Wondering when the color of fall leaves will peak in 2024 near Killeen and where best to see them?
David Angotti can tell you. He is a statistical expert and the co-founder of the site SmokyMountains.com. His love for weather, travel, technology, and the autumn season led him to begin developing a nationwide fall leaf map in 2013 after one Smoky Mountains visitor too many inquired with him when the leaves would be at their fall best.
What started as a fun side-project quickly became the most respected nationwide fall leaf map and one of the best fall resources in the country. Now, tens of millions of people use his map each year to plan everything from photography trips to weddings. But the most common users are simply people wondering when the leaves will peak near them, just like you're wondering when leaves will be at their best fall color in Central Texas!
While not an exact science, the predictive map uses a complex algorithm that carefully analyzes several million data points and outputs approximately 50,000 predictive data pieces to determine when leaves will peak in each part of the country.
Check out the map below to see when the leaves will peak near Killeen or another part of the country. Simply move the slider along the bottom to see when leaves are expected to reach peak color in Bell County.
Where to go leaf peeping in Bell County
While at Macaroni KID Killeen we don't use scientific data to determine the best place to go in Killeen to see fall leaves, we think we have pretty good intel!
Here are my family's top places near Killeen to go leaf-peeping:
 Elena Photo via Canva |
Ivy Mountain Gap Rd and Clear Creek Rd
By the airport on Clear Creek Rd
There isn't really a place to stop, but drive Ivy Mountain Gap from Killeen to Copperas Cove! It has so many trees changing color mixed in with the desert landscape. It is a Fort Hood land navigation training area and full of cows, so be mindful of both.
 Ikostudio via Canva |
Miller Springs Park and Nature Center
1473 Farm-To-Market Rd 2271, Belton, TX
If you can sit in the passenger seat while someone drive you over the dam. . .do it! The view is gorgeous, especially with the leaves changing. If not, obviously for safety reasons, don't try to enjoy the view while you go over. Right next to the dam is Miller Springs Nature Center. There's tons of trails through the trees so you can enjoy the leaves in all their splendor. Stay on the North Trail for a flat, easy hike or venture onto one of the longer trails for a challenge.
 Gratisography from Pexels |
Chalk Ridge Falls
5600 FM1670, Belton, TX
Another dam, and another gorgeous spot to check out the foliage. Pretty much everyone knows about the waterfall hike. I'm sure the water is freezing by now, but the trees are gorgeous and this hike has so much more to offer. If you haven't hiked it before, make sure to wear shoes with good grip as there are some steep hills and stairs.
 Ikostudio via Canva |
Eagle Nature Trail at CTC
Ranch Dr, Killeen, TX
This is a fantastic, easy hike with tons of trees and wildlife. The trees shade most of the trail and looks absolutely beautiful when the leaves are changing. It is mostly flat, but it is an unpaved trail and not stroller friendly.
 Laura Reed from Pexels |
