City of Athens Department of Tourism Gears Up for Second Annual Scenic Fall Foliage Tour
ATHENS – Each autumn in Athens, the picturesque landscape transforms to the vibrant colors of red, orange and yellow as leaves begin to turn throughout the East Texas woodlands.
The City of Athens Department of Tourism offers a scenic driving trail for visitors to take this fall season to view the fall foliage of East Texas. “Henderson County has breathtaking scenic highways and byways that are identified on the easy to follow interactive map,” said Sherri Skeeters, tourism coordinator for the City of Athens Department of Tourism.
Athens borders the Texas Forest Trail and Texas Lakes Trail Regions. Here you will find beautiful autumn color displays of the deciduous trees including oaks, maples, sweetgums and sumacs.
The 55-mile self-guided driving trail begins and ends at the Athens Partnership Center, located at 201 W. Corsicana Street, where visitors can pick up additional information about Athens before heading out on the tour.
The scenic driving trail includes several points of interest such as the NY-TX Zipline Adventures, located atop the highest point in Henderson County; the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, where visitors can walk the interpretive wetland trail and learn about the hatchery; next visitors can stroll through the gardens at the East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society and view the fall foliage from the Arboretum’s observation deck; Tara Vineyard and Winery is the oldest winery in Henderson County and offers a panoramic view of the rolling hills of East Texas including the stately Murchison Home, which overlooks the vineyard.
Autumn color is expected mid to late November but it is recommended to call ahead. To check foliage reports and download the interactive map, visit AthensTX.org or call 888-294-2847 to request a free visitor’s guide.
Follow the Athens Fall Foliage Report here: http://athenstx.org/