The Texas State Parks system is one of four organizations listed as finalists for the 2023 National Gold Metal Award. The program honors communities throughout the United States for their dedication and excellence in parks and recreation management.

America has 8,565 state parks nationwide, almost every town is only a short drive away from the nearest one. Each park offers something unique to visitors. In 2017, state parks recorded an all-time record of 807 million visitors. Two Texas state parks — Palo Duro Canyon State Park and Brazos Bend State Park — came in second and third respectively among the list of 20 state parks. Top 10 state parks on the 2020 US State Park Index:

Fall colors are painting over Texas state parks, and the views are nothing short of extraordinary. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is regularly updating its Flickr page with photos of fall sights around state parks, from the Hill Country to North Texas. Devils River State Natural Area near Del Rio, Inks Lake State Park near Burnet and South Llano River State Park in Junction are among Central and South Texas parks that are flashing fall colors right now. Popular parks like Garner State Park and Lost Maples State Natural Area often reach capacity early and close, according to TPWD. Here are some of the Texas state parks that are worth the drive to see fall colors: