Lost Maples State Natural Area
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Lost Maples State Natural Area
4.5
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An excellent park to view fall foliage while walking the Maple and East Trails.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
293 reviews
Excellent
202
Very good
65
Average
16
Poor
5
Terrible
5
M J
Austin, TX7,910 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.
you-and-me-2015
Texas367 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.
Ford
Austin, TX255 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.
Cynthia W
Freeland, MI806 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
Colorado98 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, TX8 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.
107nan2010
New Braunfels, TX140 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.
Mr.S Travel Quest
San Angelo, TX204 contributions
Feb 2020
Lost Maples NA is a must if you love Texas State parks. We went for a weekend getaway and enjoyed the hikes. We hiked the East trail which is 4.6 miles. The terrain is rugged and I recommend wearing hiking boots. We spent 5 hours to complete the trail as I stopped often to take pictures. This park is definitely a top 10 park and worth a visit.
Written February 29, 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.
Bettina
Conroe, TX14 contributions
Nov 2020
Lost Maples is geared for hiking. Little access with car and bring hiking poles or sticks to help with terrain. The colors were great, park was beautiful. The bird blind was disappointing since it is too close to parking lot with many cars, etc. Also feeders were empty. Other than that it was a great park for photographers.
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.
Rick B
Round Rock, TX1,401 contributions
Aug 2020
This is a beautiful park. It is way out so don't depend on cell service here. Situated in the highest part of the hill country Lost Maples is know as the place in Texas where fall actually happens because of it's abundance of Maple and other hardwood trees. I came to check it out on a hot August Day. if you are a hiker training for a hike this is a great place. Lots of elevation change and loads of miles for a one day trip I think I walked 12 or so. The east trail is where all the maples are and brings you to a nice shaded swimming hole with a few picnic tables. There is also a primitive campground along this trail and several others. The views are ginormous. I enjoyed this place so much that we have already made reservations to come and stay in November for the leaf change. Charlotte will love it.
Written September 1, 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.
LonghornPete
Texas15 contributions
If we're already camping at nearby Garner next weekend, is it worth the expense and time to squeeze Lost Maples into our short schedule, too?
Will we see/do things at Lost Maples we can't also do at Garner?
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, TX69 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, TX69 contributions
Not any of the trails we hiked-way too rocky
Can you have a wedding there
TexasDavid83
Hallettsville, TX112 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, TX47 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, TX482 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, TX121 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, TX84 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, TX47 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
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