Last December, I spent a few days at Garner State Park. As I’ve mentioned in earlier posts, Garner is one of the busiest parks in the Texas state park system. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s 2025 numbers, it ranked second in total visitors, behind only Ray Roberts Lake State Park, about an hour north of Dallas–Fort Worth, which drew nearly a million visitors. Where Garner stands alone is overnight stays: no other Texas state park draws more campers.
By the time I arrived last December, the fall colors were starting to fade. Peak had passed, but beautiful pockets of color still lingered along the Frio River, with bald cypresses turning copper and gold along the banks and their reflections spread across the slow, clear water.
This year, I may be on the early side. A photographer friend and I are heading to Garner next week, Monday through Friday, and I haven’t seen any reports of peak color there yet. While we’re in the area, we also plan to explore Lost Maples State Natural Area and drive the Twisted Sisters, the loop of three winding ranch roads that cuts through the Hill Country canyons.
Both photos here are from last year’s trip. Even if the colors aren’t at their peak this time, I know it will be a pleasure to enjoy the scenery and trails on weekdays, when the park is quietest.
That is the story behind the shots. For more like this, enjoy these related stories: Fall Foliage, Festival of Leaves, Frio River, Garner SP, Landscapes, and Texas. Until the next shoot, keep chasing the light and the wonders it reveals.
- Posted for Dawn’s Festival of Leaves.
Sources
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department — Garner State Park — https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/garner
- FOX 7 Austin — Which Texas state parks are the most popular? These were the most visited in 2025 — https://fox7austin.com/news/which-texas-state-parks-most-popular-were-most-visited-2025
- Tyler Morning Telegraph — The Great Outdoors: State parks are a great value and entry to natural Texas — https://tylerpaper.com/?p=5385
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department — Lost Maples State Natural Area — https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples
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Rebecca Cuningham
Garner has said special place in our heart since we were married there! We saw great autumn colors at Lost Maples one year.
Egidio Leitao
What a special and beautiful place it is for you both!
Sam.Rappen
My hubby and I used to ride our motorcycle out on the Twisted Sisters in the fall. That is a great outing, beautiful scenery and wonderful air!
Egidio Leitao
Sam, it is a great ride indeed. I’ve done it three times and love the scenery. I often see a lot of bikers enjoying it, too. Thanks for writing.
Writing to Freedom
It looks like a wonderful place to hike, camp, and photograph Egidio. The first image is stunning. At first I thought it was a painting due to amazing colors.
Egidio Leitao
Brad, that park is gorgeous. I hope we get some colors. Thanks for writing.
Writing to Freedom
Enjoy!
Anne Sandler
Beautiful Fall colors, Egidio. I can’t wait to see your images from your trip.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks so much, Anne. I hope we see colors and are not too early.
Toonsarah
I wouldn’t have guessed that these are December images, as over here the deciduous trees are all bare by then! I’ll be interested to see how the park looks at this time of year and I’m intrigued by the Twisted Sisters drive too 🙂
Egidio Leitao
Thanks so much, Sarah. We will be there two weeks earlier than last year. As for the Twisted Sisters drive. I have a post here. There’s not much parking along the road, but this area has a small area I could safely park: https://throughbrazilianeyes.com/three-twisted-sisters/
pamperrault21
Stunning shot, Egidio! Based on these two beautiful photographs, you and your friend are sure to have an amazing time, and fill up many memory cards! Take care of each other and have a lovely time!
Egidio Leitao
Pam, what a lovely wish! Thanks for that and your feedback. I hope colors will be present.
Tranature - quiet moments in nature
Stunning images Egídio and we wish you and your friend a fabulous time in Garner next week 😊🍂
Egidio Leitao
I appreciate your positive wishes, Xenia. Many thanks.
Rupali
Amazing.
Egidio Leitao
I hope it looks better next week. Keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks, Rupali.
margaret21
Autumn encapsulated. Marvellous.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for your wonderful compliment, Margaret.
Dawn M. Miller
Absolutely!
Can’t wait to read all about it.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you.