Davy Jones is our guest writer and he is also my dad! He still calls Texas “home” but has been living in an RV traveling for the last year. We share a love for the outdoors and he has been lucky enough to go to some places that I have not visited. So I asked him to get out of his comfort zone and write a few posts for the blog. Enjoy his tales from Lost Maples State Natural Area in Texas!
Once I decided to go to Lost Maples State Natural Area it was a short run from my temporary home in Bandera, Texas. Lost Maples State Natural Area has been on Emily’s list to visit for a while, so naturally when I told her I was going she was extremely jealous. While it is not a State Park, it is still managed by TPWD and has many facilities throughout the area. It is also located very near the very popular Garner State Park. The thing that Lost Maples is most known for is the fall foliage, one of the only spots in the Texas to see the full color changes. The park offers 10 miles of hiking trails, and I chose to hit up about 4.7 miles of those trails on the East Trail Loop.
Driving to Lost Maples State Natural Area
Before I get into the hiking part lets talk about my drive from Bandera to Lost Maples State Natural Area. The drive takes you north on highway 16 to highway 337 west, then on to the small town of Vanderpool, TX. This drive is part of the Texas Swiss Alps Scenic Byway, one of the top three scenic drives in Texas. The drive was a nice preparation for the scenery to be found in Lost Maples State Natural Area.
Hiking Lost Maples State Natural Area
Okay, on to the hiking part. I started out my hike on the 3.1 miles East Trail. After a little research I found this offered the most scenic overlooks. Which lets be real, I am more of a guy who likes to find spots with great views. I also, unknowingly but beneficially, decided to hike counterclockwise starting from the parking lot farther from the main trailhead.
East Trail
The East Trail follows along the Sabinal River, which you cross a couple of times on the hike. At the start of East Trail you are offered the alternative Maples Trail which parallels the main East trail for about a ½ mile. Of course, why not? Let’s take it! The trail is aptly named with lots of trees and fauna to observe. The first point of interest that is a short detour is Monkey Rock, which I opted not to do. However other hikers claimed it cool to see the unique limestone outcrop with plants growing on the cliff walls, supported by water that seeps from underground.
I continued on the trail to the Grotto, the second point of interest on East Trail. Along the trail the rock overhangs providing cover to the ferns, mosses and other plants. Again supported by the natural spring water seeping from the rocks. Shortly after leaving the Grotto the trail has a hairpin turn and gets pretty steep climbing 400 feet over 0.25 of a mile with as much as a 30% grade. In Texas speak that is steep.
Lost Maples State Natural Area Scenic Overlook
Once at the top, the trail flattens out, the trail splits. I cannot say this any different: TAKE THE TRAIL TO THE LEFT. This takes you to the take the trail to the left out to the main scenic overlook of the park. This beautiful vista point gives you an amazing view of some of the famous Texas Hill Country with the Sabinal River below.
East Trail
Back to the main East Trail, which continues along the ridge of a rock wall that was impressive. There are several short trails out to the edge of the ridge for sightseeing. 100% worth taking your time along the ridge to capture more of that Texas Hill Country. The trial then literally, and figuratively, turns south. Remember that 30% grad elevation gain?? Well its back with vengance and this time with gravel spots, making the trail slippery and unstable underfoot. You be I took this section slow and steady. We passed several other groups struggling on the way up this section doing the hike clockwise. Knowing myself, I would not have completed the hike if I had to hike up this section vs. down it.
East-West Trail
After the descent, I met up with the East-West connector trail which continues along several ponds and a creek that feeds into the Sabinal River and passed several campsites. After about a mile I came to a parking area, but for me the trail didn’t end as I had to hike a little farther through a grassy area back to my truck, Ruby. Overall, well worth the trip and great way to feel the true Texas Hill Country!
Hope you enjoyed my tales from Lost Maples State Natural Area in Texas. Keep reading from some tips I am sure my daughter is going to add to the tail end of the blog post for me.
~ Davy Jones
I will be back to tell more tales.
Before you go
Lost Maples State Natural Area offers minimal hiking but amazing views. Plus they are known for stargazing in Texas and that infamous fall foliage. Just like all TPWD managed areas, there are $6 entrance fees, or use your Texas State Parks Pass. There are two other main trails in Lost Maples State Natural Area: West Trail and West Loop Trail. Both have plenty of primitive campsites for those looking to get their feet wet with backpacking in Texas.
There are other TPWD facilities in the area, like Garner State Park! Garner is incredibly busy during the summer season, offering river front along the Frio River. Best known for the time you can spend hanging out by the water to cool off during the sweltering Texas summers. Don’t plan to just show up during the summer here either! You need to make advanced reservations as the park reached capacity quickly.
Check out some more tales from Davy Jones on his dedicated page. Also see all the placed Emily has been traveling on the archives page.
thank you for the article