Top UTV Trails in Texas for Fall Colors

If you’re looking to see Texas in all its autumnal glory, what better way than on a side-by-side? You can find vibrant fall colors throughout the state, although some areas have it a bit better than others. We’re going to share some of our favorite trails to ride this time of year (that’s late fall at the time of writing). 

Best Regions for Fall Colors in Texas 

East Texas

If you’re a bit of an arbol enthusiast, the eastern part of the state is the place to be. Here you’ll find piney woodlands with maple and the famous Texas post oak mixed in. Any trails in or around Davy Crockett National Forest will do the job (don’t worry, we'll share specific examples in the following section).

Northeast Texas

If we’re going to get pedantic, the Northeast has its own distinct vibe. For residents of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, there are a number of trails that can be conquered on a single day trip. Heading an hour south towards Waco will put you right in the second leg of the Texas Traverse. Going north towards the Oklahoma border introduces ever more options. Some trails are on the Texas side, many are over the border, however, just by a few miles.

Hill Country of Central/South Texas

Normally thought to be too dry, the central and southern parts of the state are home to the Hill Country. Not only will you find awesome foliage, but also great trails to explore. Two major state parks can be found here, west of San Antonio: Lost Maples State Natural Area and Garner State Park. Late November is generally considered to be the best time to visit this region.

Top UTV Off-Road Trails for Fall Color Adventures

Okay, you know what areas have the best fall colors, now, how about specific trails that are UTV-friendly?

Davy Crockett National Forest Route

This is one of the staples of Eastern Texas. The main route is a 42-mile gravel service road with several offshoots that range in difficulty. The route links State Highways 7 and 21 (SH-7 and SH-21), and trailheads can be found at either end, roughly 25 minutes outside of Crockett, TX.

The main drag is pretty well maintained, with downed trees being cleared promptly. If you’re looking for a low-stress, relaxing ride, this is the place to be. It gets a 3/10 rating in difficulty, but even that might be a bit much. For a challenge, try one of the many offshoots: Country Road 1155, Big Slough Follow-Along, Railroad Spur.

River Run Park

Just a hop and a skip north of Davy Crockett’s is River Run Park. This is a paid off-road vehicle park, unlike the previous one, but at only $30/person for the whole weekend, it’s really not that bad. With admission, you get access to over 2,000 acres of private land. 

The scenery will be on par with Davy Crockett considering the proximity. If you’re planning on camping (which isn’t free at national parks either), a private park like River Run might be the better option given the amenities on site. There is a store on site, showers, and even cabin accommodations, if you prefer.

Wildlife Drive

North of Dallas, near the Oklahoma border, there is a collection of trails on the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. Up here, expect a vast change in scenery from piney woodland to marshes with tall grass. The main trail is known as ‘Wildlife Drive’. It’s only 3.7 miles, but it offers a unique ambience as you’re forced to mingle with one of Texas’s largest active oil fields.

If oil rigs interest you, check out Oil Field or Sandy Point Roads–all three trails connect. If you’re looking for something fast or difficult, this isn’t it. The speed limit is 20 mph, and the trails are very flat with minimal variations in the terrain. 

Camping is not available anywhere in the Wildlife Reserve; however, other activities like fishing and hunting are permitted in certain parts. How about making it a dual-purpose trip?

Texas Hill Country Tour

Heading to the central-southern part of the state is where you’ll find some of the only mountainous terrain (okay, maybe not mountains, but rolling hills). While not the lush scrublands of the aforementioned places, it’s far from a desert and undoubtedly a place where you can see awesome fall colors. 

Texas Hill Country Tour is an expansive overlanding trail of 233 miles. Here you’ll find mostly untraveled country roads with the occasional patch of loose gravel. The difficulty is very moderate and should be accessible to even the most novice of riders. If you’re looking for challenging terrain in the Hill Country, check out the next options.

Hidden Falls Adventure Park

This is another privately owned park; admission is also $30/person, but only for a single day. This park is near Austin and is friendly to all types of vehicles. There’s a nice spectrum of terrain, from rocky to gravel to berms, and everything else Texas has to offer. 

There are over 20 UTV/ATV specific trails on the premises. The park rates them between 1 and 5, with most of the trails considered to be a 3 or 4. If you’re an experienced rider looking for a challenge, this is where you’ll find it. 

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Fall UTV Tour

The Lone Star State is riding-friendly pretty much year-round, but there are still considerations to be made. Even though most of the trails we covered sway towards the beginner side, everything changes with a bit of rain. There’s nothing wrong with slinging some mud, but getting caught in a torrential downpour is a different story. 

Given the size of the state, it’s hard to make a sweeping recommendation about when to ride, but generally, late November is the driest, especially in the regions we covered.

There’s still no guarantee you won’t run into inclement weather, so check the forecast and plan accordingly. Even if the coast looks clear, it’s not a bad idea to plan for the worst. Two of our favorite add-ons to stay dry are UTV windshields and soft cabin enclosures–these can make your outing a whole lot more comfortable if the weather turns. 

If you have neither, a front windshield is definitely the place to start. StarknightMT offers a range of options, from fixed windshields, folding windshields, rear windshields, vented, etc. Most of these install in minutes, making it possible to install on a whim, or if not, keep in your tow rig.

Already have a windshield? A soft cab enclosure is a game changer for keeping water and mud out. Like the windscreen, they can be installed on an ‘as-needed’ basis.

Planning Your Texas Fall Ride

It so happens that Turkey season starts in November–one of the best times to ride. Why not double up on the fun?

We already mentioned Wildlife Drive, located in the Hagerman Wildlife Refuge. This area allows permit-only turkey hunts. Additionally, any trails in the Hill Country are great for fall-season turkey hunts.

If you’re going hunting (or even if not), you’ll want to maximize the storage capacity of your UTV. A great way to do that is with fixed boxes, bags, or other storage accessories.

Conclusion

Hiking is good and all, but one of our favorite ways to enjoy fall is from an off-road vehicle. If you have a UTV or any all-terrain vehicle, don’t let it go to waste! Late fall in Texas offers some of the best riding conditions. Go out hunting or fishing, bring your camera for some epic photos, or if nothing else, just enjoy the ride.

FAQs

Q1: Are any trails non-UTV friendly?

A1: Yes, some that come to mind are Old Ore Road and Black Gap Road. Neither of these allows off-highway vehicles or ATVs. Be sure to check public trails on the National Park Service before taking your UTV there.

Q2: I’m traveling to Texas to ride. Is there anything to know?

A2: In the past, Texas had an Off-Highway Vehicle Program (OHV), which required off-road vehicles to carry a special decal to ride public trails. As of 2025, new legislation has removed this, unless you ride on OHV-designated trails. Check TPWD for a current list of what venues require OHV. 

Q3: Do all state parks offer camping?

A3: No, Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is an example of a place where camping is not allowed. Be sure to check the state park rules and plan your accommodation accordingly.