For many Texas families, springtime means loading up the car and embarking on a road trip or two. Texas is brimming with state and national parks that are fun to explore — but they also each come with their own allergens.
We’ve mapped out a Texas parks road trip for you, complete with a list of the common allergens in each location, so you can be as prepared as possible!
Piney Woods Region. Let’s start in East Texas.
You’ll take in views of mammoth pines, oak trees and various flowering plants.
Common Allergens:
- Pine pollen: During the spring, pine pollen fills the air, triggering allergies in many individuals.
- Oak pollen: Oak trees are prevalent in East Texas and produce large amounts of pollen, causing allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Mold spores: The humid climate of the Piney Woods region promotes the growth of mold, especially in damp areas.
State and National Parks to Visit in East Texas:
- Big Thicket National Preserve Hill Country
Now, let’s head to Central Texas.
Continuing westward, you’ll see rolling hills, wildflowers and expansive vistas.
Common Allergens:
- Grass pollen: As spring progresses, grasses in the Hill Country begin to bloom, releasing pollen into the air and triggering allergic reactions.
- Cedar pollen: Cedar trees, also known as Ashe junipers, are abundant in the Hill Country and produce copious amounts of pollen during their peak season in late winter.
- Ragweed pollen: In the late summer and fall, ragweed blooms in Central Texas, releasing pollen that can cause allergic rhinitis in susceptible individuals.
State and National Parks to Visit in Central Texas:
- Enchanted Rock State Natural Area Desert Region
Venturing further west, you’ll encounter a dramatic shift in the landscape.
Here, you’ll see vast deserts, rugged mountains and expansive plains.
Common Allergens:
- Sagebrush pollen: Sagebrush is a common plant in West Texas and can produce pollen that triggers allergic reactions, particularly in the spring and fall.
- Dust and desert winds: Windy conditions in the desert can stir up dust and pollen, exacerbating allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals.
State and National Parks to Visit:
- Big Bend National Park
Let the board-certified Allergists at AENT be a part of your adventures this year! Schedule a visit at one of our 17 locations across Houston, and we’ll make sure you’re prepared to have a symptom-free spring!
