Download our. Alternative to scenic drive through North Cascades NP On Backroad Planet, well, he pretty much does it all . Hill Country, TX Roadtrips | Routes & Sightseeing - Texas Now sharing this passion with our own family - and yours! Texas - Scenic Drives The drive is only four hours, so you can hit all the stops in one day and have plenty of time take in the beautiful sights. On the morning of our departure, we woke before daybreak and drove to Palo Duro Canyon State Park to witness a stunning sunrise. I think I was twelve years old the first time I crossed the Texas state line. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Texas Hill Country. The drive may not be as scenic as others, but some stretches have . See the spectacular Japanese maples at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden's, If youre up for a long drive, go to the Hill Country near Kerrville and view the massive bigtooth maple trees at, Few forests within Dallas County are as beautiful as, Enjoy the subtle colors of red and orange of post oaks amid dark green cedar at, For an up close amble, go next door to the quiet, But a better approach would be to pick a city in the deep East Texas region, which is south of I-20 and east of TX 19, to base your explorations. day! From a nighttime stroll down the River Walk to driving through the most illuminated neighborhoods in the state, this is the perfect winter vacation for the whole family. Required fields are marked *. Route: Begin and end at State Hwy 16 and Farm Road 1323Length: 21 milesThe Texas Hill Country is full of picturesque drives and gentle undulations as you wind through, yes, both hills and country. Or turn west on TX 16 for a slower drive. Plentiful Maximillian sunflowers add to the gold. On the way, youll pass by Fort Davis, Texas highest town at nearly 5,000 feet (1,524 metres). Heres one: Head North from Bandera on Highway 16 to Medina, then go west on Highway 337 toward Vanderpool to Highway 187. 20 Best Scenic Drives in the U.S - The Pioneer Woman Thanks so much, Helen! Scenic Drives of the Piney Woods - Texas Nothing compares to the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. The area is promoted as the Texas Forest Trail Region. The most notable feature of this drive is the looming Chisos Mountains that fill up your vision as you approach Big Bend National Park. Deep hardwood and pine forests alternate with river-crossing vistas. Route: Galveston Island to Surfside BeachLength: 40 milesThe Texas Gulf Coast stretches 367 miles and is a popular spot for tourists, whether theyre visiting Galveston or one of the many other great beaches in the area. 9 Of The Very Best Scenic Drives In Texas' Countryside Back . If youre wondering where to start exploring, theres probably no better way to get close and personal with Texas than by driving a few of its roads. It makes you feel as if you own the road as you ride into the distance. Check out a few of our favorite routes and plan your next trip soon! Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. theYear=now.getYear() Join the discussion on our new social platform Texjas.com! Keep your eyes on the road, as many of those turns are free from guardrails. You'll see mountains, canyons, eye-popping flowers, and even native wildlife along the way. Along the 75 miles that make up the road, youll get to pass Limpia Canyon, explore Davis Mountains State Park, marvel at the verdant views of Dead Mans Canyon, and gaze at the alluring Madera Canyon, all with glorious mountain vistas and what feels like absolute solitude keeping you company every single mile of the way! Check out a few of our favorite routes and plan your next trip soon! Unfortunately, we never got a group photo. I agree, Marc! Texas is home to a plethora of charming small towns, and you should make this your year to hit the road and visit as many as possible. Texas has such a rich history, so it's to be expected that a higher level of paranormal activity takes place here. By the time my journey came to an end I wouldrevisitvintageroad travel, immerse myself in localculture, witness sunrises and sunsets,studyart and architecture, and of course, take a walkthrough Texas history. 