PINEYWOODS AUTUMN TRAIL: ATHENS TO PALESTINE

Each autumn in Athens and Palestine, the picturesque landscape transforms to the vibrant colors as leaves begin to turn throughout the East Texas woodlands.

Loop 7 -Athens, Texas

The City of Athens Department of Tourism and the Palestine Visitor Center have partnered together to offer visitors a 145-mile scenic driving trail along breathtaking scenic highways and byways connecting the two cities. 

Athens and Palestine are located in the Texas Forest Trail Region, where you will find beautiful autumn color displays of deciduous trees known to the region.

Historic District- Palestine, Texas
Photo: Larissa Loveless

There are a plethora of activities for people of all ages. Enjoy local wineries, fishing, nature walks, public art and art galleries, zipline adventures, train excursions, local cuisine, and so much more!

Enjoy stunning views of the beautiful fall foliage as you zip through tree tops during the Fall Zipline Tours at NY-TX Zipline Adventures, located just minutes from Athens. Stroll down the interpretive wetland trail and learn about the hatchery at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center and identify local birdlife during TFFC's monthly Bird and Nature Walk offered the second Saturday of the month.

East Texas Arboretum - Athens, Texas

One of the best ways to enjoy the East Texas color show is to climb aboard the Texas State Railroad, which offers a historic ride between Palestine and Rusk. Enjoy fine dining with a side order of Pineywoods scenery on the Fall Foliage Brunch Train on November 8.

Fall in love with Davey Dogwood Park during the month of November. The fall season offers amazing color for picnics, photo shoots, hiking or just a drive in one of Palestine's beloved areas. The 200-acre park has five miles of hard surface roads, unincorporated hiking trails and scenic views. 

Davey Dogwood Park
Palestine, Texas

To download the Pineywoods Autumn Trail: Athens to Palestine map, please click here. You can also contact the City of Athens Department of Tourism at 888-294-2847, www.AthensTX.org or Palestine Visitor Center at 903-723-3014, www.VisitPalestine.com to request a free visitor's guide and a map of the fall foliage trail.

Autumn color is expected mid to late November but it is recommended to call ahead. 

Special Note: The City of Athens Department of Tourism is located at 201 W. Corsicana St. and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; Palestine Visitor Center is located at 825 W. Spring St. and is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Please be sure to check opening hours for each attraction before visiting.