Best Time to Visit Daingerfield State Park in Texas.
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Fall is the best time to visit Daingerfield State Park in Texas. After all, every published article about fall foliage in Texas always included Daingerfield State Park as one of the best places to go for leaf peeping.
Of course, some people prefer springtime. When purple wisteria, honeysuckle, white dogwoods, and redbuds bloom throughout the park. Or summertime, when they can swim in the lake and deciduous trees provide shade from the summer sun.
Where is Daingerfield State Park in Texas?
Daingerfield State Park is on the outskirts of Daingerfield in Upper East Texas. Follow State Highway 49 approximately two miles east of Daingerfield to the entrance of Park Road 17.
From the Dallas/Fort Worth area, take Interstate 30 East to Mt. Pleasant and Exit 160. Drive on State Highway 49 to Daingerfield State Park, about 22 miles from I-30. The park will be on your right-hand side.
When you drive from Longview, head East to State Highway 259 North to Daingerfield and follow the highway. Then turn right on State Highway 11 and 49 and another right turn into Park Road 17.
And from Texarkana, take I-30 West, exit State Highway 259 South to Daingerfield, and turn left on State Highway 49. Then turn right onto Park Road 17.
Park Address:
455 Park Road 17
Daingerfield, TX 75638
Hours:
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Adult: $4 daily
Child 12 years and under: Free
Distance from big cities:
Dallas – 137 miles, about 2 hr.
Fort Worth – 169 miles, about 2 hr 35 min.
Texarkana – 58 miles, about 1 hr.
Longview – 41 miles, about 45 min.
Fall in Daingerfield State Park in Texas
In the northeast part of Texas, tall trees soar toward the sky. Daingerfield State Park, which spans 507 acres of land and is home to hardwoods and pine trees, is situated there.
After a private owner deeded the land to the state of Texas in 1935, the Civilian Conservation Corps started the work of building the park between 1935 to 1939. They constructed the Boat House, entrance sign, scenic road, Bass lodge, retaining walls, culverts, steps, trails, horse trails (no longer used), parking curbs, chairs, tables, and benches. Not to mention the 80-acre lake and the dam that serves as a focal point of the park. They used local timber, stone, and concrete for building materials.
In addition, they planted new trees like pines, wisteria, honeysuckle, dogwoods, redbuds, and deciduous trees (trees that shed their leaves) like oaks, maples, sweetgum, and sassafras. Some trees are already 100 feet tall, and there are big trees that require two to three persons to wrap their arms around the base.
These deciduous trees make Daingerfield State Park look extra pretty in the fall. Their leaves turn to reds, oranges, and yellows. In contrast to the evergreen pines, the views in the park are stunning, especially around the lake.
How to see fall colors in Daingerfield State Park
In reality, there are colors everywhere once you get to the park headquarters. Reds, yellows, and oranges dominate, particularly surrounding the park’s sign. When going on the weekend, expect to wait in line because it provides an excellent location for photos.
Drive to the end of the road to the Little Pine Interpretive Center along the lake. Along the road, there are many vivid trees, predominantly yellow with tints of orange and red. You will be in awe when you reach the lake because of the breathtaking scenery the park has to offer. In the distance, you can see colors around the lake; when combined with its reflection in the water, the vistas are even more breathtaking. Take a leisurely walk around the lake or rent a kayak to get closer to the trees.
Daingerfield has only two trails because the park is small:
1. Rustling Leaves Trail – an easy 2.4 mile where you will hike through the “Cathedral of the Trees” that encircle Lake Daingerfield.
2. Mountain View Trail – a 1.2-mile distance that falls in the challenging category where you will hike to the highest spots in the area. The park put it in the difficult category because there are some steep sections of the trail.
I suggest hiking both trails to see the fall colors up close. Enjoy your stroll across the park without rushing.
Unlike most Texas state parks, the trails here are mostly made of dirt and covered in leaves.Most of the trails are dirt, covered with leaves, not rocky like most state parks in Texas.
Walk east from the Interpretive Center along the lake. You will reach the Rustling Leaves Trailhead near a picnic table. Follow the trail, and it will bring you closer to the trees you see from across the lake.
Don’t miss the peninsula loop on the south side of the lake for a whole different perspective of the park as you walk by two camping grounds on this trail.
Once you get to the Bridge and CCC Dam, you can continue on Rustling Leaves Trail or turn left to Mountain View Trail. If you continue on Rustling Leaves Trail, you will see another left turn to Mountain View Trail almost at the end of the trail. It will take you to the highest point in the park. You will hike a steep portion of the path here.
