Overview: Lost Maples State Natural Area covers more than 2,000 scenic acres in Bandera and Real Counties, north of Vanderpool, Texas on the Sabinal River. The park was acquired by purchase from private owners in 1974 and the the site was opened to the public for the fall leaf season in 1979. The annual visitation is approximately 200,000 visitors, many of the visitors are there during leaf season.
I picked this park as much for its uniqueness as for its beauty. Just north and west of San Antonio, the "Lost Maples" park is an outstanding example of Edwards Plateau flora and fauna. It has an uncommon mix of rugged limestone canyons, springs, plateau grasslands, forested slopes, and clear streams. It features a large, isolated stand of the rare Uvalde Bigtooth Maple, whose fall foliage can be spectacular.
Texas A&M reports that the "Bigtooth maple is one of the most attractive and interesting Texas trees" and that the "mature trees have beautiful red and yellow fall color."
Viewing Dates: Generally, the foliage changes the last two weeks of October through the first two weeks of November.
Trees of Show: Uvalde Bigtooth Maple
Vote for your favorite leaf viewing vacation: The Poll
