As the summer heat ebbs into a cooler fall, Texans start scouting for outdoor getaways, with state parks leading the list of sought-after destinations. The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD), overseeing a vast 640,000 acres across 89 parks, historical sites, and natural areas, offers an array of activities from camping to hiking, and a bit of historical intrigue thrown in the mix, as detailed by Austin American Statesman.

Looking for an outdoor adventure this fall? Well, you won't be alone. Across the Texas State, the TPWD managed to attract about 2.1 million visitors each fall since 2019, with the Prairies & Lakes region seeing the heaviest foot traffic at approximately 657,000 visitors. However, if one desires a quieter scene, aficionados of solitude might consider the lesser-visited gems like the Devils River State Natural Area which, according to KXAN, pulls in just 1,468 visitors in an average fall.

Outlining the favorited spots, Ray Roberts Lake State Park takes the top spot with 143,632 average fall visitors, a fact echoed by KXAN, the "natural playground" feel of escaping the DFW Metroplex and reconnecting with nature. For those with a taste for history and paleontology, Dinosaur Valley State Park proves to be a perennial hit, with footprints etched in time luring nearly 247,000 visitors in 2023 alone.

An urban escape within city limits, McKinney Falls State Park, is for those who prefer the rugged side of Austin's landscape. This urban retreat snugged 13 miles from downtown, drew close to 310,000 visitors in 2023, emphasizing that natural beauty can indeed thrive amidst the urban sprawl. And not to be overshadowed, the "Grand Canyon of Texas," Palo Duro Canyon State Park, melds rugged aesthetics with colorful history to captivate just under 341,000 visitors, as per Austin American Statesman.