Discover the Five Most Scenic Drives in East Texas If you've spent any time in East Texas, you're most likely already aware that this area features some of the most scenic highways and byways in the state. 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. Few trees do autumn better than maples. Then fill up at The Big Texan Steak Ranchif you finish the 72-ounce steak and all the sides within an hour, your meals free. The Rolling Hills of History. Love Texas? Later that day wewould witness an equally stunning sunset at Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark. We got togetheragainfor a group shot with the iconic Buddy Holly glasses. We also run the premiere real-estate site in the hill country at HillCountryRealestate.com. Green Source DFWis an award-winning digital publication covering environmental news in North Texas. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. We headed north from Fredericksburg on Texas Highway 16, passed the Farm Road 1323 junction . Aside from the stories, enjoy the views of gently sloping hills as you ride along the foothills. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Copyright 2008 - Get more stories delivered right to your email. Big Bend National Park. Be sure to look out for the bluebonnets! Visits to the National Ranching Heritage Center, Silent Wings Museum, and American Wind Power Center were authenticsteps back in time. Highway 207 is a quiet 48-mile stretch of road that leads you deeper into the rocky red landscapes of the Texas panhandle, passing from Claude to Silverton. No need to use those precious vacation days this time, and you'll still get to have unforgettable experiences. You can choose from standard or premium seating, or take the Streamliner Diner car. Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments! Texas truly has something for everyone. Autumn is the perfect time for the Texas State Railroadthat runs between Palestine and Rusk off of US 84. 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. To get the best possible view, follow along Highway 90 until it merges with Highway 385. He tends to overplan, always cramming too many activities and destinations in a single itinerary. theYear=theYear+1900 Remember, Texas is the second-largest state in the USA distances can be LONG! Few trees do autumn better than maples. 14 Fall Road Trips for Stunning Scenery Around the U.S. - Travel Deep hardwood and pine forests alternate with river-crossing vistas. Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. The Japanese Garden Fall Festival is well timed at Nov. 5-6. The route connects two popular Hill Country towns, Blanco and Wimberley, and grants access to the areas many wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Find a Scenic Drive New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Oklahoma Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina Road Trip Planner Plan, edit, save, and share your custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross-country adventures. Leaving Waco, the road lednorth forGranbury, the final destination on myNorth Texas road trip. For nature lovers, a few must-do stops include Blanco State Park for all things hiking and great views as well as Jacobs Well, a submerged cave you can swim in to relax your muscles! . On Backroad Planet, well, he pretty much does it all . Starting in Fort Davis, this incredibly scenic road will take you on an adventure through the mountains of southwest Texas, all of which appear to be floating right above the Chihuahuan Desert and create a scenery you arent bound to find anywhere else in the state! Unfortunately, we never got a group photo. See this drive on Google Maps. But if its an epic cruise youre after, then point your car to Bluewater Highway. If so, wed love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Graffiti is encouraged, so bring some spray paint and leave your mark. 1. Guadalupe Mountains Scenic Drive Route: Van Horn to Pine Springs Length: 65 miles Texas isn't known for its mountains, but don't tell that to Guadalupe Peak, which stretches 8,751 feet into. I am a huge fan of vintage road travel, probably because as a Baby Boomer I remember those days. A North Texas Road Trip Itinerary | Backroad Planet Pack a picnic for the layover or pre-order a boxed lunch. Devil's Backbone. With how massive our state is, we have more open roads to explore than anywhere else (well, other than Alaska but you get what I mean). One of the oldest highways in the world, El Camino Real dates all the way back to the 17th-century colonial era. . . Alternative to scenic drive through North Cascades NP Another super interesting stop to make is the McDonald Observatory, which is one of the worlds leading astronomical research centers. 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. It's breathtakingly beautiful, so be prepared to stop a few times to get good photos! Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. Bring food, cooking and serving ware and stay at a cabin. Best Scenic Drives In Big Bend National Park, Texas: Basin Drive brisket and sausages at Keeses Bar-B-Que, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. It can be done in a weekend! Texas Drives, Texas historic roads & highways. - Texas Escapes We hope this list of the most scenic drives in Texas inspired you to grab your car keys and hit the open road. Im a huge proponent of road trips, and I feel as if Texas is the perfect place to explore by car. Padre Island National Seashore is a protected haven for endangered species and numerous North American birds, awash, come nightfall, with a stunning cape of stars. Children 1 to 7 must be secured in a child passenger safety seat. In no particular order, weve listed some of the best road trips in Texas youre sure to love. Hill Country, and we welcome you to our family. If one of your New Year's Resolutions is to save money, this is the vacation for you because it only requires one tank of gas! 