Lost Maples State Natural Area

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Amy Losh
a month ago
A must see park for anyone that enjoys hiking and enjoying the beauty of nature. Make it a backpacking trip and choose one of the primitive campsites near the top and you won't be disappointed! Plenty of areas to stop and enjoy. The older kids loved exploring, especially Monkey Rock. Warning the steep areas also have a lot of loose rocks so good shoes and hiking poles are suggested.Restrooms: There are restrooms near the campground and at the park entrance. All others near the primitive camping and a majority of the trails, including the fishing pond, are outhousesDog-friendliness: Bring your dog, they will love it. But please take out any poo they leave behind and keep them on a leash.Picnic area: Lots of areas to picnic and enjoy the scenic views.

  Geoff Gilman
a week ago
Lost Maples has lots of beautiful trails to be explored. Some that are easy and some that are long. Make sure to get a map at the visitor center. It also has a great picnic area to enjoy lunch with lots of room for kids. Lots of birds and butterflies to see.

  charles compton
2 months ago
I really enjoyed hiking here in this area. I hiked the East loop and all the overlooks on that side. It was pretty amazing. The park does have a day use area and some hike in campsites but little else beyond the trails. The main trail loops are fairly long moderate hikes there s a steep part where you hike up to the top of the hills and then it flattens out at the top. I hope to come back and hike the west side eventually, was a spectacular hike on the east side would recommend.

  Olga Gretskaya
4 months ago
Wonderful park!The rainy weather didn't dampen the mood!Be sure to make a reservation! We did it in 1 day in the morning.Beautiful nature. Red-yellow leaves. We followed the Maples trail and reached Monkey rock.The journey back there took about 2 hours at a leisurely pace. I highly recommend visiting the park!Restrooms: CleanDog-friendliness: A lot of dogs Picnic area: Nice

  Luis Sosa
5 months ago
My favorite State Park so far! It's a stunning place, especially in the fall. I went at sunrise and the evaporating water looked like a river of spirits, couldn't quite capture the feeling with my phone camera.The panoramic view requires a brief, steep hike, but you can visit the fun landmarks on the east loop (the cove and monkey rock) without any elevation gain if you start from the east side.If you are an experienced hiker I would budget at least 4h-5h to do both the East and the West Loop and take plenty of pictures.I unfortunately did not have time to do the west loop so I'll be back for that.

  Damari Anderson
4 days ago
Beautiful and natural park, the water there is clear in alot of spots, and the bird diversity/ abundance is so lovely. Drove from San Antonio to walk their trails, i highly recommended the hike, its can get pretty steep and the walks seem a little long so i recommend rd snacks and water.They have some neat land marks that are on the trail maps.

  Randy Rodgers
4 months ago
I hiked Lost Maples for the first time back in the spring and put it on my must-do list for the fall, hoping to experience the legendary colors of the foliage. Despite the severe drought dampening the colors a bit, my hike in mid-November did not disappoint. This is a beautiful park any time of year, and the colors just amplify that. Trails are well-maintained and marked, although a few have fairly significantly steep grades and loose, rocky footing, so be prepared and allow plenty of time. The park offers tent and rv camping in the main areas near the entrance and several great primitive areas accessible only on foot. Plan ahead if you wish to see the fall colors. Reservations can be made a month in advance, and you won t get in without a reservation most days October through November.Restrooms: Restrooms in the main park areas have electricity and running water and are usually well-kept. On the trails, their are a few restrooms with chemical/pit toilets only.

  Sammie robinson
4 months ago
Beautiful spot in the Hill Country! We camped here and it was so peaceful! THE STARS!!! They were gorgeous (totally worth staying up to see). Also all the camping sites are hike in so make sure you are prepped for that. I would love to come back here one day and watch a meteor shower.

  John Walker
3 weeks ago
Spent the day at Lost Maples State park. My wife and I and my daughter plus 4 dogs all hiked the East trail. The trail is 4.6 miles. The entrance fee is $6 per person which is very reasonable. They have a day use area with picnic tables. There is also a camp ground. 2 primitive campgrounds. Fishing pond. So much to see and do. So on the way home the fur babies got a treat to DQ. I m sure I heard them all humming DQ that s what I like about Texas. Beautiful place.

