Lost Maples State Natural Area
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Lost Maples State Natural Area
4.5
State Parks • Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Read more
About
An excellent park to view fall foliage while walking the Maple and East Trails.
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
4 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
291 reviews
Excellent
201
Very good
64
Average
16
Poor
5
Terrible
5
Wandering Cajun
Texas305 contributions
Nov 2020
We visited the second week of November to hike and view fall foliage. We were lucky to have reserved day passes on a beautiful day, in the peak of colors. We were glad to have made our reservations early and in advance, because the park will sell out of day passes weeks to months in advance in the fall. We choose afternoon entrance, and if you choose it, please make sure you have enough time to do whatever activitiess you choose, especially hikes. We hiked the Maple Trail, then proceeded on to the East Trail, then East-West trail for a round trip circle of 4 miles. The hike took us 3 hours with minimal stop times. The most beautiful part of the trail is the Maple Trail if you are wanting to see fall colors. The East Trail and East-West were mostly rocky, uphill, steep and strenuous. Be sure you allow enough time to make it out before dark. You do not want to be navigating these steep incline/decline trails in the dark. We started at 2:30 pm and barely made it out before dark around 5:30. Also, be aware there is no cell service in this area. It's very remote, and you will likely not have any service, so prepare in advance. We enjoyed this hike very much, and the park is stunning in the fall.
Written November 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A Foggy Path
Austin, TX1,325 contributions
Nov 2020
If you like challenging hikes and views for days, check out Lost Maples. We went in early November 2020 and saw some color among the trees. With Texas weather, it's such a hit or miss on when the colors will really come through. Even though we didn't get the color display we were hoping for, we still had a fabulous time! We hiked the entire park over two days and had a great time. It is a very busy park so we definitely recommend booking passes in advance, especially if you're visiting in the fall. The park fills fast and they have a capacity limit. Don't miss out!
Also, wear/bring sunscreen. Once you get to the higher areas on the trails, it's full sun. Take water, too. You'll definitely need it!
Also, wear/bring sunscreen. Once you get to the higher areas on the trails, it's full sun. Take water, too. You'll definitely need it!
Written January 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ford
Austin, TX259 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
This spot is awesome. A friend and I camped a couple of days and had an epic time. We hiked every trail and really enjoyed our time. I recommend the east trail for a more leisure hike with monkey rock and west trail for a more rugged experience. Note that both trails have steep inclines! We were about 1 month early on really seeing the leaves change. I’ll be back!
Written November 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
107nan2010
New Braunfels, TX136 contributions
Nov 2022
Enjoyed our visit to Lost Maples. We were there during the week, and it was quiet with very few visitors. We noticed on the website that the park would be reaching capacity with visitors the following weekend. If you can go during the week, it is much less crowded. Alot of the autumn leaves had already fallen, but there were still trees that were in various stages of turning from red to orange to yellow. The hiking trails were well marked and maintained. Take note that there are some trails that are very steep and difficult to maneuver, but those trails are marked on the map and with signs. Most trails are easy walking. There were nice picnic tables in the parking lot area. Restrooms were clean. Very enjoyable day! We spent about 4 to 5 hours there.
Written November 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
you-and-me-2015
Reno, NV370 contributions
Jun 2020
Great experience ... many photo opportunities!! although the water was not flowing much, we still had a good time. Limited public restrooms open. Park access is limited due to COVID 19 — must make a reservation online for a day pass!! A must do Texas State Park!!
Written June 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott H
McAllen, TX109 contributions
Jan 2020
A "state natural area" differs from a state park in that the natural areas focus on preserving nature and, therefore, are less developed. Lost Maples features a population of Big Toothed Maples, very rare as far south as Texas. These trees only survive here because of the microclimate that is much cooler than most of South and Central Texas. At Lost Maples, you'll find hiking trails that are easy to follow; one is less than a mile and the other is about five miles round trip. Don't miss Monkey Rock, a large granite outcropping that looks amazingly like a large monkey. You can plan a picnic at Lost Maples to round out your visit.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M J
Austin, TX7,980 contributions
Feb 2020
My husband and I spent a day in Lost Maples State Natural Area. We hiked the Lost Maples trail and East trail. The Lost Maples trail is fairly flat, narrow, shady, very pretty, near the river, had several benches and ¼ mile long (one way). At ¼ mile, you can turn back or continue on the East trail. The East trail is flat for the first 1.5 miles and has several river crossings. We were able to cross the river by walking on rocks. During that mile, we saw Monkey Rock (nice formation) and the Grotto. The Grotto was loaded with graffiti scratched into the rock. That was too sad. The next mile was steep and uphill. After that, the next half mile was flat and had a nice view. The last third of a mile was steep and downhill. From there, we took the East-West trail (1 mile) back to the day use area then walked a half mile back to our vehicle. That was a total of a 5 mile hike. We watched the birds from the bird blind. I am glad there were some bird books to look through. The restrooms were nice and had soap. We did not see any wildlife except for birds and squirrels. Cost $6 for adults or free with a Texas park pass.
