Cooler fall temperatures have finally made their way to North Texas, and colorful fall leaves may be soon to follow.
Brett Johnson, a conservation manager with Dallas Park and Recreation, said he starts keeping an eye out for color changes once the overnight low starts dipping into the 50s, a milestone that Dallas-Fort Worth just hit on Sunday.
This year marked the latest that benchmark has arrived in recorded history, surpassing 2007’s record of October 16.
It may still be a few weeks before those cooler temperatures translate into bright fall color — some have predicted the region won’t reach a peak until mid-November. But once the color arrives, here’s where Johnson recommends finding it.
D-FW Weather Wise
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Cedar Hill State Park
To the southwest of downtown Dallas, Cedar Hill State Park runs along part of Joe Pool Lake. The park, maintained by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and has a $7 entrance fee for adults and children over 12.
Cedar Hill State Park is located at 1570 West FM 1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104.
Cedar Ridge Preserve
Just across Belt Line Road, Cedar Ridge Preserve can also have vibrant fall color. It’s operated by the Dallas Audubon Society and is free to the public, though donations are encouraged. The preserve is open from 6:30 a.m. to dusk, Tuesday through Saturday.
Cedar Ridge Preserve is located at 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75249.
White Rock Lake
At over 1,000 acres, White Rock Lake has lots of places to park and take in the scenery. The hiking and biking trail is over nine miles long, allowing for an excellent leaf peeping stroll. The parks are all free to the public, open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
There are multiple points to access White Rock Lake. The walking trails start at 2121 Winsted Dr, Dallas, TX 75214.
Dallas Arboretum
Also located on the shores of the lake, the Dallas Arboretum regularly updates its floral displays to match the seasons. It also hosts holiday displays, including an autumnal pumpkin village and a 12 Days of Christmas exhibit. The arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission varies slightly based on the day and age of visitors, but is around $20.
The Dallas Arboretum is located at 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218.
Keeton Park Golf Course
If you’re looking to take in the fall foliage while hitting balls, Keeton Park is another one of Johnson’s top spots to see bold leaf color. Located on the eastern edge of South Dallas, course rates vary from $18-28. It’s open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Keeton Park Golf Course is located at 2323 N Jim Miller Rd, Dallas, TX 75227.
Scyene Overlook
The Scyene Overlook, part of a collection of overlooks near the Keeton Park Golf Course, gives residents a better vantage point to take in the colors of the Great Trinity Forest. Pictures shared online by other visitors show a view of downtown Dallas framed by the foliage.
The Scyene Overlook trail begins at 7400 Scyene Road, Dallas, TX 75201.