06/16/2022 5 min Taking the scenic route through the famous Texas Hill Country For scenic views of wildflowers, forests, hillsides and more, use this guide to the most scenic routes through the Texas Hill Country with Hertz. Starting Location: Surfside Beach, TX. In the fall, Tyler State Park turns into a color palette of orange, yellow and reds! brisket and sausages at Keeses Bar-B-Que, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The 75-Mile Road Trip Around Davis Mountains Scenic Loop Is A Glorious Spring Adventure In Texas, These 9 Beautiful Byways In Texas Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive, Wikimedia Commons/Clinton Steeds from Los Angeles, USA - Shamrock Chamber of Commerce. Our state is full of dazzling light displays, and this road trip takes you to some of the very best. We aim to be the most comprehensive resource out there for planning family road trips in the USA and around the world. Pack some road trip snacks, grab a map, and prepare some good tunes. Continue and cross the Sabine River bottomlands, then take US 80 west to Mineola. Youll end in Claude, best known as the filming location for the 1963 movie Hud with Paul Newman. Theres a reason why its called the Lonesome Highway - this stretch of road makes you feel like youre the only car as far as the eye can see, with no buildings or towns in the distance. East Texas abounds with fall foliage choices to view yellow sweetgums and orange-red post oaks amid dark green pines. Another super interesting stop to make is the McDonald Observatory, which is one of the worlds leading astronomical research centers. Park Loop Road is one of the best scenic drives in the country as well as a fantastic way to explore Acadia National Park. Nothing screams iconic US Road Trip more than taking in the sights and scenes of Route 66. Be sure to look out for the bluebonnets! This trip takes you to the infamous Baker Hotel, the historic Fort Wolters Training Site, and several more of the creepiest abandoned places in Texas. Here you have two choices. The next highest ascent for scenic driving trails is Guadalupe Pass: Salt Flat to McKittrick Canyon with 2,805 ft of elevation gain. 17 Best Scenic Drives in Texas You Must Take - Roaming the USA The Lone Star State boasts a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from expansive deserts, lush forests, golden countrysides, and even a few towering mountains scattered throughout! There are more taco joints across the state than you could possibly try in a lifetime, and sometimes it's hard to tell apart the imposters from the authentic restaurants. The Texas Hill Country offers numerous, breathtaking scenic drives. It can be done in a weekend! Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. So, whos ready to hop in the car? Starting in Van Horn, take TX-54 until it intersects with US 62/180, aka the gateway to Guadalupe National Park, and youll keep the mountain in view for miles, along with another nearby peak, El Capitan. No need to use those precious vacation days this time, and you'll still get to have unforgettable experiences. Theyre nice to look at from a distance, but the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop gives you an up-close view of the peaks and valleys. The next morning we headed to Magnolia Marketplace at the Silos, headquarters for Wacos most famous citizens, Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTVs Fixer Upper. Route: Terlingua to PresidioLength: 62 milesThere are two River Roads in these parts. Then take Highway 32 west to Hwy 281, into Blanco. A good trailhead to catch the deep forest is at Fair Oaks Park. It crosses the Medina and Sabinal Rivers and takes you to the sweeping vistas of the Swiss Alps of Texas in Leakey. Milky Way over the abundant blooming bluebonnets near Ennis, Texas. The 16 Best Road Trips In Texas You Should Take - Only In Your State Weinvite you to leave your comments and questions below, and we always respond! Here, you can stop at the visitor center and take a guided tour to the top of Mount Locke, where you can look at the stars and galaxies through high-powered telescopes! Later that day wewould witness an equally stunning sunset at Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark. Route: Van Horn to Pine SpringsLength: 65 milesTexas isnt known for its mountains, but dont tell that to Guadalupe Peak, which stretches 8,751 feet into the sky. 15 Beautiful North Texas State Parks to Visit - Lone Star Travel Guide She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing. A stop worth making along the way is Caprock Canyons State Park, where youll get to see red rock cliffs rising from the ground, one of the longest rivers in America snaking through a canyon, and even an abandoned railway. As you plan your East Texas road trip, keep these earlier trails and roads in mind . She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing. Tell us your thoughts in the comments! I returned to Texas once or twice over the years, but never fully explored everything the state had to offer. Its never too early to start planning your next vacation, and this is the perfect list to pull from because no matter what kind of trip youre looking for, theres at least one that fits everyones fancy. Love Texas? Launched in 2011, the educational site was created by theMemnosyne Institute, a Dallas-based nonprofit,to educate the community about environmental topics including green living, sustainability, conservation, environmental advocacy and public policy discussions. 