Lost Maples State Natural Area
Discover vibrant fall colors, unique rock formations, and diverse wildlife in this Texas Hill Country gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall foliage colors
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Best Time
Peak fall foliage colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover vibrant fall colors, unique rock formations, and diverse wildlife in this Texas Hill Country gem.
"One of the best and most beautiful state parks I’ve been too!"
Book Day Passes Early
During peak fall season, day passes sell out quickly. Reserve yours online in advance! :ticket:
Sturdy Hiking Shoes Recommended
Some trails are rocky and have elevation. Comfortable, supportive footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bigtooth Maple Trees
Throughout the park, especially along trails
Witness a stunning display of red, orange, and yellow leaves, a rare sight in Texas.
Monkey Rock
East Trail
Discover a unique rock formation that uncannily resembles a monkey's face.
Grotto
East Trail
Explore a cool, shaded grotto, offering a refreshing respite on your hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Fall Colors
Trail Preparedness is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Day Passes Early
During peak fall season, day passes sell out quickly. Reserve yours online in advance! :ticket:
Sturdy Hiking Shoes Recommended
Some trails are rocky and have elevation. Comfortable, supportive footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes. Staff recommend at least 32oz per hour. :droplet:
Download Offline Maps
Cell reception is unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps for navigation. :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Day Passes Early
During peak fall season, day passes sell out quickly. Reserve yours online in advance! :ticket:
Sturdy Hiking Shoes Recommended
Some trails are rocky and have elevation. Comfortable, supportive footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes. Staff recommend at least 32oz per hour. :droplet:
Download Offline Maps
Cell reception is unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps for navigation. :iphone:
Explore Beyond Fall
The park is beautiful year-round with wildlife and unique geological features. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning fall foliage, calling it one of the most beautiful state parks they've visited. The trails offer a good mix of difficulty, and the park's natural beauty, including unique rock formations and wildlife, is consistently praised. Camping facilities are clean and well-equipped, though reservations are essential during peak times.
"Went during peak season for the fall foliage and it was amazing! Definitely one of the best and most beautiful state parks I’ve been too! They have east trails that only take a little bit, and they have hard trails that are challenging but the views for all of them are great! It’s a a popular park so you’ll be able to interact with other hikers and have plenty of neighbors for camping!"
Emily
"I truly enjoyed an overnight stay at Lost Maples.
Camping: It was more or less easy to make a reservation for a campground site. It was clean and orderly, with hookup for electric and water. There was a little pavilion with a picnic table. The bathroom had 3 stalls and 2 showers with incredibly hot water.
Trails: The Pond trail is short and leads to a shaded grove of trees next to a pond. I got in the water but I am not sure about how safe that is! More info on that would be nice. The West trail has some elevation but it's easy enough. Most of the path is covered by trees, creating a nice shade. You pass many streams and little pools of water.
Staff and Welcome Center: Friendly and helpful! The mini museum was well designed and gave me a much better idea about the history and geography of the place!"
Jo Jo
"We visited in May and it was beautiful. We saw scenery all around us. There was plenty of wildlife to add some extra surprise to our hike. The check in process was seamless and the staff was very helpful (he even reminded that we needed to drink at least 32oz of water per hour of our hike. Very helpful.
The maples were just beginning to grow in May; the leaves were tiny, but vibrant green. The creek that runs through the park was empty, but we still had a lovely time."
Caden Van Cleave
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lost Maples State Natural Area is located about 2 hours northwest of San Antonio.
Public transport options are very limited for reaching Lost Maples State Natural Area. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider carpooling if you are traveling from nearby cities like Austin or San Antonio.
Lost Maples State Natural Area is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Austin, Texas. The route usually involves heading west and then north into the Hill Country.
Yes, the area around Lost Maples State Natural Area offers other points of interest. The Lonestar Motorcycle Museum is mentioned as a nearby sight. Vanderpool is the closest town.
Parking is available within the park, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak fall season. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day passes for Lost Maples State Natural Area are typically $6 per person aged 13 and up.