  Turd Ferguson
2 months ago
I came here a day after the area had been receiving a lot of run. I wanted to hike to Monkey Rock and the grotto. It was no problem. The place drains well. I hiked to the grotto and then came back to parking. It was about 4 miles I think. You can ride a bike to the monkey rock and then hike to the grotto to save time but then you may not see a porcupine sunbathing in a tree.Restrooms: There is a restroom at the trailhead.

  Sara Kirkpatrick
4 months ago
Can't say enough about how beautiful this place was. From the drive there to the trails, it was gorgeous. The terrain was rugged and steep in some areas and in others it was easily maneuvered. I will definitely be back.Know when you go, about 20 miles before you get to the park, you will lose cell service. (Verizon) There is absolutely no service anywhere in the park.

  Bishwa, The world!
5 months ago
Well we went to this beautiful natural place all the way from Houston, the four and half hour drive was fun, musical and satisfying!Lost Maples State Natural Area, beautiful place for hiking, picnic and camping as well. As we were hiking, I enjoyed the swishing sound of maple tree leaves, the monkey rock and the grotto. And on the other side we went to the ponds!The interesting thing of that hike was I saw a walnut tree, collected some walnut fallen off the tree and had some!! Will definitely come back for hike to the top and fall colors next year!!

  Ricardo Rodriguez
4 months ago
On the foggy day I hiked the trail, it had this mysterious vibe. The mist made everything a bit hazy, adding an interesting touch to the journey. The trees looked kind of ghostly through the fog, and the autumn leaves brought some nice pops of color.As I walked, the leaves crunched under my boots, giving a satisfying sound. It was a cool mix of fog, trees, and fall colors. Overall, the trail had a unique and calming feel, especially with the fog adding a bit of intrigue to the surroundings.I highly recommend this trail!

  Merideth Oliver
4 months ago
Beautiful fall colors. I m so glad I made the trip out to the park. I loved the rock formations, the hike, the views. The park staff is friendly. Get day passes early especially during the fall.Restrooms: Clean restroomsDog-friendliness: People took their dogs hiking on the trails. The trails are rocky and steep in Rome areas.Picnic area: Picnic tables available for use.

  David Chang
4 months ago
Great place for trail walking and mountain climbing, especially in Texas. Trails in lost maple are not easy, steep climbing rocky road up and down. East Trial is the one I finished, and it's definitely worthwhile. Lot of great natural views and good photo spots when you reach the top of the mountain. Another member of our group walked all other trials and said we didn't miss anything. The only letdown is that the leaves weren't red and yellow enough as we expected.

  Missy Fraser
5 months ago
I always love hiking here. We stopped in the ranger station before our Tuesday morning hike. Bought a few stuffed animals for my God kids. The trails were fairly deserted (Tuesday morning & it was misting), which was awesome. The mist made the climb up the east trail "special," but we made it! Fyi, that beast is steep & long. I've hiked this with all ages & abilities. You can do it, you just may have to take lots of breaks. My friend hadn't been here in a long time, so it was almost a new hike for her. The grotto is always cool & she hadn't seen monkey rock before. It's important that you walk to the front of it to get the full effect. She didn't at first, but when she did, she was surprised by how much it actually looks like a monkey. We found a small waterfall that I'd never seen/heard before, so that was fun. If the water is low, be careful crossing the rivers using the rocks, some aren't stable. If the water is high, you're probably getting wet. Just take off your shoes & dry off on the other side.

  Donald Scott
2 months ago
Beautiful trail. The east trail is rather steep and has some rough spots. So, if you have any mobility issues, climbing up 2-3 ft steps might be difficult.