8 Fabulous Family Day Trips from Sydney By Car, 7 Sensational Scenic Drives in South Carolina, Unmissable Cairns Road Trips To Enjoy the Best of Far North. The desert plants turn interesting colors, too. We also run the premiere real-estate site in the hill country at HillCountryRealestate.com. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie. Dave Ortman/Google. Exploring new places and eating are two of life's greatest joys - especially if you're from Texas. From the eye-popping colors at Lost Maples in Vanderpool to the more subtle yet still breathtaking trees that create a canopy over the Medina River, this trip showcases the very best of fall in Texas. Also, be sure to check out these great Texas Hill Country scenic drives from international photographer Mike Holp! Scenic Drives near DFW? : r/FortWorth - Reddit THE 10 BEST Texas Scenic Drives Scenic Drives in Texas Enter dates Filters 2 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Day Trips Concerts & Shows Events Classes & Workshops Types of Attractions Sights & Landmarks Nature & Parks Sights & Landmarks Points of Interest & Landmarks Historic Sites Churches & Cathedrals Willow City Loop Photo: Shutterstock Why you should go: It's one of the most popular ways to enjoy the state's wildflowers. Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments! Highway 207 According to locals, the best views of Palo Duro Canyon aren't actually in the eponymous state park but along this very route! Riverside ghosts out for blood, battlegrounds from some of the most brutal skirmishes in Texas historywe have it all, and this trip lets you experience the most sinister, bump-in-the-night places in our state. Texas is big. Over 200 incredible curves to navigate over mountains switchbacks! If so, wed love to hear all about your experience in the comments! . 32 / 41 ehrlif/Shutterstock Thanks to the fact that the state is so vast, each and every single drive listed here is completely different from the next, which makes picking one a pretty hard task, but rest assured, they all guarantee an adventure like no other! Given the states size, you could spend a lifetime exploring the Texas landscape, but that seems like a lot of work. Courtesy of SpringCreekForest.org. The trip takes about 11 hours, so while you could technically see them all in one day, I recommend spending the night somewhere in the middle so you can take your time reveling in the sights. Meet theeclectic group of travel writers who weremy companions for the first two legs of my Texas road trip: (L to R) Yours Truly (Backroad Planet), Jackie Sheckler Finch (Homes & Lifestyles of South-CentralIndiana, Terri Marshall (TravelingMom), Nancy Parode (About.com), Esther Irish (Laugh With Us Blog), Jody Halsted (Family Rambling), Helen Anders (Austin American-Statesman), and Charles McCool (McCool Travel). Which scenic driving trail has the most elevation gain in Texas? A Loop in Texas Hill Country. Children 1 to 7 must be secured in a child passenger safety seat. Route: Blanco through WimberleyLength: 50 milesDont worry, this drive isnt nearly as scary as it sounds, unless youre scared of local drinks and wildflowers. You may spot a massive tamale, a giant smoke-breathing armadillo, and a leaning water tower. Going across hills and creeks, the drive is green with short mountains looming in the distance. The Japanese Garden Fall Festival is well timed at Nov. 5-6. The Most Scenic Drives in Texas. When I say wild, I dont mean like a rollercoaster, but rather a disjointed connect-the-dots itinerary strung together by default. Sit a spell along the creeklet and listen to the waterfalls. Re: Alternative to scenic drive through North Cascades NP. Scenic Drives | Texas Time Travel Who says we have to only think about Christmas during the holiday season? Unsubscribe in one click. Adventure is always around the corner. This is truly one of the top drives you dont want to miss! Instead of cemeteries or ghost towns, this road trip includes some of the most haunted attractions in Texas from hotels to opera houses. Legend has it that the drive is haunted by spirits of Native Americans, Spanish monks, and confederate soldiers. Dotted along the way are historic towns and landmarks. Driving the Lonesome Highway is as close as you can get to that! If youre not certain of the best sightseeing roads in the area, simply find a local and ask for suggestions. Love Texas? What are the best things about living in Texas? Go even further west to the Panhandle to immerse yourself in the brilliant yellow cottonwoods against the red rock at Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailwayand Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Texas Hill Country is a must-stop on any Texas road trip itinerary! Even though the Willow City Loop is absolutely stunning no matter the time of the year, it becomes an absolute must-do on any Texas itinerary if you happen to visit during the springtime, when Bluebonnets (the official state flower) and various other wildflowers carpet the entire landscape! El Camino Real. This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Let us know in the comments below! (Do a quick search on the following sites). Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. In no particular order, weve listed some of the best road trips in Texas youre sure to love. places to stay, tourism, events, lodging, and we feature Texas Hill Country info . Even though the temperature doesn't change much until about January, the foliage in Central, West, and East Texas signal the season change in the most beautiful way possible. To: Austin. Take a drive through the Texas trees or spend a spell in a state park. A popular drive to the north is along Texas Highway 14, which takes you by Tyler State Park. The park rents boats, paddleboats, kayaks and hydrobikes. Also called The King's Highway or Highway 21, it starts near the scenic Toledo Bend Reservoir in Milam and stretches all the way to near San Antonio. You can enjoy clear blue skies, beautiful views of the countryside, and then stop at one of the quaint, historic towns for a cold drink and relaxing stroll. Im a huge proponent of road trips, and I feel as if Texas is the perfect place to explore by car. Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Dont think that Texas is all just barren desert; there are actually green grasslands, sandy coastlines, and stunning mountain ranges as well. Ever wondered what a post-apocalyptic world would feel and look like? I hope you're ready for a full belly! Coupled with blue skies, the scenery is something out of a Bob Ross painting. Your email address will not be published. Moreover, there are several spots worth making along the way, including the Medina and Sabinal rivers, an authentic dude ranch, and several hiking trails among hills and canyons. Bring food, cooking and serving ware and stay at a cabin. The Rolling Hills of History. Backroad Planet will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide email newsletters, updates, and marketing. This is another haunted road trip, but we're specifically focusing on cemeteries. Considering how notoriously haunted our state is, it's no surprise that these cemeteries have spooky legends associated with them. The span from Caprock Canyons State Park to Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers sweeping canyons views and the distinctive geology of the classic High Plains and Rolling Plains of the Texas Panhandle. Start your journey on any one of scenic drives across Texas' highways. Lots of outdoor photos in thispost! Or continue north to Winnsboro, which has surprisingly good color. In association with. The Willow City Loop is a 13-mile stretch of Hill Country road over hills and valleys, offering stunning views of creeks, meadows, and yucca-filled cliffs. Luckily, we've done our research and put together an epic taco-eating road trip to 12 of the best spots in Texas. Buckle up for a scenic drive! Enchanted Rock is a mountain made of pink granite that has earned its name based on legends, fairytales, and folklore. From fall foliage to ghost towns to natural wonders, weve put together some pretty unforgettable trips that are perfect for both family road trips and friend road trips. Tierney McAfee. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing. Be sure to visit the Eastern Oregon Museum to get an in-depth look at the history of Haines. Get Involved Forward. The drive will reward you with some of the best views of the Chisos Mountains and the Santa Elena Canyon (which you can hike to if you dont mind stopping to stretch your legs out!). You'll see the famous 2400 foot high rock faces in Leakey and gaze in awe at the sheer majesty surrounding you. Texas truly has something for everyone. It was less than a two-hour drive fromGrapevine toWaco, and we arrived in time to tour theHomestead Heritage Craft Village before noon. After Caprock Canyons, youll stumble across some of the most awe-inspiring views in the area, including the colorful Tule Canyon, which youll actually get to cross. North Shore Scenic Drive spans 154 miles, traveling along Lake Superior. Flickr user: Daniel Horande. One caveat: If you go during prime season, the road is best traveled during the week, as weekends bring hoards of flower-peepers there for the same reason as you. The Jefferson Railway is also a popular train ride that kids and adults of all ages will enjoy. Not too long after, youll start entering Palo Duro Canyon State Park, which is home to the second-largest canyon in the USA after the Grand Canyon! This jaunt along the Texas coast may be short, but it isn't short on remarkable things to see. Theres also a museum called Dinosaur World that contains fossils and dinosaur models thats both fun and educational. Driving