38 Lost Maples State Natural Area
A day hike through bigtooth maples growing in a deep, rugged Hill Country canyon. These trees have some of Texas’s best fall color.
Distance: 4.6-mile loop
Approximate hiking time: 2 to 3 hours
Elevation: 1,800 to 2,250 feet
Trail surface: Dirt path, dirt road closed to vehicles, short paved road
Best season: Fall through spring
Water availability: Trailhead, seasonal creeks
Land status: State park
Nearest town: Utopia
Fees and permits: Entrance and camping fees
Maps: USGS Sabinal Canyon; Lost Maples State Natural Area map
Trail contacts: Lost Maples State Natural Area, 37221 FM 187, Vanderpool 78885; (830) 966-3413
Finding the trailhead: Several approaches are possible. From Kerrville drive about 35 miles west on TX 39 to RM 187. Go left on RM 187 about 15 miles to the Lost Maples State Natural Area entrance on the right. Drive through the park to the large parking lot at the end of the paved road.
The Hike
Lost Maples State Natural Area lies in one of the most beautiful parts of the Texas Hill Country. Deeper canyons than usual cut the area into very hilly country. Even better, Lost Maples is far enough from Austin and San Antonio to escape the endless development that now covers so much of the Hill Country. The park is famous for the bigtooth maples that line the deeper canyons in and around the park. Only a few other areas in Texas have the maples, mostly in the West Texas mountains.
Because bigtooth maples usually have the best fall color in Texas, the park can be jammed with people on weekends in late October and early November. During fall color, try to come on weekdays. The rest of the year the park is only lightly visited. The park allows only foot traffic on its easily eroded trails.
The well-marked trail starts from the end of the parking lot and follows up the Sabinal River canyon. Usually only a small stream flows, making it very easy to cross with dry feet. Water levels vary with rainfall and are generally highest in late spring. Water, if purified, can usually be obtained from the streams, but carrying water is probably a better and easier choice for this short a hike.
The trail forks soon after starting. The two forks rejoin within 0.5 mile—they just follow opposite creek banks. I recommend the left fork, or Maple Trail, because of its heavy concentration of mature maples. The trails rejoin when the Maple Trail crosses the creek and meets the other trail. At a little less than 1.5 miles, the trail crosses the creek at a fork in the canyon, at an interesting area of cliffs and rock ledges. Just after the crossing lies the first primitive camp area (Area A) with a composting toilet. A beautiful stand of maples lines the creek at the camp area.
The most beautiful part of the hike lies just beyond the camp area in Hale Hollow Creek. The canyon becomes very narrow and steep walled, with many maples. After following the creek for a short distance, the trail climbs steeply out of the canyon and onto a ridge. You reach the top at about 2.0 miles and reach a junction about 0.25 mile farther. Unless you’re tired or short on time, take the dead-end left fork less than 0.5 mile to an overlook that provides a good view down the Sabinal River Canyon. Return to the junction and continue along the right fork.
The trail follows the ridgetop to another junction at almost 3.0 miles. The right fork goes a short distance to primitive camping area B. Go left and drop down a short, steep stretch to a large pond along Can Creek. Another camp area (Area C) and a composting toilet are by the pond. A well-marked trail junction also lies in the canyon bottom by the pond. The right fork makes another loop through the park. Go left (downstream). Walk down the canyon, passing another trail fork on the right and some park buildings. A little over 1.0 mile downstream from the pond, you will hit a gravel parking area with a bird blind at the confluence of Can Creek and the Sabinal River. Walk down the road from the parking area, cross the river, and turn left on the paved road. In less than 0.5 mile you will reach the trailhead parking lot.
The hike is pleasant anytime of year. Insects can be a nuisance in spring and summer. Summers are usually hot and humid. Spring and fall probably provide the best camping weather. Although the hike can easily be done in a day, try to stay overnight at one of the primitive campsites to enjoy the narrow canyon country.
Miles and Directions
0.0Start at the trailhead at end of the road.
0.1Trail splits. Take left fork.
0.5Trail rejoins parallel right fork. Go left.
1.5Primitive campsite A.
2.25Junction with dead-end overlook spur trail. Go left to the overlook or continue right on main loop.
2.9Junction with primitive campsite B spur trail. Go left on main trail.
3.1Junction with trail at pond on Can Creek. Go left (down-canyon).
3.7Junction with trail at some park buildings. Go left (downstream).
4.1Gravel parking area. Follow parking lot entrance road to main park road and go left on main park road.
4.6Arrive back at the trailhead.