The Texas Hill Country is a gorgeous place for all to see and enjoy. It is a region of Central Texas, USA that features rolling and rugged hills that consist chiefly of limestone but includes the Llano Uplift and the second largest granite outcropping in the United States, Enchanted Rock, which is located some thirty miles northwest of Fredericksburg.

You can discover the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country River Region, located just two hours west of San Antonio in attractive Uvalde County, an area known for scenic limestone hills carved into green canyons by the crystal waters of the Sabinal, Leona, Frio, Dry Frio, and Nueces Rivers. Garner State Park, and nearby Lost Maples State Natural Area, offer a variety of outdoor opportunities.

Vegetation
Diverse vegetation, spectacular wildflower displays, fall colors, monumental trees, plentiful wildlife, including the world’s second largest Mexican Free-tailed Bat population of lovely butterflies and birds which includes many rare and endangered species such as the Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo are just a few of the reasons the River Region is the perfect backdrop for your natural adventures.

Tourism
The Texas Hill Country welcomes 5 million visitors annually. The area offers unparalleled diversity. In the spring, roadsides and open fields are dotted with vibrant wildflowers, from the Indian paintbrush to the Texas state flower, the Bluebonnet. Autumn brings lively reds, oranges and yellows as leaves announce the start of a new season. Summer is a time for tubing down the river, boating on one of the many area lakes or enjoying an outdoor barbecue. Winter is mild with a touch of cool air, ideal for viewing the thousands of Christmas lights residents’ display.

Activities
You can experience swimming, tubing, kayaking, fishing, and horseback riding. Cyclists enjoy the challenge of River Region terrain during Bicycle Classic each October, and cultural activities abound. Choose from river cabins, guest homes, rustic retreats, bed & breakfasts, lodges, hotel/motels, bunkhouses, shelters, RV, tent and primitive camping to complete your vacation.

Culture
The Texas Hill Country area is also exceptional for its fusion of Spanish and Central European influences in food, beer, architecture, and music that form a distinctively “Texan” culture separate from the state’s Southern and Southwestern influences. Because of its karst topography, the area also features a number of caves, such as Inner Space Caverns and Natural Bridge Caverns. The deeper caverns of the area form several aquifers which serve as a source of drinking water for the residents of the area.

Wineries
The Hill Country currently claims about 22 wineries. All of these wineries have helped make Texas the number 5 grape and wine producer in the country. Abundant wildlife such as white tailed deer, mockingbirds and armadillos make their home among the hills and offer a glimpse of nature.

In all Texas hill country is a very mesmerizing place which should be visited by people who are interested in natural beauty and adventure.

Bigtooth maples flash their color in the Sabinal River at
Lost Maples State Natural Area

Sunrise at Lost Maples State Natural Area

Pond at Lost Maple

Lost Maples Fall Foliage

Beautiful scene of natural area park

Green Stone at Lost Maples

Lost Maples State Natural Area East Trail

It is rightly said that November is the most suitable month for Bigtooth Maples for Boerne. November is the month in which the bigtooth Maples show off their brilliant, bright and stunning fall colors. November is also the month in which the alluring Bigtooth Maples is awarded to various citizens, businesses, organizations and schools in Boerne. Bigtooth maples are sponsored for the Boerne Project by the Lende foundation, the Boerne Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas.

This is a ten year program to promote the growth of bigtooth Maples in Boerne, to make it a place of attractive fall colors. Many local people tend to think that wild Bigtooth Maples only grow in the in the Lost Maples State Natural Area along the Sabinal River north of Vanderpool. But in reality Bigtooth Maples also grow in other parts of the Edward Plateau, mostly in the canyons of Bandera, Real Uvalde and Kendall Counties.

Wild Bigtooth Maples are also growing widely in Boerne city limits. The trees are found along Cibolo Creek and its tributaries just upstream of Boerne. Few trees also grow in the Cibolo Creek, southeast of Boerne. According to the fossil pollen and seed study, the Bigtooth Maples which are relatives of Sugar Maples, largely grew on Edwards Plateau during the last 20,000 thousand years when the climate was cooler and wetter.

As the climate of this area became drier and warmer the abundance of Bigtooth maples gradually decreased. Today the Bigtooth Maples in the Hill Country are mostly confined to damp limestone canyons with spring-fed streams. The name “bigtooth” comes from the species name ‘grandidentatum’ meaning the large teeth or lobes of the leaf margin.

