Best places near Austin to capture the spirit of autumn
Posted by Amber Jones on 5th Oct 2017
Looking for the perfect places to shoot portraits or blazing landscapes this fall? Look no further! We have complied the definitive list of places to capture the spirit of Autumn near our beloved ATX.
Note: Timing is everything where fall colors are concerned. Each of these areas could be at full color at the same time, or they may come into color at separate times. It's best to call ahead to check on the status of the trees if the parks do not provide foliage reports.
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Lost Maples State Natural Area
Lost Maples State Natural Area covers 2,174 acres in Bandera and Real counties and sits north of Vanderpool on the Sabinal River. It is home to an isolated stand of Uvalde Bigtooth Maples that make the perfect quintessential fall photo! They provide a Fall Foliage report, so you can keep track of the foliage change and find the optimal time to visit.
Where: 37221 F.M. 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885
Open: Daily
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission: $6 or free for children age 12 and under
Website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples
Guadalupe River State Park
Guadalupe River State Park is located on a section of the Guadalupe River in Kendall and Comal Counties, northwest of Bulverde. The park has 4 miles of river frontage and a 5.3 mile equestrian trail. Colorful trees to look for are the Bald Cypress, Sycamores, and Live Oaks.
Where: 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070
Open: Daily
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission: $7 or free for children age 12 and under
Website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/guadalupe-river
Garner State Park
Garner State Park lies in the community of Concan located in Uvalde County, Texas. Here you’ll find magnificent Bald Cypress trees lining the crystal-clear Frio river. High mesas, deep canyons and limestone cliffs fill the terrain. The perfect combination for some breath taking landscape shots!
Where: 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838
Open: Daily
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission: $8 or free for children age 12 and under
Website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/garner
Barton Hills Farms
Barton Hill Farms is a scenic Texas farmstead on the banks of the Colorado River near Bastrop — just 25 minutes from Austin. They have a five-acre corn maze, a pumpkin patch, farm animals, and SO much more. It's perfect place to have fun with the family and capture adorable pumpkin filled portraits of your kiddos.
Where: 1115 FM 969, Bastrop, TX 78602
Hours: Saturdays & Sundays, September 23 to November 5
Admission: $14 at gate / $13 online / Kids age 2 and under are free
Website: http://www.bartonhillfarms.com
Elgin Christmas Tree Farm
Elgin Christmas Tree Farm’s mission in October is to provide families with an affordable opportunity to spend time together outside having fun. They have three corn mazes, hay rides and plenty of rustic photo opportunities.
Where: 120 Natures Way, Elgin, TX 78621
Open: Oct. 6 to Oct. 30
Hours:
Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday from Noon to 5:30 p.m.
Admission: $7
Website: http://www.elginchristmastreefarm.com
Sweet Berry Farm
Sweet Berry Farm offers an opportunity that the other farms don’t — they have firkin' horses you can ride! Which would be a great addition to any photoshoot. They also have a pumpkin patch, hayrides and maze among other family activities including pumpkin painting, train rides and scarecrow stuffing.
Where: 1801 FM 1980, Marble Falls, Texas 78654
Open: Oct. 6 to Oct. 30
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
CLOSED ALL WEDNESDAYS!
Admission: Free / Prices vary for each activity - Cash or check only
Website: http://sweetberryfarm.com