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. Like, really bigyou can drive more than 12 hours and 800 miles without crossing the border. Use the guide to find the best scenic drives in Texas! Texas Scenic Drives & Remote Highways | Texas Outside Epic Las Vegas to Yellowstone Road Trip Through the Mountain States, Essential Stops Driving Toronto to Montreal, Epic Las Vegas to Yellowstone Road Trip Through the Mountain, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Autumn events and driving tours are a longstanding tradition. Winery and wildflower views abound, but its hard to beat the Willow City Loop, a private ranch road located just outside of Fredericksburg. You can start at Toledo Bend Reservoir near Milam and follow it all the way to, Not everyone knows this, but hiking isn't the only way to explore the, This is one of the longest highways in Texas, branching off of 281 south of, So named because it runs alongside the Rio Grande, River Road is the best way to experience. El Camino del Rio. Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in Texas. places to stay, tourism, events, lodging, and we feature Texas Hill Country info The most notable feature of this drive is the looming Chisos Mountains that fill up your vision as you approach Big Bend National Park. Many of our highways run through untouched land with majestic mountains, towering trees, and flowing rivers rather than cities. This beautiful drive follows scenic roads between Gruene, Fredericksburg, Kerrville, and Bandera. Texas has such a rich history, so it's to be expected that a higher level of paranormal activity takes place here. The next highest ascent for scenic driving trails is. BEST ROAD TRIPS in Texas - EPIC GUIDE for 2023 - The Broke Backpacker When I play games, I know Texas and I like this place. You can complete the drive in about an hour and a half without stops, but the loop offers plenty of opportunities to step outside. Stop in at Harrys on the Loop for snacks and a cold beer. For a truly deluxe rail experience, sign up for the Palestine Fall Foliage Brunch Train. Best Road Trips from Dallas-Fort Worth This Spring - Thrillist From country stores to dance halls to museums, this route offers a little something for everyone. The area around Rusk and Palestine is known for its hills. With 268,581 square miles, youll find all sorts of diverse habitats and diverse people, as well. Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Route: Begin and end in Fort DavisLength: 75 milesThe Davis Mountains tower above the West Texas desert, reaching peaks of 8,000 feet. Going across hills and creeks, the drive is green with short mountains looming in the distance. Stop along the way for memorable sights, including the Polk-a-Dot Drive In in Braidwood, Illinois, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, the 80-foot Blue Whale of Catoosa, and Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo . Texas Hill Country. Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. - Zoom, Women in the Environment: Thursday On Tap at the Perot - Dallas, Native Prairies Association of Texas, Fort Worth Chapter: Hike with Amy Martin - Fort Worth, Jeff Quayle: Camp Leroy Shuman Fall BioBlitz - Fort Worth, Native Prairies Association of Texas: Chapter Conclave - Smithville, Native Prairies Association of Texas, Fort Worth Chapter: Sheri Capehart Nature Preserve Hike with Jim Frisinger - Arlington, Plant-based pizzeria in Fort Worth expands DFW's vegan scene, Dallas-based Half Price Books owner crowing about new eco-friendly retail venture, TLC Vegan Cafe serves up savory plant-based fare, Fort Worth activists launch new 350.org chapter, Bats keep Austin weird but they're not the monsters of myth, Hiking McCommas Bluff Preserve is wild, wet adventure, COVID puts the brakes on cross-country solar car race, Duncanville creates citys first nature preserve, One-acre garden sprouts up at shuttered Texas coal mine, Developer confirms funding for massive Rio Grande gas terminal, Cross-country solar car race rolls out Sunday from DFW, New album's sales to support Texas state parks, Recorded cases of heat illness spike during Texas heat wave, Spiral spin-off revolves around vegan donuts and ice cream, 2017 Green Source DFW Run for the Environment at Bachman Lake Park, 2016 Green Source DFW Run for the Environment at Bachman Lake Park, John Darling's award winning compost at UTA, North Texas sustainable leaders support Green Source DFW. To get to it from Fredericksburg, go north on State Route 16 until you reach Willow City, and then head east on Ranch Road 1323 before turning left on, It's easy to understand why the name "Lonesome Highway" was chosen for this remote West Texas drive. You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at, Homes & Lifestyles of South-CentralIndiana, 13 Things to Know About the NCL Jade Cruise Experience, 15 Things to Know About the NCL Bliss Cruise Experience, 15 Things to Know About the NCL Dawn Cruise Experience, 15 Things to Know About the Brilliance of the Seas Cruise Experience. From Fredericksburg, head north on State Highway 16 until you reach Farm Road 1323. On clear days, its hard to miss, but one of the best views comes via a south-to-north stretch of road. 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. 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!). For its riding wow factor, we simply couldnt leave it off a list of the best scenic drives in Texas! If so, do you think its one of the best scenic drives in Texas? Ever wondered what a post-apocalyptic world would feel and look like? 