The two to five inch broad leaves of this tree has three to five lobes. In the fall period the leaves turn brilliant red, bright yellow or orange depending on the genetic makeup of the individual tree. Different trees in the same region may have different colored leaves. It is often very difficult to envision which saplings will grow into trees of certain colored fall foliage. Most bigtooth Maples give some nice fall colors whether yellow, gold or red.

The bigtooth Maples can also be found at several high elevation localities in Trans-Pecos Texas, northern Mexico and at few places in northern central Texas in Bell and Coryell Counties. Theses lovely Bigtooth maples can also be found in the Rocky Mountains. In the Hill County there are only mature Bigtooth Maples, only very few saplings survive in this area to replace the old trees.

Lost Maples is a very special area of some 2,000 acres set aside for the protection of the largest single forest of Bigtooth Maple trees in Texas. The forest is tucked in and around a “hidden” canyon and along the Sabinal River. Many come from miles in Texas to experience the fall colors as the leaves of the Maple trees turn color. A few other trees including some Oak trees also join in the display of fall beauty.

Lost Maples State Natural Area is an inspiring mixture of sheer limestone cliffs, deep canyons, dense woodlands, and numerous clear streams. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, Lost Maples State Natural Area contains the state’s largest stand of bigtooth maples east of the Guadalupe Mountains.

Natural Beauty
When conditions are right, the maple leaves put on a dazzling show of fall colors, attracting thousands of visitors to the park. Peak fall foliage viewing is during the last two weeks of October through the first two weeks of November. In addition to scenic landscapes, Lost Maples also presents numerous opportunities to observe wildlife, including armadillos, white-tail deer, various lizards, and almost 200 bird species. Birders seeking the golden-cheeked warbler, black-capped vireo, and green kingfisher should visit between April and May.

The trees in this park are State Champion Big Trees, an escarpment chokecherry, a Texas ash, and a Bigtooth maple. The chokecherry and Texas ash have been nominated to the American Forestry Association Big Tree program for consideration as national champs. The park is four miles north on R.M. 187.

Activities and Facilities
Picnicking, camping, fishing, and wildlife observation opportunities are available, as well as over 10 miles of hiking and backpacking trails. The leisurely 4/10 mile Maple Trail along the Sabinal River is especially popular during the fall. Park facilities include campsites with water and electricity, picnic areas, rest rooms, showers, and primitive camp areas reached by almost 11 miles of hiking and backpacking trails.

Timings
This park is open 7 days a week year-round from 8 AM to 10 PM for day use activities. During periods of peak visitation, such as holidays and weekends, the park quickly fills to capacity and all available parking spaces become filled.

Fees
A park entrance fee is charged per day, from December through September it is $4 per person for adults 13 years of age and older, or $3 per person if camping overnight. Texas residents age 65 or older pay only $2 per person.

October through November it is $5 per person for adults 13 years of age and older, or $3 per person if camping overnight. Texas residents age 65 or older pay only $3 per person.

This park is an excellent location for nature lovers, family holiday and adventurous activities.

The Lodges is located on RR337 between Vanderpool and Leakey in an area known as the “Swiss Alps of Texas”. The rough terrain and elevations as high as 2100 feet above sea level makes this area popular with recreational motorcyclists and bicyclists as well as those who enjoy sightseeing. From the sounds of gentle breeze, the rustling leaves to the breathtaking views, The Lodges at Lost Maples is truly the ultimate hill country area to experience nature’s true beauty.

Natural Beauty
The tall, dense, mature stands of Ashe juniper mixed with Texas Oaks and Lacey Oaks along the steep-sided canyons are excellent habitat for many birds, such as the rare Golden Cheeked Warbler, Black-Capped Vireo and Green King Fischer. The stretch of RR337 has been designated as one of the most popular scenic highways in Texas, so whether you want a romantic vacation or a fun filled family holiday, The Lodges at Lost maples is the best place for you.

The cabins
Each cabin at The Lodges at Lost Maples is thoughtfully appointed to the last detail. All cabins have hardwood flooring, spacious cathedral ceilings, an informal dining area and a quaint living room. Bunk beds built into the walls lure children to hide away in down lofts reached by a cedar ladder.

The cabins have enough distance between them to feel very private. Thoughtful touches like games, a deck of cards, paperbacks and a binder full of area information create a very welcoming feeling. The kitchens include all utensils and dishes anyone would need. The linens and quilts are clean and comfortable.

