Lost Maples State Natural Area was once one of the best kept secrets in Texas. In the first place, not too many people believed it could even exist. Colorful fall foliage in Texas? From maple trees? Yeah, right, and I've got ocean-front property in Lubbock for sale.
But today, most Texans know about Lost Maples, the 2,175-acre preserve along the Sabinal River in the far west end of the Hill Country. And they rush to check out the colors in November. So many, in fact, that the park has to turn away visitors on the weekends when it gets too crowded—250 cars is the maximum allowed at any one time. So during that peek peeper time, visit on weekdays or come real early.
It's worth it.
When Mother Nature has cooperated, the bigtooth maples hidden away deep in the canyons where they're relatively protected from the fierce Texas summers turn as brilliantly gold, red, and orange as on any mountain in Vermont. And if the weather's been real good, the red oaks and black cherry trees will also blaze their own colors.
The bigtooth maples here are "lost" because they are hundreds of miles south of their usual habitat. Back in the last ice age, the area was once cooler and wetter and a hardy stand of maples clung to these hills on the banks of the Sabinal River.
You'd be wrong to think of Lost Maples as a place to go just if the colors are spectacular. It's great at any time because you can camp, backpack, hike, watch birds, have a picnic, swim, study nature, and take great photographs. You can choose from 11 miles of hiking trails, cool off in a natural pool, or just grab a picnic table by the river and relax in the shade, listening to the water and the wind.
A bird blind at the parking area to the West Trail will provide you with plenty of opportunities to see the wide variety of birds—black-capped vireo, golden-cheeked warbler, green kingfisher, various hawks and hummingbirds—about 200 species that call Lost Maples home all or part of the year.
Those hiking trails are special. They'll take you through the canyons and over the hills, up well over 2,000 feet, for some majestic views. You'll even find primitive camping areas at the tops of the trails. And if you look carefully, you'll see the distinctive Monkey Rock.
The Maple Trail is about a third of a mile, is easy, nearly fully shaded, and takes you by a large stand of bigtooth maples.
The East and West trails are about four miles each, depending on the route you take, and have very steep hills with some portions fully exposed to the sun. Make sure you carry plenty of water, have good hiking shoes, and a hat to keep your head shaded.
One of the larger campsites, where the West and East trails converge, is on the banks of Can Creek offering a large pool for swimming and fishing.
For More Information:
• Lost Maples State Natural Area is located five miles north of Vanderpool on Ranch Road 187. Fall colors usually occur from mid-October through mid-November.
• To get information on the vibrancy of the colors, visit the web site at tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/lost-maples or call 830-966-3413