When they said the highest point, don’t think of thousands of elevation like in Colorado or New Mexico. You are in Texas, where it is relatively flat everywhere you go. So, you will only hike to 535 feet elevation. 😉
You are supposed to enjoy the lake view from this location, but due to the tall trees and pine trees, it is hardly visible.
Continue on the Mountain View Trail to the parking at the bottom by Cedar Ridge Camping Area. Then follow the road to take you back to the parking. That’s it.
You have finished with the hiking, and enjoy the rest of your day at the park. Like I mentioned above, no need to rush in doing things in this park. Walk, stop, take pictures, repeat.
Other things to do at Daingerfield
Besides hiking, visitors can go birding or geocaching, study nature, or have a picnic on land.
On water, visitors can swim, boat or paddle, and fish besides kayaking . Of course, weather permits and it depends on the season.
From March through November, dance the night away to a jukebox every Saturday in a pavilion. Some weekends feature karaoke or live music.
The park also offers Ranger Programs, like hiking with a park ranger, underwater discovery, nature program, kayaking lessons, and more. They also hold annual events throughout the year that you can check out through their website.
Note: most of the activities are being canceled during pandemic.
Fishing
The park has a fishing pier and boat ramp. You can borrow fishing equipment from the park at the Boat House, but you must bring your own bait or purchase worms from the park store.
You do not need a license when fishing for crappie, bass, catfish, perch, or chain pickerel from a shore or a boat in the park.
Boating & Paddling
The park has paddle boards, paddle boats, canoes, kayaks (single and tandem), and flat-bottom boats to rent. The rent includes life jackets and paddles. Rentals are available year round at the park store, or Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day at the Boat House.
Or, you can always bring your own boat and they allow motors. Just remember, they have a 5 m.p.h. speed limit.
Where to stay in Daingerfield State Park
Daingerfield State Park has two different campsites for your overnight stay: water-only tent sites or full hookup sites (pull-through or back-in.)
If camping is not your thing, rent one of the historic cabins in the park. All cabins have bathrooms and kitchens.
Area attractions near Daingerfield SP
The town of Daingerfield is just a few miles away from the Daingerfield State Park where you can shop or dine at the restaurants.
But when you are visiting the park, make sure to visit Jefferson, the 5th oldest city in Texas located 30 miles to the southeast of the park.
What do we think about Daingerfield State Park?
We enjoyed our visit at the park, especially looking at the fall foliage. It really is one of the best places for leaf peeping, but the time frame is short – normally between late October to mid or late November. I suggest you to make a visit one of these days.
A couple of our friends enjoyed their visit during the spring, so that’s what we are going to do next.
How about you? Have you visited Daingerfield State Park in Texas in the fall? What do you think? How about visiting the park in a different season? Let me know what you think about the park by leaving a comment below.
Hi, is last week of November too late to see Fall foliage? TIA.
Hi! Usually, it faded by end of November. But you better call the park because sometimes it’s different.
I love the colorful trees in Daingerfield State Park. I haven’t actually been to a forest like this and can totally imagine how awesome it would be to explore. Walling amidst the pine trees and hardwoods would certainly be the kind of thing I’d enjoy doing.
It is really beautiful here. It’s also different from most part of Texas.
Daingerfield State Park seems to be a perfect place for an outdoor weekend. I love fall foliage, so for sure I would like to visit in late September or October. Lake Daingerfield looks stunning in fall colors.
In a land with four distinct seasons, I prefer hiking in the forest in early summer. At this time, nature is rich in light green & salad green color, you can listen to beautiful birds voices, and the world looks so young, bright, and perfect. Forest in fall is extraordinarily colorful and has a sense of melancholy.
In Texas early summer temperature is sometimes already around 100F (37C). So, you must start early in the morning.
What a beautiful park with those leaves in many colors. I love autumn exactly for that. Also, I never had expected sceneries like these in Texas. I’d also like all the activities you can enjoy at that park.
Yes! It’s pretty rare to see views like this in Texas and they don’t stay long.
Wow Daingerfield State Park is beautiful. The park surely looks amazing with those tall trees and different colours. I will definitely do the Cathedral of trees and the mountain view trails. So pretty, I will add Daingerfield State Park to my list so I can visit it when I am in Texas.
We are always looking for new places to explore in the fall for the changing colours. I would not have thought to go as far south as Daingerfield State Park in Texas. I always love the view of the variety in fall colours around water. I would love to take a kayak out and see them from another perspective. Makes me excited for the coming fall season.