Features of the cabins:

• Accommodates 4-6 persons.
• Fireplace and Central Air & Heat
• Fully-equipped kitchen with coffeemaker and BBQ Grill.
• TV/VCR
• Private front and rear porches with a view of the mountains
• Linens and bath towels provided

Activities
All lodges have been decorated to exude the warmth and splendor of the Texas Hill Country. Rough-hewn beams, tin roofs, and antiqued wood flooring lend a rustic appeal to the elegantly decorated cabin. The Lodges at Lost Maples provide a peaceful, serene, relaxing day or an adventurous, action-packed, fun-filled day full of various activities. The activities that you can enjoy are:

• river and lake spinner-fishing
• guided river and lake fly-fishing trips
• guided hunting expeditions
• float-tubing one of the nearby rivers
• stargazing, hiking, biking, horse riding and walking
• birding at the nearby State Natural Areas

Food facilities
This place also provides a variety of freshly baked breakfast treats such as Apricot-White Chocolate Scones, Peach Muffins with Crumb Topping, Pecan Twists, or our special recipes Rustic Chocolate, Warm-Center Chocolate Muffins, and The Lodges Pumpkin Bread.

The Lodges at Lost Maples would surely make your visit worth remembering by its excellent facilities and breathtaking views.

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.

The Lost Maples State Natural Park has several bigtooth maples which are not really “lost” but they are very selective in their habitat. The Lost Maples Park is a land of dude ranches and axis deer where visitors can experience a bit of autumn’s grandeur.

Lost Maples State Park, on the Sabinal River, is home to many Uvalde Big Tooth Maples that display an impressive array of colors from mid-October through early November. Widely scattered over several western states and northern Mexico, this maple thrives only in small, protected areas in mountainous regions where temperature and humidity are moderate, where moisture is retained, and solar radiation is minimal.

The maples have very shallow roots and they are susceptible to damage by soil compaction and visitors are cautioned to stay on approved paths to ensure continued vigor of the maple stands. Other vegetation in the scenic Hill Country Park includes some 350 recorded species. Bird life is also abundant, including the rare golden-cheeked warbler. Of many mammal species in the park, white-tailed deer are most numerous. Mature bigtooth share fertile canyon habitat with monstrous chinkapin and Lacey’s oaks, Florida basswood, pecan, black willow, green ash and American sycamore.

A trip along one of the principal trails will take you across clear streams, through a thicket of trees, across open grassland, and up a craggy hill for an awesome view of the foliage below. The park feels intimate, and is very peaceful.

In keeping with Lost Maples’ state natural area designation, the park has limited development and facilities. However, young and old alike can enjoy nature photography, hiking, camping, bird watching, backpacking, fishing and swimming. The hiking trails are suitable for beginner to intermediate hikers to tackle with minimal effort. There are only 250 parking spaces available, which limit the number of guests at one time, therefore protecting the calmness about the park.

Water-and-electric campsites are at a premium at Lost Maples SNA. The 30 campsites, which also feature in-ground barbecue pits and shaded picnic tables, book up 11 months in advance for the peak fall foliage period.  Lost Maples is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Due to the isolated location, it is also an ideal place to lose yourself.

Visitors hoping to enjoy the park under less crowded conditions of late October and early November when the maples’ color peaks should consider an early fall visit. Nights tend to cool off and during warm, sunny days, the waters of the Sabinal and spring-fed swimming holes prove tempting spots to take a soothing splash.

So, visit this naturally beautiful park “to discover the nature’s lost heritage”.

Lost Maples State Natural Area in the Texas Hill Country has the most vivid fall leaf coloration in the state. Lost Maples State Natural Area is a state park in the Edwards Plateau of Texas, United States. It covers 2174.2 scenic acres in Bandera and Real Counties, north of Vanderpool on the Sabinal River.

This beautiful park contain several bigtooth maples and other relict species from the Ice Age that have adapted to climate change over the ages and flourish in special riparian and woodland habitats of the Texas Hill Country.

The Sabinal River which has many tributaries has engraved limestone canyons through the 2,200-acre park spanning Bandera and Real counties at the western fringes of the Edwards Plateau. The natural area of this park supports a remarkable diversity of plants and animals. The bigtooth maple tree ranks as the park’s most amazing species. 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.

