It is no secret that those of us who live in southern states benefit from geography and climactic conditions that allow us to spend a lot of hours on our motorcycles. With the possible exceptions of the mountains of New Mexico and the Gulf Coast, weather cycles in Texas and the surrounding states can generally be counted upon to provide us with a good eight to ten months of quality saddle time – if we aren’t among those fainthearted souls who balk at riding in occasional freezer- or oven-like conditions. But, even those who buy into the old adage “The worst I ever had was great!” – referring to the experience of riding in any and all conditions – will, if pressed on the subject, admit that riding in the spring and fall can be a tad more pleasurable than the sunburns of summer and frostbites of winter. I care a lot less about the outside temperature than I do about the condition of the pavement, although there’s no question that the former can absolutely affect the latter. That said, if I had to designate a time of the year as my favorite time for riding, it would be during the fall months of September through November, because that’s when the foliage is most vibrant in its colors, as it begins to shed summer garments in preparation for the coming winter months.
By Jim Cockrell
Photography by Miguel F. Asensio
There’s something magical about riding through mountain passes in the fall. I frequently explore the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico each October, because that’s when the trees turn, especially the aspens. Because aspens are native to colder regions with cool summers, they are typically found at higher altitudes (above 8,800 feet above sea level). They can live up to 150 years and can reach heights in excess of 100 feet. Boasting ten peaks exceeding an altitude of 14,000 feet, the Sangre de Cristo range provides hundreds of vantage points from which to view the dazzling colors of the surrounding valleys where brilliant orange and gold aspen leaves pop out in contrast against the lush green pine forests. It’s hard to beat the experience of northern New Mexico in the fall.
Being a son of West Texas, I grew up thinking mesquite bushes were trees. It wasn’t until family vacations carried me south and east in our state that I realized there really were trees and hills within a day’s drive which rivaled pictures I’d seen in books and magazines. This is where I have to dispel the widely held belief that “everything is bigger in Texas.” Even though the Lost Maples State Natural Area near Vanderpool puts on an imposing mixture of sheer limestone cliffs, deep canyons, and dense woodlands, the striking geology of this Central Texas area does not have mountains anywhere near the size and scope of the Southern Rockies or even the Ozark Mountain range. That’s why, in a simulated display of humility, we refer to this area as the Texas Hill Country. It’s our way of acknowledging that our mountains may not be as big as some, while, at the same time, reaffirming that the beauty and splendor of the Texas Hill Country, in its own unique way, still rivals anywhere else as an autumn motorcycle destination. Lost Maples State Natural Area contains a large stand of Bigtooth Maple trees far from any other maple forest, which accounts for the name “Lost Maples.” During the last two weeks of October through the first two weeks of November, maple leaves strut their stuff, showing off an array of brilliant fall colors that sets the beauty of this area in a category all its own. Many other trees complement the maples. Sycamore, bald cypress, black walnut, pecan, green ash, black willow, chinkapin oak, lacey oak, Texas red oak, and juniper dot the hills as far as the eye can see. Each strive to unseat the maple trees as the perennial beauties of the forest. That’s a tall order that is rarely, if ever, achieved. Yet, the competition never ceases, all to the benefit of those who ride, observe, and appreciate the natural gifts of the Texas Hill Country.
The Piney Woods of East Texas really became prominent on my radar back during my college days when I was dating my future wife. Her father, who was raised in East Texas, always wanted to move away, because he “didn’t like all those trees.” What? I suppose the tree deprivation I endured as a child contributed to my inability to understand his thinking, and that is one point upon which we never agreed throughout the remainder of his life. The lovely forested areas of East Texas have always enticed me.
One area that I particularly like is the area around Daingerfield State Park. Just north of Lake O’ the Pines, this area is crisscrossed by scenic roads that seem to call your name, especially during the fall. Although East Texas is known for its pine forests, the area produces a stunning variety of red, orange and gold, as sweetgum, oak, and maple trees begin the transition to their winter wardrobes. To be sure, evergreens are still prominent in the area, but they do offer a noticeable contrast to the hardwoods. Within the park is an 80-acre spring-fed lake that is a spectacular backdrop to the trees and vegetation that surround it. This is a wonderful place to rent a cabin, pitch a tent, or hook up your camper to spend some time soaking in the beauty of the area.
Impressive in its own right is the beauty of the Talimena National Scenic Byway during the fall months. This winding highway travels through the mountains of the Ouachita National Forest in Eastern Oklahoma and Western Arkansas. While Winding Stair Mountain cannot rival the altitude of its neighbors in New Mexico and Colorado, the area offers a majesty all its own. I love the broad sweeping vistas offered along the parkway that reveal incredible diversity of foliage. The Ouachita Mountains are distinctive because they run predominantly east to west rather than north to south, creating a unique assortment of plants that exist on either side of the mountains. The southern slopes are occupied by stands of pine, post oak, blackjack oak, black oak, southern red oak, black hickory, and winged elm. Dominant trees on the northern slopes include white oak, northern red oak, hickory, bitternut, black walnut, black locust, basswood, sugar maple, red maple, and beech. With the variety of flora throughout the area, there is always something at its peak at any given time of the year, which is a major attraction to anyone wishing to experience stunning scenery, whether on two wheels or four.
This is by no means a complete list of all the beautiful places to visit during the pleasant seasons of the year. These destinations are simply the first to come to my mind when planning autumn rides. I’ve come to believe, however, that almost any place can offer up its own unique brand of charm for one who looks. For me, one of the true joys of riding is the opportunity to see and experience new wonders every time I straddle the saddle, and my favorite time to do that is during the fall when the foliage is exhibiting its swagger.