During peak seasons, especially for fall foliage, it is highly recommended to reserve day passes in advance online. They can sell out.
Operating hours can vary, but the park is generally open daily. It's best to check the official Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for the most current hours of operation before your visit.
Yes, a Texas State Parks Pass is generally accepted for entry into Lost Maples State Natural Area. The front office can assist with issues related to your pass.
While specific discounts are not widely advertised, check the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for any potential senior, military, or other applicable discounts. Day passes are generally a set fee per person.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Lost Maples offers over 10 miles of hiking trails. The Pond Trail is a shorter, shaded option.
No, Lost Maples State Natural Area is generally not stroller-friendly due to its rocky and uneven terrain on many trails.
Visitors can spot various wildlife, including deer, armadillos, and rare birds.
Cell phone reception can be challenging and unreliable within Lost Maples State Natural Area, so it's advisable to download offline maps and inform others of your plans.
Yes, the park features limestone canyons and plateaus.
🎫 🏕️ Camping & Lodging
Yes, Lost Maples State Natural Area offers camping facilities, including sites with electric and water hookups. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Campground sites are generally clean and orderly, often equipped with a picnic table and a pavilion. Bathrooms typically have stalls and showers with hot water.
While camping is available, information on specific cabins for rent directly within the park is limited. However, there are lodging options nearby, such as 'The Lodges at Lost Maples'.
Reservations for campground sites can usually be made through the official Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website. It's advisable to book in advance, particularly for popular times.
Yes, backpacking is a popular activity at Lost Maples, with well-maintained trails suitable for overnight trips. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles.
📸 📸 Photography
The trails lined with Bigtooth maple trees are prime locations for capturing the vibrant fall colors.
Absolutely! Monkey Rock on the East Trail is a unique and popular subject for photos.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, providing softer shadows and warmer tones. This is especially true for capturing the fall colors.
Yes, Lost Maples is home to various wildlife.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm or a wide-angle lens, is great for landscapes and fall colors. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Pond Trail is a good option for younger children, offering a shorter, more manageable walk. The park's natural beauty, including the chance to spot wildlife like deer and armadillos, can be captivating for kids. Encourage them to look for unique sights like Monkey Rock.Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and ensure everyone wears comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking. The park's educational aspects, like the mini-museum in the welcome center, can also add an engaging element to the visit for children, providing insights into the area's history and geography.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to observe diverse wildlife
and, during the fall, witness the spectacular display of Bigtooth maple trees.+1 Remember to bring sturdy footwear, ample water, and consider downloading offline maps due to limited cell service.📸 Photographers
+1 The East Trail offers iconic shots of Monkey Rock and the grotto, while the general park landscape provides stunning vistas. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for capturing the best light, creating dramatic shadows and warm hues.Beyond the fall foliage, the park's diverse terrain, wildlife,
and unique rock formations provide ample subjects for photographers year-round. Consider bringing a versatile lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife. Remember to be patient and respectful of the environment and other visitors while capturing your shots.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Fall Foliage
+1 The peak season for these stunning colors typically runs from late October to mid-November. To truly appreciate this natural spectacle, timing your visit is crucial. Weekdays are often less crowded than weekends, offering a more serene experience for hikers and photographers alike.To catch the maples at their most brilliant, aim for the period when the leaves are fully turned. Social media posts often highlight the beauty of the park during this time, with creators sharing breathtaking views.
+2 Remember that the exact timing of the peak can vary slightly each year depending on weather conditions. Checking local foliage reports or the park's social media can provide the most up-to-date information on when the colors are at their best.Exploring the Trails of Lost Maples
This trail offers a rewarding experience with interesting geological formations and a chance to connect with nature. The West Trail is another popular choice, known for its shaded path that winds through areas with streams and small pools, providing a pleasant hiking experience even on warmer days.While many trails are manageable, some do involve elevation changes and rocky terrain, so wearing sturdy hiking shoes is highly recommended.
Camping and Lodging Options
For visitors seeking alternative accommodations, there are lodging options in the vicinity. 'The Lodges at Lost Maples' is one such option mentioned by travelers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit