Texas November Autumn Guide

Hey Houston, Austin, Dallas villagers! I've got your back with the ultimate November nature escape that'll make you forget you're in the Lone Star State. While Texas fall colors peak in late October, mid-November is secretly the sweet spot – fewer crowds, perfect weather, and landscapes that still show off Hill Country magic. Let me break down everything you need to know about these two Hill Country gems! 📍 🏞️ Pedernales Falls State Park: The "Texas Jiuzhaigou" in November 📍 2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636 🚗 Drive Times: 1 hour from Austin, 1.5 hours from San Antonio, 3 hours from Houston, 4 hours from Dallas 🎫 Entrance & Reservations (CRITICAL!) Day Pass: $6 per person (13+), kids 12 and under FREE 📱 RESERVATIONS REQUIRED before 4 PM – This is non-negotiable! The park strictly limits capacity on weekends and holidays. Book at TexasStateParks.org at least a week ahead. Day-of tickets are NOT guaranteed. I saw a family turned away last month who drove 3 hours from Houston – heartbreaking! After 4 PM: Walk-ins welcome if not at capacity, but daylight is limited in November (sunset ~5:30 PM) Camping: Available! Sites are $20-25/night (electric/water) or $10 primitive. Book 2+ months ahead for weekends. 🍂 November Reality Check: What to Expect Weather: Perfect! Daytime highs 65-75°F, nights 45-55°F. The scorching summer heat is gone, and the occasional cold front brings crisp, clear air ideal for hiking. No bugs – the mosquitoes are finally gone! 🦟❌ Fall Colors: Peak foliage is late October, but November still offers: Golden oak leaves clinging to trees throughout the park Dramatic contrast – green cypress, orange maples, and clear blue skies Better photography light – softer sun, no harsh shadows The limestone pools are even more vibrant because lower water levels concentrate the minerals that create that emerald-turquoise color Water Flow: Rainy season is October, so November often has ideal water levels – not the raging floods of spring, but enough for stunning cascades and swimmable pools. 🥾 November Hiking & Swimming Strategy Trails (all open year-round): Maple Trail (0.6 mi): Easy, flat, perfect for families with kids. The best remaining fall colors are here. Twin Falls Trail (0.5 mi): Leads to swimmable pools! Even in November, the water is refreshing (not frigid). Bring a towel – you'll want to dip your toes. Wolf Mountain Trail (5.4 mi): Challenging but rewards you with panoramic canyon views. The climb warms you up on crisp days. Swimming Areas: The designated swimming zone is 2 miles downstream from the main falls (see trail map). In November, it's peaceful and private – no summer crowds. The water is 68-70°F year-round from springs, so it's brisk but doable for a quick plunge! Pro Tip: The limestone rocks are slippery when wet (morning dew + November mist). Wear hiking boots with grip – not sneakers. I learned this the hard way last year! 🤕 💎 Jacob's Well: The Free Natural Spring 📍 221 Woodacre Dr, Wimberley, TX 78676 🚗 45 minutes from Austin, 1 hour from San Antonio, 2.5 hours from Houston 🎫 The Real Deal on Fees Entry: FREE for hiking, photography, and nature walks Swimming: $5 per person (reservations REQUIRED April-October). Swimming is CLOSED November-March due to water levels and cold temps Parking: FREE – rare for a Texas hotspot! 🕳️ November Experience: What You CAN Do Even without swimming, Jacob's Well is worth the trip in November: The Well: Peer into the 30-foot deep spring with crystal-clear water that stays 68°F year-round. The underwater cave entrance is visible from the platform. Perfect for photos – the water is so clear you can see fish 20 feet down. Hiking: The Nature Preserve trails (2+ miles) circle the spring and connect to Cypress Creek. Fall colors here peak in early November – the cypress trees turn burnt orange and frame the well perfectly. Photography: Arrive early morning (8-9 AM) for mist rising off the water and golden light filtering through the cypress canopy. It's ethereal. Pro Tip: Combine Jacob's Well with Blue Hole Regional Park (10 minutes away) – another stunning spring with swimming areas open year-round ($10 entry). 🎯 Your Perfect November Itinerary Day 1 (Saturday): 8 AM: Leave Austin/Houston/Dallas 10 AM: Arrive Jacob's Well – hike, photograph, marvel 12 PM: Lunch in Wimberley at The Leaning Pear (wood-fired pizza) 1:30 PM: Drive to Pedernales Falls (45 min) 2:30 PM: Hike Twin Falls Trail, quick swim 5 PM: Settle in for golden hour photography at main falls 6 PM: Head back (or camp overnight! ⛺️) Day 2 (Sunday): If camping: Morning hike Wolf Mountain Trail, pack up by 11 AM Drive home with memories (and probably some Hill Country wine from a roadside stand) ⚠️ Critical November-Specific Tips Daylight Savings: It's dark by 5:30 PM. Plan accordingly – start hikes early. Layer Up: Mornings are crisp (45°F), afternoons warm (70°F). Pack a fleece and #US #Texas #Austin