The Lost Maples Park contains Texas’s largest known species of the bigtooth which are also known as the Uvalde bigtooth maple and canyon maple. The 40-foot tall maple with a 45-foot crown spread stands at the head of the park’s most popular trail which is 8 mile Maple Trail.

This place is a must visit for all nature lovers. In the night time, it is very cold but during warm, sunny days, the waters of the Sabinal and spring-fed swimming holes prove tempting spots to take a soothing splash.  The Maple Trail provides the easiest access to the park’s natural wonders, traversing mostly flat terrain through a moist, shaded Sabinal River canyon.

Almost 11 miles of well-marked trails lead to scenic overlooks, spring-fed ponds populated by Texas’ state fish, the Guadalupe bass, prime birding habitat and 40 primitive backpack camping sites. Composting toilets near several backcountry campsites make the wilderness experience a bit more pleasant.

There are many attractions offered by this park.

• Water-and-electric campsites which also feature in-ground barbecue pits and shaded picnic tables.
• Nature photography, hiking, camping, bird watching, backpacking, fishing and swimming.
• Tour of the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum.
• Drive scenic FM 337 between Vanderpool and Medina.
• You can visit the Love Creek Cider Mill Store in Medina and eat at the Lost Maples Café in Utopia.
• Bandera County has more than 20 wildlife viewing sites along the western branch of the Heart of Texas Wildlife Trail.
• This park has a diversity of habitat that includes grasslands and scrublands; mixed evergreen and deciduous escarpment woodlands; and streamside woodlands.

So, be sure to visit this beautiful park which has breathtaking views and excellent facilities for nature lovers.

Lost Maples Natural Park is located about 5 miles north of Vanderpool, Texas and 71 miles west of San Antonio. The park is along the Sabine River in western Bandera County and far eastern Real County. This natural park has several species of bigtooth maples and a variety of other endangered trees and plants. The Texas red oak gives an impressive autumn display almost every year that is why this park is most crowded when the fall colors peak in November.

The lost maples State Natural Park has many natural features and attractions. So, now let us discuss about them in detail.

Activities and Attractions

1. The 2,174-acre park contains 11 miles of hiking trails, 30 campsites, and 8 primitive camping areas, some of which have outhouses. In the center of the park are the ponds, two small lakes along Can Creek.
2. Lost Maples appeal is their year around outdoor recreational opportunities, which include hiking, birding, fishing, paddle sports, photography, bird watching, backpacking, sightseeing, camping and mountain climbing, but Lost Maples’ biggest draw is the changing of the leaves each fall.
3. The park is rather tame and gentle, with easy, mostly level paths through pretty, sheltered glades filled with shadows and much greenery. The peaceful atmosphere is only occasionally disturbed by violent flash floods that sometimes rush down the canyons.
4. The nearest places with hotels close to Lost Maples State Natural Area are Fredericksburg, Junction, Kerrville, Segovia and Uvalde.
5. Water-and-electric campsites are at a premium at Lost Maples SNA. The 30 campsites, which also feature in-ground barbecue pits and shaded picnic tables.
6. Lost Maples State Natural Area also includes the tour to the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum. Here you can enjoy scenic FM 337 drives between Vanderpool and Medina.
7. You can also stop at Bandera County’s which has more than 20 wildlife viewing sites along the western branch of the Heart of Texas Wildlife Trail and you can also visit the Love Creek Cider Mill Store in Medina.
8. Nearby attractions include Garner State Park, Hill Country State Natural Area, Kerrville-Schreiner Park, Camp Verde, Lake Medina, and the towns of Utopia and Bandera.

Natural Features

1. The park is an outstanding example of Edwards Plateau flora and fauna. It is a combination of steep, rugged limestone canyons, springs, plateau grasslands, wooded slopes, and clear streams.
2. The endangered Black-capped vireo and Golden-cheeked warbler nest and feed in the park in spring and early summer. Wild animals include gray fox, white-tailed deer, armadillo, raccoon, bobcat, rock squirrel, and javelina.
3. This park has diversity of habitat that includes grasslands and scrublands; mixed evergreen and deciduous escarpment woodlands; and streamside woodlands.
4. Because of the canyonlands’ microclimate effect, the park contains numerous species of plants and animals from rare species, endemic to the Balcones Escarpment. Here you will find the unusual Texas madrone tree, three kinds of buckeye, witch hazel, six different kinds of oaks, Texas mock orange and sycamore-leaf snowbell.

These are most beautiful attractions and natural features of the Lost Maples Natural State Park.

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.