I Hike Texas’ Most Visited State Park for Amazing Fall Views

Nevertheless, the natural area of ​​Vanderpool, Texas still offers stunning views and a great disconnect from the world as cell phone service does not work there. I traveled alone for this hike, but felt no anxiety throughout my 6 mile adventure, thanks to the crowded park in November.

According to the Texas State Parks and Wildlife Department, Lost Maples is one of the most popular parks during the fall season. In November 2020, the natural area recorded the highest number of daytime visitors for the month, with 32,160 daytime visitors. This year, reservations for the November weekend are already sold out. The only time nature lovers can book day passes is during the week. Don’t drive there without a day pass. You will only waste gas.

My Six Mile Hike

After a scenic drive through Bandera and Medina counties, I finally arrived at a park I had been planning to visit since early fall. My hiking groups and friends have praised the natural area, saying it is a real hiker’s paradise due to its challenging trails and beautiful views of the Sabinal River. And, of course, the abundance of colorful autumn leaves.

Lost Maples offers over 10 miles of trails for its visitors. I explored three trails on my trip: Maple Trail (0.4 miles), East Trail (3.1 miles), and East-West Trail (1.0 miles). I’m disappointed that I don’t have enough strength to experience the West Trail (3.6 miles) or the West Loop Trail (2.4 miles), but I plan to do it next time I have the chance to book .

Once I pulled into the crowded parking lot for day visitors, I followed the herd of people heading to the Maple Trail, an easy route for those looking for a short hike. I learned several fun facts along the trail from the signs you can read as you walk around. For example, Texas maples do not produce syrup like their northern cousins ​​do.

The Maple Trail merges with the rough East Trail that you will need hiking shoes or running tennis shoes with bottom grip due to the loose rocks along the route. Since I was hiking alone and had no phone service, I did my best to stay close to families and other groups on this trail. You never know if you will need help.

Along the East Trail there is a cool point of interest of Monkey Rock where you will find a unique limestone outcrop that has the face of a monkey. The feature was formed thousands of years ago by water flowing through the walls of the Sabinal Canyon.

In addition to rocky terrain, the East trail has about a mile and a half of climbing up a steep incline of steps to arrive at a lookout point that shows the treetops of Hill Country and the Sabinal River. It’s the best leg and glute workout you’ll ever get that day. I had pain for a day and a half.

Once you finally reach the top of the 2,200 foot cliff, you will need to turn off the East Trail and hike approximately 0.35 miles to get to the main lookout. However, you can get the same view with less travel if you stay on the trail. It’s just as beautiful, in my opinion.

And, of course, if you go up, you have to go down. The descent is as steep as the ascent. The East-West trail was at the bottom of the cliff. It instantly became my favorite of the day due to its shaded areas, beautiful maple trees and route along the Sabinal River. It was on this road that I saw the most fall colors shine at sunset.

Fall Foliage and the History of Lost Maples

The Lost Maples State Natural Area covers 2,174.2 acres in Bandera and Real counties, according to TPWD. Purchased from private owners in 1973 and 1974, the site opened on September 1, 1979. The state purchased some 600 additional acres in 2009, bringing the total area of ​​the natural area to 2,900.

Evidence shows that prehistoric peoples used this area at different times. The Spaniards began to explore and colonize the surrounding area at the end of the 17th century. From the mid-1800s, the land was used for ranching.

Today, the natural area is known for its fall foliage, so much so that it keeps a color report on its website and Facebook page from mid-October.

As of November 3, the Color Report shared that the leaves are responding well to recent and current cold fronts. The yellows are turning orange on the maples, and the reds are beginning to emerge on the oaks. The next seven to ten days are expected to be the best viewing of the season, according to the report.

Like me, hiker Rose Noriega, 78, was expecting more fall color on her route this afternoon. She says she was a little disappointed because she’s already experienced full fall foliage at Lost Maples.

“The last time we came, we came at the right time,” she says. “I’ve always been told that you can go one day and it’s the perfect day, but a day later it can be over and over.”

However, Noriega says she enjoyed her hike and called it “quite a workout.” She notes that if you’re not wearing the right shoes, it’s easy to slip and fall. She’s right. Saw a few people slipping up and down the loose rocks.

When it was too cold for me to fish in the Sabinal River, I saw anglers trying to catch bass or pumpkinseed – two of the most popular species, according to the Texas Hill County. You do not need a fishing license to fish from the shore or pier in the natural area.

After my experience I plan to go back when I can as it’s pretty much booked for the season. I would suggest checking online frequently for cancellations, as it’s definitely worth a visit, even if the leaves aren’t turned yet. It’s the most fall color I’ve seen in Texas so far – and it’s good enough for me.