Deep, branched limestone canyons with clear running water provide the main attractions of Lost Maples State Natural Area, plus for those interested in trees there are several groves of Canadian bigtooth maple, a species usually found much further north or west. Once when Texas was wetter and less hot these trees were widespread over the hilly land around San Antonio but they now survive in only a few sheltered canyons that harbour a moist microclimate, rather different to the prevailing dry conditions. The colors of the foliage are particularly striking during the fall.
Lost Maples Hotels: The nearest places with hotels close to Lost Maples State Natural Area are Fredericksburg (76 miles), Hondo (50 miles), Kerrville (50 miles), Segovia (70 miles) and Uvalde (60 miles).
An Isolated Region: Lost Maples is quite isolated, set in an empty region of large cattle ranches; to the north and east the few approach roads pass through generally flat land with scattered cacti, bushes and boulders, at the edge of the great plains that stretch westwards for hundreds of miles. South of the park the land breaks up into a series of steep wooded canyons and plateaus, part of the Texas Hill Country. The entrance is along the little used Ranch Road 187 between Vanderpool and the only slightly busier TX 39 that links Kerrville with US 83. When staying overnight along a side track a few miles north of the park, I counted only 6 cars pass by in 5 hours during the evening.
Lost Maples Hiking: A paved road goes a little way into the valley, following the Sabinal River, past a pleasant, restful campground and a picnic area. Beyond there is a choice of hiking trails, some 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 river and several tributary streams have flowing water most of the year, usually slow moving, with several species of fish. The three most popular routes are:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
The Park: The park is rather tame and gentle, with easy, mostly level paths through pretty, sheltered glades filled with shadows and much greenery. It is popular for bird watching, nature study and fishing as well as just strolling through the trees. The peaceful atmosphere is only occasionally disturbed by violent flash floods that sometimes rush down the canyons.
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| Main attractions: |
Branched limestone canyons with clear running water, surrounded by densely wooded mesas, including groves of the Canadian bigtooth maple. An isolated preserve, towards the north edge of the Texas Hill Country |
| Nearest city with hotels: |
Hondo, 50 miles |
| Management: |
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
| Location: |
29.807594, -99.570816 (entrance station) |
| Seasons: |
All year. The trees are especially colorful during the fall |
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