through these hilly roads or sand-dusted paths is a peaceful yet exciting way to reconnect you with nature. If youd like to extend your stay in the area, consider a couple nights at the Lajitas Golf Resort, where you can rest your head, eat a good meal, and play 18 holes at one of the states best golf courses. Like, really bigyou can drive more than 12 hours and 800 miles without crossing the border. Never forget an important family road trip item again! One of Texas's Best Scenic Routes. At the end of the drive lies Caddo Lake, a peaceful, tranquil environment to end your journey. Its 31 miles out and back, so 62 total miles, and the drive takes about an hour and a half. Weve set out here drives that are all manageable within half a day and accessible from major cities, but if youll be adding longer point-to-point trips in Texas, watch your fuel levels. Given Texas' large size, it makes sense that there are plenty of forgotten places scattered around the state. In southeast Texas, the King Ranch grasslands roll by as magnificent . Highland Lakes Llano, Burnet, Marble Falls area The Colorado River wends through a chain of reservoirs and lakes known as the Highland Lakes in the Hill Country. Best scenic road trip. Thanks for this plan. Weenjoy dialogue with ourreaders, especially when they share off-the-beaten-path destinations and useful traveltips. In general that whole drive serves your purpose. propose to list the Texas kangaroo rat (Dipodomys elator), a rodent from north- central Texas, as an endangered species and designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This is a great road trip plan we were planning an a trip in 2018 and this is perfect. It was used by Spanish missionaries and Native Americans as early as the 1700s. Denton's rolling horse country, a North Texas favorite, harbors some of the most pastoral country driving in the state. The color is legendary. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Fall Foliage Road Trip Google Maps Flickr/trishzatx Some people say that Texas doesn't experience fall, but I beg to differ. Or take it in by bicycles or kayaks. East of Athens is beautiful; heres a recommended, that runs between Palestine and Rusk off of US 84. But if its an epic cruise youre after, then point your car to Bluewater Highway. 6 best road trips in Texas - Lonely Planet A popular spot to stop at is McDonald Observatory where visitors use some of the telescopes to look at the stars. Dotted along the way are historic towns and landmarks. So many of our happiest childhood memories were made on the road. Watch for tolls near big cities if you are renting a car in Texas, consider pre-paying for peace of mind. Extending from Lajitas to Presidio, El Camino del Rio (or the Rivers Path) is an incredibly scenic drive that twists its way along the Rio Grande River, which is the river that divides Mexico from the United States. If coastal drives are your jam, look no further than the Bluewater Highway. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Return Policy, these great Texas Hill Country scenic drives. The park enjoyed a spiffy upgrade recently. Make a weekend of it by staying at the Lodge on, Go even further west to the Panhandle to immerse yourself in the brilliant yellow cottonwoods against the red rock at, North Texas Wild: Here's 20 places to see Texas fall color, City of Dallas: Budget Town Hall Meetings - Dallas (Aug. 10-24), Stephen F. Austin State University: Fall Sustainability Registration Courses - Online, Greater Fort Worth Sierra Club: Happy Hour - Fort Worth, Ban Horse Carriages: Educational Outreach - Dallas, Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary: Dinosaurs Live Returns - McKinney, Meadows Center for Water and the Environment: Climate Science, The Good, The Bad and The Wicked - San Marcos, Native Plant Society of Texas, North Central Texas Chapter: Author Amy Martin on 'Wild DFW' - Fort Worth & Online, EarthX Film: Party for the Planet - Fort Worth, River Legacy Living Science Center: W.A.T.E.R. | Updated May 31, 2019 for 1+3, enter 4. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The name of this road may sound a bit grim, but dont let it scare you away! Youll find multiple unique photo stops along the way including several ghost towns, McLean, Shamrock, and Vega see if you can spot some of the inspiration behind Cars! Located in Big Bend National Park, the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is a popular one for many who are around the area. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat. This scenic drive runs alongside the Rio Grande River, and while the river is only visible in small windows, the winding, undulating road is not short on mountain views and desert vegetation. THE 10 BEST Texas Scenic Drives (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor
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