosaur Valley State Park is where history and nature truly come together. Known for its well-preserved dinosaur tracks along the Paluxy River, the park attracts visitors interested in prehistoric history and other fun outdoor activities. The cooler autumn weather, as opposed to the often sweltering summer temperatures, makes it an ideal time to explore the park鈥檚 network of hiking and biking trails, which wind through wooded hills, open plains, and along the scenic riverbanks. Located in a heavily wooded area, fall also enhances the park's natural beauty, with vibrant foliage adding color to the landscape.

For a closer look at the dinosaur tracks, you can even wade into the shallow parts of the river where these ancient footprints are clearly visible. Beyond the paleontological intrigue, the park attracts birdwatchers and picnickers who are looking to simply spend a relaxing afternoon in nature. Camping is also popular during the fall, with both primitive and modern campsites available, making Dinosaur Valley a great spot for a weekend retreat immersed in history and nature. If you don鈥檛 want to stay the night, Fort Worth is just 60 miles away, so it's a short 1-hour drive back to civilization.

Pittsburg

In this heavily agricultural corner of the state, Pittsburg makes a perfect place to stop by during this harvest season. In the countryside around town, you will find it easy to run into some of the best farms and orchards within two and a half hours of Fort Worth. Efurd Orchards, located just south of Pittsburg (and about two and a half hours east of Fort Worth), is a fun and laid-back spot for those seeking seasonal fruit and a taste of rural life in Texas. Known for its fresh peaches, the orchard also offers a variety of autumn produce, including apples, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes.

During fall, you and the whole family can enjoy farm activities like hayrides, pumpkin picking, and sampling homemade treats like pies, jams, and apple cider. The farm stand is a great place to stock up on local produce before Thanksgiving and enjoy the relaxed, country atmosphere that makes Efurd Orchards a perfect spot for a fall day trip. You can also plan your events in the 10,000-square-foot event venue, featuring 20 round tables, 400 chairs, and even an outdoor bar area.

While in town, if the history of this farming community interests you be sure to visit the Northeast Texas Rural Heritage Museum. Here you can check out the many exhibits containing artifacts ranging from the original American settlers to the native populations long before them.

Mineral Wells

To many, fall is also Halloween season, and what better way to get into the spirit than at a real (allegedly) haunted house? You don't have to look far around Fort Worth because The Haunted Hill House is located in Mineral Wells, about an hour west of the city. This destination is eerie and exciting for those seeking a more spine-chilling fall adventure. The Hill House is a historic home dating back to the 19th century and has long been the subject of paranormal investigations due to numerous reports of ghostly activity. Visitors flock here in the fall, particularly around Halloween, for guided ghost tours and overnight stays designed for thrill-seekers looking to experience the supernatural and other urban legends in person. The house鈥檚 unsettling atmosphere is made more interesting by its long history, which includes stories of mysterious deaths and strange occurrences. If you get a bit overwhelmed, there鈥檚 no need to fret. The surrounding town of Mineral Wells has many ways to ease off nearby, from a delicious meal at Pastafina to a night鈥檚 stay at The Crazy Water Hotel.

Beyond its storied history and old houses, Mineral Wells is surrounded by a number of excellent parks and other natural areas, including Lake Mineral Wells State Park. This park, named after the lake at its center, features dozens of miles of trails (for both walking and horseback riding), accessible boat launches, and rock climbing areas to explore in the milder fall weather.

Grapevine

Located in nearby Grapevine are a number of fun fall activities, the most popular of which are in Hall's Pumpkin Farm and Corn Maze. This farm is an easy 20-minute journey from Fort Worth and a must-visit this year. This working farm transforms into a festive destination every autumn, offering a huge assortment of seasonal activities for kids and adults alike. The main highlight here is its sprawling corn maze, which challenges visitors of all ages to navigate its winding pathways. For those looking for something less mind-bending, the pumpkin patch is perfect for picking out pumpkins of all shapes and sizes that are ideal for eating or using as this year's Halloween decorations.

In addition to the maze and pumpkins, Hall's features hayrides around the farm, offering a tour of the surrounding fields and livestock pens. A farm stand also sells locally grown produce and fall-themed goods, including gourds, corn stalks, and home-baked treats. The best part is that tickets cost less than $5 on Wednesday and Thursday, so road trippers can plan an affordable weekday retreat.

The city of Grapevine also rests on the shores of Grapevine Lake, which is surrounded by wooded trails and picnicking areas that are perfect for a day outside in the crisp fall air. Those looking for more foliage can visit the Grapevine Botanical Garden at Heritage Park, an abode of scenic plant life that transforms during autumn.

Ray Roberts Lake State Park

Spanning over 3,700 acres, Ray Roberts Lake State Park contains a mix of woodlands, prairies, and lake views that contrast beautifully with the fall foliage that transforms in October. Hiking, fishing, and camping are the most popular activities here, and the cooler temperatures later in the year make for an ideal setting for exploring the park鈥檚 numerous trails. The Greenbelt Corridor, which winds through protected hardwood forests south of the lake, is highly recommended.

Anglers can expect to catch species such as largemouth bass and catfish on Lake Ray Roberts, and you can launch your boat at the nearby Lone Star Marina or Jordan Unit Boat Launch. The marina is beside the Lone Star Lodge, so you can spend a night or two there. On the other hand, camping options include tent and RV sites at the Deer Ridge Campground in the park. The park is less than an hour from Fort Worth, so you won鈥檛 have to dread the drive back to the city.

Hico

Hico is a gorgeous small town located about an hour south of Fort Worth, making it a relaxing escape from big city life. This town is known for its festivities during the fall season, particularly Choctoberfest, where chocolate is celebrated in all its many shapes and forms this October. The region around Hico is also ideal for grape growing, so events like Hallo-Wine at Bull Lion Vineyard, taking place over two weekends in the latter half of October, are perfect for any wine enjoyers out there in Texas. Also, be sure to explore nearby attractions like the Billy the Kid Museum, where you can learn about the famous outlaw Billy the Kid, who spent his last days living in this town.

Eisenhower State Park

Eisenhower State Park is located on the shores of Lake Texoma on the Oklahoma border just north of Fort Worth. Named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower, this idyllic park spans a modest 423 acres and features woodlands, open fields, and a beautiful shoreline that is even more vibrant in the fall.

Like many lakes near Dallas and Fort Worth, fishing is a significant draw during the fall months when it gets a little chilly to swim. The park鈥檚 access to Lake Texoma also allows for boating and water sports, providing plenty of recreation options. Those looking for an adrenaline rush can head out to some ATV or biking in the 10-acre area or explore more than 4 miles of bike trails. Eisenhower State Park also contains a number of picnic areas and campsites, like the East and West Burns Run campgrounds, allowing families and groups to enjoy an extended stay in the area. Keep an eye on the treeline as wildlife like armadillos, bats, and coyotes can sometimes stumble into campsites, expecially during fall.

Experience These Fall Gems Near Forth Worth this Fall

Although Fort Worth lacks the vast forests that other northeastern cities and other parts of the country have, fall is no less fun and exciting in and around this significant Texas metro area. From ghost-infested towns to pumpkin patches and woodlands exploding with color, fall in this corner of the state can be enjoyed in a wide variety of different ways. How many of these spots will you be able to explore before the winter kicks in this year?