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynthia W
Freeland, MI764 contributions
Oct 2020
Out of the way. We went to see the Bigtooth Maple in color. Last week of October showed the maples just starting to turn, we will go back in 2 weeks. The BigTooth Maple compared to the Michigan Sugar Maple is very small. The leaves are small also. The Michigan sugar Maple leaves are as big or larger than your hand spread out. The birding blind to see birds had no food in the feeders and there was no birds. The bird blind area is the start of a trail and there were porta potties that were very clean. The main hiking area for the East Trail has a large parking area and restrooms surrounded by picnic tables. Even through the colors had only started to turn the parking lot was half full. The parking lot may have held about 100 cars, , so get there early, because it would appear it would fill up at peak color time. There is not much else to do here at the park except to hike. There is nothing to do in the surrounding area either. Just outside the park is a Park Campground which is very small maybe 20 spots. Maybe 4 miles down the road is an RV Park behind a gas/station general store which had basically nothing in it. Hiking the trails was fairly easy with good hiking shoes, because you are hiking on gravel or rocks. Any creeks you have to cross are usually very low on water.. Make sure you take water and hats and sunscreen on your hike. the park map is available at the entrance and has miles marked and is easy to follow and read. Enjoy.
Written October 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Strider185
Colorado105 contributions
Feb 2020
Four of us went in late winter early spring, so no leaves on the maples. But a wonderful place to hike and to enjoy the landscape. Trails are not strenuous and trail varies between hiking under evergreens or hiking under deciduous trees. Plus muc of trail is along or crosses the stream. Lost Maples does have a campground, but you can also backpack in and camp at primitive camps.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LoneStarRick
McAllen, TX11 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
This park is a hikers dream, especially in the fall. Campers should only take what they can backpack since there is no vehicle access to the campsites, all of which are primitive and a long way from the parking lot. Warning: sleeping bags will not suffice in cold weather (below 40 degrees), so add a mat and heavy blanket if all you want to leave with are fond memories.
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
T-Brock
San Antonio, TX34 contributions
Is the east trail truly manageable by a younger larger dog? I have been on rocky hill country trails before with large gaps between rocks and drops where even most agile border collie and shepherd struggles. Dogs are not great climbers by nature.
Lisa B
Katy, TX36 contributions
We just hiked this trail a few weeks ago & saw lots of dogs all shapes & sizes hiking!Just remember to pack as much water for your dog as you do for yourself! Happy hiking!
Are any of the trails bike friendly?
Lisa B
Katy, TX36 contributions
Not any of the trails we hiked-way too rocky
Can you have a wedding there
TexasDavid83
Hallettsville, TX83 contributions
I’m not sure but it would be a beautiful place to have one. I would call the park office.
I want to shot a picture of fall, which month can i come here ?
LadyTexan78676
Wimberley, TX48 contributions
IF you go on the website for Lost Maples, they have a leaf report in the fall, which will let you know when the leaves are turning.
Jtorrens01
Houston, TX39 contributions
Planning on going to Lost Maples for in December for Xmas weekend has anyone ever been during this time?
Bill M
Kerrville, TX495 contributions
Laves are off but there is a different seasonal beauty that makes LM special especially along the stream. I'd definitely say go!
Chen-Ching W
2 contributions
Do the primitive sites have a fire pit/ring?
herrejoncarol
San Antonio, TX86 contributions
The last time I was in the primitive campsites, they did not have fire rings.
I will be going to Lost Maples for the first time in December. I know I will miss the foliage and it is too cold for swimming, but will it still be enjoyable?
Jules1013
Santa Fe, TX83 contributions
I've not been in winter; the October trip was my first. However, the simple fact that it is so far away from everything is appealing to me. I enjoyed that. It is so quiet, the sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking, as is the night sky. We hiked the simplest trail, though it could be strenuous for some (lots of climbing over stairs on the trail), but the road between the camping area and the day use area was so sparsely used that we walked it several times too. Streams, trees, wildlife - it's just a beautiful place, I'm sure any time you visit.
Do they got good service?
LadyTexan78676
Wimberley, TX48 contributions
You can get limited wifi service up at the camp office. Otherwise you likely won't get any until you get about a mile down the road from the park.
cclark906
Burton, TX1 contribution
I plan on coming to the area this month, can anyone recommend a place to stay near the park who allows small dogs? thanks
AmericanInEurope02
San Antonio, TX216 contributions
I would like to take my mother here to see the fall foliage however she has trouble walking, so no hiking. Is there much that can seen with just driving around or should I skip this and go to one of the other places?
Ray S
Bandera, TX99 contributions
You can see a good bit of color without hiking, not only in the park itself but in the surrounding area.
Lost Maples State Natural Area (Vanderpool) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Lost Maples State Natural Area
- Hotels near Lost Maples State Natural Area:
- (0.95 mi) Foxfire Log Cabins
- (3.46 mi) A Peace of Heaven
- (3.68 mi) Over 300 acres and a private lake
- (9.27 mi) Cypress Frio Waters
- (5.58 mi) Mountain View Cabin Near Lost Maples & Garner Parks, Utopia and the Frio River
- Attractions near Lost Maples State Natural Area:
- (0.08 mi) Lone Star Motorcycle Museum
- (0.82 mi) Lost Maples East Trail
- (1.88 mi) Sabinal River Winery
Lost Maples State Natural Area Information
Excellent Reviews | 201 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 64 |
Lost Maples State Natural Area Photos | 410 |