Pineywoods Autumn Trail: Athens To Palestine

Loop 7 - Athens, Texas

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

The City of Athens Department of Tourism and Palestine Visitor Center have partnered 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.

NY-TX Zipline Adventures

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.

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 on a restored vintage steam train. Enjoy fine dining with a side order of Pineywoods scenery on the Fall Foliage Brunch Train on November 8.

Davey Dogwood Park
Palestine, Texas

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.

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.

For more information about the Pineywoods Autumn Trail: Athens to Palestine, please click here.

Halloween at the Hatchery Coming Up October 29

The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center will host the annual Halloween at the Hatchery the evening of Thursday, October 29.

Local businesses and organizations will hand out free candy, and the center will be decorated throughout with a Halloween theme.

The event runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. No one will be admitted before 6 p.m., and no pets are allowed. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Admission is $1 per person; proceeds will benefit local charities.

Halloween at the Hatchery is TFFC's way of giving East Texas families a safe place to go trick-or-treating while raising money for local causes. The Anglers Pavilion will be the site of a fright-free area featuring prize and game booths for small children. Parents wishing to visit this area should park in the overflow parking lot on Peninsula Point Road and enter through Gate C.

For more information about Halloween at the Hatchery, please click here.