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! I am disappointed in the lack of local drives. Get your free Travel Guide. Many towns in our state do Christmas in the biggest way possible, and this trip takes you on an unforgettable journey of lights, festivities, and holiday magic. No big deal. Scenic Drives of the Piney Woods - Texas Take the gorgeous TX 14 south to Tyler for lunch. Old Texas Highway 134 is a 59-mile (95 kilometres) drive that's ideal for autumn when the leaves are falling. 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. NearbyDogwood Canyon should also be spectacular. From there, catch Rio Grande River Road, considered by many to be the most scenic drive in Texas, for more views of the surrounding areas including into Mexico. I purchased a copy of "Scenic Driving Texas" for $.01 (and $3.99 shipping) through Amazon. theYear=now.getYear() Take the gorgeous TX 14 south to Tyler for lunch. Willow City Loop Photo: Shutterstock Why you should go: It's one of the most popular ways to enjoy the state's wildflowers. It was used by Spanish missionaries and Native Americans as early as the 1700s. Along the drive, youll see Sam Nail Ranch with its humble windmill, as well as the deep and narrow Tuff Canyon thats a spectacular sight. Okay, it doesnt quite look exactly like the Swiss Alps, but one can dream! Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in Texas? This drive takes you to five of the most beautiful and historic lighthouses in the state. Bluewater Highway, as the name suggests, runs along the coast and brings you close to the beach. Ground zero is Mineral Wells in Palo Pinto County. There are several routes you can take on this scenic drive which will vary the overall length of your journey. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. This is the best road trip in Texas if you want to get a taste of city life and not have super long distances between each stop. What a fun way to experience North Texas! Nothing screams iconic US Road Trip more than taking in the sights and scenes of Route 66. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Starting in the quaint Texas town of Fredericksburg, the Willow City Loop will have you winding your way through the best the Texas Hill Country has to offer. Which one of these trips sounds the most fun to you? Read about the White Pass Scenic Byway and see if you want to take 12 rather than 410 east from Rainier. Its made more splendid by 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps stone and metal work. The mission of the Memnosyne Institute is to help the diverse people of the world consciously encourage an evolution for themselves and for future generations by providing humanity with the means to encourage positive, peaceful global collaboration in seven main areas of knowledge. 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! A far cry from the desert stereotype, the Piney Woods region is, well, just that: Verdant hills of pine, oak, elm and ashwith splashes and ribbons of scenic wetlands, lakes and rivers. Im a little ashamed to say that Ive never been to Texas (Im woefully undertraveled in my own country! I love that you managed to string together so many tripsand that you got to meet so many other travel writers while you were doing them! This Scenic Drive In Oregon Runs Through A Charming Small Town 10 Best Scenic Drives In Texas, The USA | Trip101 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. Every place has its own unique ghost story that will chill you to the bone. Autumn weather has been slow to arrivein North Texas this year, but cooler weather is expected anyday now. North Shore Scenic Drive spans 154 miles, traveling along Lake Superior. It gets very crowded on weekends in October and November when up to 50,000 people visit the park. North Texas Wild: Here's 20 places to see Texas fall color A concentrated amount of fall sweetgum, oak and maple foliage in a variety of hues makes for one sweet place. Route: Medina to Barksdale via Ranch Roads 337, 336, and 335Length: 105 milesFeaturing 200 incredible curves over 105 miles, the famed Twisted Sisters expanse feels less like rural Texas and more like youre navigating mountain switchbacks. While in Lubbock, we immersed ourselves in local music, art, history, and ingenuity, starting with a stop atthe Buddy Holly Center and toursofTexas Techs Public Art collection and Robert Brunos Steel House. Willow City Loop. now = new Date For a truly deluxe rail experience, sign up for the. . 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. Route: Terlingua to PresidioLength: 62 milesThere are two River Roads in these parts. Grapevine, Texas, offers a wealth of activities to suit the interest of any visitor. #6 - Trans-Mountain Highway: El Paso and Franklin Mountains, #10 - Llano River Loop - Schneider's Crossing to Castell. For city life, you wont be disappointed with a visit to one of Texas major metropolitan cities like Austin, San Antonio, Houston, or Dallas. In fact, there are stretches of road that are quite literally next to the sand and ocean itself. By clicking the subscribe button, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms. Frequently asked questions about scenic driving trails in Texas. Evidence left behind has shown that Native Americans, Spaniards, the Army, and even Texas Rangers have traveled this road, making it a must for those who would love to go on a trip back in time right in the middle of the Hill Country. Ground zero is Mineral Wells in Palo Pinto County. Scenic Drives of the Piney Woods Take a look at any satellite image of the US, and you'll see some of the country's deepest shades of green in East Texas. Granbury is a small town with a big history. Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. The second-largest state in the USA is Texas and it does have a lot of nature to offer. Drive the scenic bluebonnet trails, shop at the bluebonnet festival, and listen to live music concerts! Then take Highway 32 west to Hwy 281, into Blanco. 6 best road trips in Texas - Lonely Planet This was our first road trip article ever and still remains our favorite. As you plan your East Texas road trip, keep these earlier trails and roads in mind . Flickr user: Daniel Horande. Places To Go . This Scenic Drive Runs Straight Through Texas' Big Bend National Park, And It's A Breathtaking Journey. For scenic drives, be sure to take FM 4, which runs north-south just west of Mineral Wells, and TX 16 by Possum Kingdom Lake. Starting near Caprock Canyons State Park and ending at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, this incredibly beautiful drive is all about sweeping canyon vistas, geological wonders all over, playa lakes, and glorious vistas of the Texas Panhandle. TX 207 (Canyon) sarowen/Flickr This breathtaking drive takes you through the red rocks of the second largest canyon in the country, Palo Duro. Although not a long drive, it's certainly amongst the prettiest scenic drives in Texas; expect golden rolling . Theres a 90-minute lunch layover at the opposite depot for a total 4.5-hour trip. Our state is full of dazzling light displays, and this road trip takes you to some of the very best. THE 10 BEST Texas Scenic Drives (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor Have you ever been on one of the best scenic drives in Texas? 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. On this trip, you'll be awestruck by the towering Big Bend mountains, mesmerized by the peaceful rushing waters of Gorman Falls, and everything in between. Thanks for this plan. Texas has plenty of attractions that are worthy of a road trip from any corner of the state, but there are a few that stand out from the rest. for 1+3, enter 4. 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. Sit a spell along the creeklet and listen to the waterfalls. From here, take Highway 306 northwest, around Canyon Lake, to Highway 484. Tacos are one of the signature foods here in Texas. This road trip is always worth mentioning because it's just that amazing. Your email address will not be published. Explore the most popular scenic driving trails in Texas with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Are there other similar things to do in Texas when you have a free afternoon? A concession car offers beverages and snacks. 1. 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. Highway 90/385 is also known in Texas as the gateway to the Big Bend. I especially loved Lubbock, and had no idea there was so much culture there. Whatever you decide to do in Texas, you are in for a treat amidst the splendor of our landscape! 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). The stunning sight of the behemoth mountain range is definitely worth the drive. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Drive El Camino del Rio through Big Bend Ranch State Park, A San Antonio to Big Bend National Park Road Trip, Tour the Alamo & San Antonio Missions NHP, Copyright 2013 - 2023 | Backroad Planet. Total Distance: 738 miles. This little known gem has more than 500 acres of woods around a lovely 80-acre lake and is chock full of trails. 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. Re: Alternative to scenic drive through North Cascades NP. Get Involved Forward. Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, 14 Best Houseboats For Rent In Texas, USA - Updated 2023, 10 Best Meditation Retreats In Texas, USA, Top 7 Adults-Only Hotels In Texas, USA - Updated 2023, 10 Most Romantic Airbnbs For Couples In Texas, USA - Updated 2023, 15 Best Airbnbs With Pool In Texas, USA - Updated 2023, Top 10 Scenic Drives In And Around San Francisco, California, Top 10 Rooftop Restaurants In Washington DC, USA, 5 Best Things To Do In Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, Top 10 Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Westport, Connecticut - Updated 2023, Top 10 Motorhomes For Rent In Vancouver, Canada - Updated 2023. Old Texas Highway 134. 8 Sensational Scenic Drives in Florida For A Family Road Trip, Unmissable Cairns Road Trips To Enjoy the Best of Far North Queensland, 6 Not-to-Miss Scenic Drives in North Carolina. Tour routes of great scenic drives on National Wildlife Refuges. Pull over at a picnic spot, take photos from a couple lookout points, or time your trip with one of the McDonald Observatorys star parties on the top of Mount Locke, where you can view the night sky through powerful telescopes. . Texas Hill Country. It's worth taking some time to drive around this tiny town to see the historic structures, some well-preserved and others left for the elements to claim. The Most Scenic Drives in Texas - Defensive Driving Accept Lots of trails lace through the forest and along Spring Creek, with the wilder woods located in the section east of Holford. Devils Backbone is actually a pretty chilled-out loop amid limestone cliffs that will give you the chance to experience some of the best the Texas Hill Country has to offer, including a few natural gems as well as cultural attractions. Hope your travels carry you on a North Texas road trip. Have a forest home for a day with the cabins and lodge at Daingerfield State Park. Legend has it that the drive is haunted by spirits of Native Americans, Spanish monks, and confederate soldiers. We are trying to cover Texas because our daughter and son-in-law live in Waco. 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! If youre up for a long drive, go to the Hill Country near Kerrville and view the massive bigtooth maple trees at Lost Maples State Natural Area.

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