Deep, branched limestone canyons with clear running water are the main attractions of Lost Maples State Natural Area and for nature and tree lovers there are several groves of Canadian bigtooth maple, a species usually found much further north or west. This area has a moist microclimate due to which the park contains numerous species of plants and animals of both eastern and western affinity, as well as rare species from endemic to the Balcones Escarpment.

Lost maples provide many recreational activities and attractions to the visitors like hiking, birding, fishing, paddle sports, mountain climbing, swimming, backpacking, sightseeing and picnicking. But the main attraction is the changing of leaves each fall.

Lost Maples’ dramatic fall foliage is attributed to the high concentration of maple trees within the area. Maples can be found in a variety of areas in Texas but only few dense concentrations exist. Lost maples have got its name from these trees only.

The bigtooth maple tree ranks as the park’s marquee species. In late autumn every year, the stands of old-growth maples set the canyons ablaze in a riot of red, orange and gold foliage that is why large numbers of visitors some here each year during the fall. The changing of the leaves typically lasts from three to four weeks. The park becomes extremely crowded from late October through mid-November during the fall color time.

Most of the uplands of the Texas Hill Country stay pretty green all the year round because of the dominant tree cover of Ashe juniper and the evergreen Plateau live oak. The other trees are red oaks, cedar elms, Texas madrone tree, and three kinds of buckeye, witch hazel, six different kinds of oaks, Texas mock orange and sycamore-leaf snowbell.

Within the sheltered confines of the Sabinal River Canyon, a colony of Bigtooth maples change colors each autumn, which is a very mesmerizing view. The yellows and reds of the maples are complemented by other deciduous trees, including red oaks and American sycamores. This particular maple species is found in scattered pockets through the western U S and northern Mexico.

The maples put on their annual display in late October and November. The “quality” of the color varies from year to year, depending on amount and timing of rainfall during the growing season, and the fall temperatures. The park has a toll-free number so that visitors can get a “color report.”The park is usually very crowded during the color season. The rest of the year is fairly tame, except for a burst of birding activity in spring.

This is the best natural park for hikers, birders, backpackers and nature lovers. So, you must surely visit the Lost Maples Natural Park if you want to see the maples changing their beautiful colors in the lovely autumn season.

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