5 Incredible Road Trips to Take from Dallas This Fall

When it comes to road trips in Texas, it often seems like people feel boxed in by the size of our state and just stay put. And while hitting the road for Austin, San Antonio or Hill Country can be absolute heaven, there are plenty of other places within driving distance that will excite all your senses. Here are five fall road trips near Dallas, in order from shortest to longest, that we are urging you to take this season. If you don’t do it for us, do it for the ‘Gram, man!

This road trip is ideal for those who want to look at something totally different than what Dallas has to offer but don’t necessarily have the time to give up a day of driving. A relatively new travel destination to Dallasites, this area of Southeastern Oklahoma has become popular for getting away from the stresses of the city. Popular spots to enjoy on your adventure include Broken Bow Lake, Beavers Bend Resort Park and Hochatown State Park. And while stocking up on groceries and cooking a campfire feast is the preferred method for most meals, don’t forget to swing by Gypsy Brew for a seasonal latte to sip on before you start your day.

Where to stay: Rental all the way. Some cute spots can be found here, here, here, and here!

Sure, you’ve been to Fayetteville for football (Woo Pig Sooie!), but have you experienced other parts of the Natural State? Hot Springs has a little bit of fun for everyone and is ideal for the road tripper who wants their weekend to include a little bit of everything. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, this area is known for fishing on Lake Catherine and hiking along the 26-mile Lake Ouachita Vista Trail in addition to its natural springs. In search of fall foliage? The Hot Springs Mountain Tower has 360-degree views of Hot Springs National Park and much of Hot Springs. Post leaf-peeping, head over to Superior Bathhouse Brewery which is the first in a United States National Park and the world’s first to utilize thermal spring water as the main ingredient in its offerings.

Where to stay: We have our eyes on the The Reserve at Hot Springs, which is a new, luxury boutique hotel that specializes in Southern hospitality. Centrally located, this six-bedroom lodging option is a former private home and a currently National Heritage Landmark. It’s great for those who enjoy the outdoors but also want to retire at night to a bedroom suite that comes with a coursed breakfast.

This is us standing on a soap box highly suggesting that you check this incredible area of Texas from your bucket list. We’ve said it once and we will say it again, West Texas is one of the most underrated areas of the state, despite it having some of the most beautiful attractions in arguably the whole nation. Case in point? Big Bend National Park, which is mere moments from this Texas ghost town, and is one of the least visited National Parks in the nation. Make sure to work up an appetite for a to-go plate of DB’s Rustic BBQ under the stars post exploration.

Where to stay: While we love The Local Chapter (we wrote about it here), we cannot ignore the minimalistic beauty of The Willow House. And with both being very popular, two options are always better than one. Our suggestion? Casita five, six or seven at The Willow House, all of which have stunning views of the Chisos Mountains.