Lost Maples State Natural Area is located in the Hill Country approximately five miles north of Vanderpool on Ranch Road 187. The park’s 2,208 acres lie in the northwestern corner of Bandera County and along the eastern edge of adjacent Real County. This park features the state’s largest stand of Uvalde Bigtooth Maple east of the Guadalupe Mountains.

The fall foliage of this area is very beautiful. This display of vivid colors usually begins in mid-October and lasts until mid-November. In late autumn every year, the stands of old-growth maples set the canyons blazing with a demonstration of red, orange and gold foliage, drawing upwards many visitors to this mesmerizing park.

There are various activities that you can enjoy at The Lost Maples State Natural Park. Visitors enjoy picnicking, camping, backpacking, sightseeing, hiking, photography, bird watching, fishing, swimming, and nature study. For the hikers, the park offers several choices of trails. A paved road goes a little way into the valley, following the Sabinal River, past a pleasant, restful campground and a picnic area.

Hiking
There is a choice of hiking trails, some go along the river, which branches into several smaller creeks, and others that climb up the side of the canyons and across the flat plateau above. The three most popular routes are:

1. Maple Trail
A short level path through wooded clearings at one side of the Sabinal River past many large maple trees, then returning back via a more sunny route on the opposite side.

2. East Trail
a 4.6 mile loop along Can Creek, the largest tributary, which has several small lakes with steep cliffs at one side, then steeply up 300 feet to the flat lands above the canyon, across the scrub-covered plateau for 1 mile then back south along the Sabinal River.

3. West Trail
Another loop (4.1 miles), also along Can Creek but continuing further upstream, then south across hilly land and eventually back down the canyon of another tributary canyon and rejoining the East Trail, 0.4 miles from the main river.

Camping Facilities
For the camper, there is a choice of eight primitive campsites. However, campfires are prohibited in the primitive area. You may cook only on containerized fuel stoves. If you prefer, near the entrance of the park, there are campsites with water and electricity. In addition, they have restrooms with showers and a trailer dump station.

Sightseeing
For the bird-watcher, there are rare species of birds, such as the Green Kingfisher. The Green Kingfisher can be seen year-round. In the spring and early summer, the endangered Black-capped vireo and Golden-cheeked warbler nest and can be found feeding in the park. For the nature lovers, besides the Uvalde Bigtooth Maple and birds, there is a wide range of wildlife in the area. They include the gray fox, white-tailed deer, armadillo, raccoon, bobcat, rock squirrel, and javelina.

Whether you are on a nature study or a fun family vacation, this amazing park will surely make your visit comfortable and memorable.

Tags: Camping Facilities, Hiking, Sightseeing