City of Athens Department of Tourism Gears Up for Second Annual Scenic Fall Foliage Trail
(PRWEB) August 14, 2013 -- It won't be long and the dog days of summer in Texas will give way to cool, crisp temperatures of the fall season. 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.
Athens is located 75 miles southeast of Dallas on U.S. Highway 175. Autumn color is expected mid to late November but it is recommended to call ahead. For more information or to request a free visitor's guide, please call 888-294-2847 or visit http://www.AthensTX.org to check foliage reports and to download the interactive map.
About the City of Athens:
The City of Athens, Texas is a scenic, idyllic town offering relaxation and a break from the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life. With its nature trails, gardens, fall foliage, historical museum, fishing sites, scuba diving facilities, rodeos, and vineyard, it appeals to adventure enthusiasts and casual travelers alike. Athens is also the nationally acclaimed "home of the original hamburger." For more information about Athens, including hotel accommodations, visit http://www.athenstx.org/.
Sherri Skeeters, City of Athens Department of Tourism, http://www.AthensTX.org, 903-677-0775, [email protected]
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