I love staying active while on vacation and being outdoors. All of your pictures from the state park are absolutely gorgeous. I would definitely try to visit during the fall to see all of the colorful leaves and I am sure the weather would be nice as well. Adding this to my travel list for sure!
I’ve been looking for a good place to go to see fall foliage this year — this certainly would qualify. Loved the photo you took with the fall colors reflected in the lake! When, exactly, does fall begin in this part of Texas? I once went to Massachusetts to see fall colors and missed the best of it because I was too early!
Normally it’s late October to mid-November. Not that long.
This state park is so pretty! The one thing we always love about state parks is that dogs are allowed so it makes it so much more fun and special! I also love all the lillypads. So pretty!
That’s what we love, too. State Parks allowed dogs on most trails.
What a gorgeous state park! I usually don’t think of Texas when it comes to Fall foliage, but this post has definitley changed this. I’m not huge on camping, but the historic cabins sounds like something I would do if I am able to bring my fur baby 🙂 I just need my own bathroom and kitchen and I’m happy!
Yeah. Not too many places in Texas where you can see fall foliage.
Since Darcee’s family lives somewhat close to Daingerfield State Park and she loves the fall colors, I am going to have to set up a camping trip there next fall. She would love it. Plus there seems to be so much to do there with the boating and hiking and just beautiful areas to relax.
Sounds like a plan. Plus there’s Jefferson, a beautiful little town not too far from there.
National parks are fantastic! You are very lucky to have so many of them on your doorstep. This one is not too far from the main cities and would be great for a weekend away! And the entry fees are very reasonable too! Thank you for sharing your experience!
We started visiting State Parks across the country in the past few years due to the National Parks getting more and more crowded. I’ve never visited TX but when we do – this state park is clearly a must visit. Thanks for sharing!
Never heard about Daingerfield State Park in Texas before reading your post and it really looks wonderful place to visit. I love to see fall colors are visible here. It is great to know that it is the best place in Texas to see leaf peeping. Mountain View Trail is lovely bushy place with so many trees all around. I would prefer to stay at Cedar Ridge Camping Loop as it looks very peaceful place with lots of tree all around.
I would visit, especially since you can boat here:) Nikki
Ah man, we’re road ripping across Texas now and are so sad we missed this park! It does look stunning and fall but coming back to swim in summer would no doubt be fantastic. Love that they have historic cabins, that’s where I’ll stay 🙂
Can’t wait to see your story here.
Thanks for sharing this, Umiko! I’d really love to add this to my state park adventures. Just a few questions: is the lake swimmable? Can you also recommend a cabin/lodging? I saw that you mentioned “historic” cabins. Do you have any info of the nightly rates? Thanks again and I look forward to your tips!
Yes! The lake is swimmable and if you click the link to the cabins, it will take you to the info on the historic cabin in the park, including prices and features.
The autumn colours are beautiful. Wish I had them in my country. Thanks for sharing about the two hikes and also the other activities that you can do. Hope to get the chance to visit in the future.
It’s not every year look this pretty in Texas. It depends on the weather prior to the season. Hope you will get a chance to visit Daingerfield State Park in the future.
Just like you, we are very lucky that we can have a convenient access on many parks. This Daingerfield State Park is one of the good place to enjoy camping with your best pal, and have a nice walk too. I like the view, with the lake and enjoy fishing! Entrance fee is minimal and I think it is all worth visiting.
Yes! It is really worth it to visit this not too big state park in Texas.
I didn’t know Texas was so flat, being a Brit that was news to me. For a park that’s not that big there seems to be plenty to do. The trees around the lake sure do look pretty in fall. I look forward to seeing the comparison in Spring
Yes, only a small part of Texas has hills or mountains. And you are right. this park may be small, but it offers lots of things to do to its visitors.
I am still planning a more extended trip to Texas because I only spent a few days in this state. I’m looking for exciting places worth seeing. The Daingerfield State Park presented by you is extremely photogenic. Especially in autumn, it looks beautiful. I like camping in the state parks, so I add this place to my road trip list. It’s excellent that boating & paddling are also possible on the lake! Great tips!
I hope you can put Daingerfield in your itinerary next time you visit Texas.
Your photos of Daingerfield are so beautiful! It’s so interesting how the color schemes go from white & purple in the summers to the deep yellow and orange of fall. I loved the sound of this state park just by the sound of the leaves, but then you described the activities (even geocaching!) you could partake in and now it must go on my Texas bucket list!
That’s the uniqueness of state parks in East Texas.