  Debra Roberts
2 months ago
Absolutely beautiful . Shaded canopies, fall colors, cool temps, a few people. Note: reservations (6$/per person-at this entry) are required, which can be made no more than a month in advance, with the day split into 2 time periods about 10 hrs each. You'll check in at the office and be given a pass for windshield.Bring WATER , especially if you go when higher season temps.LOOK for small disc w/green arrows, this keeps you on the intended path. Although if you end up walking down waterways they meet back up with the path.Most of walk on East trail is flat, but there is 1.5 mile STEEP climb up cut stairs. At top lovely treed vistas. Didn't have time to do West trail (Spring 24"!)See Monkey Rock, Grotto all seconds off main path.Just a peaceful place- reminded me of the PNW a bit- a slice of home.

  Melissa Seiler
5 months ago
Beautiful, mostly shaded trails. Would love to see a dedicated two person wide trail from one parking lot to the other (besides the challenging 3 hour hike). You end up walking on the road a bit and when you get onto the allotted trail it only really fits single file. We met many oncoming hikers and it was a struggle to pass. Rangers are friendly but parking is very limited. Restrooms were clean.

  Amy Zamora
5 months ago
My first time to visit during the fall leaf change! The trails were rockier than I remember, lots of ankle turners. Poles/waking stick recommended. Lovely views and a great fall camp spot!Restrooms: 3 Compost toilets available on the trails, running water bathrooms at day use area, portapotties at overflow parking and visitors center when we went. The portapotties have foot pump wash stations insideDog-friendliness: Diogs allowed on leashes on trail. Please pack out your waste! Saw several doggie bags on east trailPicnic area: Covered panic areas at day use are and camp A, uncovered picnic tables at overflow parking

  Irfan Azam
6 months ago
Filled with the iconic Uvalde bigtooth maple trees that paint the landscape with vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold in the fall. The autumn foliage is simply mesmerizing and worth the visit alone. But Lost Maples has so much more to offer than just fall colors.The park boasts an extensive network of well-maintained hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls along crystal-clear streams to challenging ascents that reward you with panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country. The Maple Trail, in particular, is a must-do, taking you through dense woodlands and along the banks of the Sabinal River.The best time to visit the park is after 2nd week of November. I visited the park twice, during the thanksgiving time, and found the trees showing fully vibrant colors.

  Asif Rony
5 months ago
It is one the most beautiful place in Texas during the fall. If you like to hike, photography or just picnicking, you would not be disappointed.I would highly recommend the east trail. Take the east trail near lost mapples trail, hike through the "Grotto', and then keep movong untill you hit the pond. There are a few rest areas but you should bring your water and hiking stick.

  Saurabh Vinchu
7 months ago
Having lived in TX for almost 6 years I had never experienced falls colors as beautiful as this in any other part of the country. This was a last minute visit but it ended up being the best part of our trip. Make sure to have maps on you or download offline maps because we had zero service here.We were driving back to Dallas so the ranger helped us download maps on their computer. They have a dedicated website to track the progress of the colors of the trees and you can plan your visit accordingly. I d suggest to book your tickets in advance. You can drive around in the park. We only had a few hours so we did the most famous trail and were so happy that we did fit it in our tight schedule.

  vicki buchwald
a week ago
I really enjoy hiking and birding Lost Maples. I was there 2 years ago in early April and it was magical . I am so glad Texas State Parks charge for day use and limit the number of passes. I am always amazed Texas State Parks have and maintain bird blinds for less mobile people to enjoy. The single blind at Lost Maples was extra great this trip because I was pointing out species to non birders which could be seen closer and more easily. Being from California and Wyoming, they had not seen Cardinals! I would LOVE to see this park put in another one or 2 blinds maybe into the trails a little more but not crazy like up at Campsite B, like South Llano park, where you can get a great look at some of the endemics coming to the feeders . Visiting again was great , although a little less enjoyable for my taste due to too many people on the trails because of the Eclipse. I will be back again in quieter times. Thanks

  Alexandra Cervantes
5 months ago
Is the most visit. We drove from Austin and was only 2.5 hr, but it was absolutely worth the trip. Bring some snacks and food for a picnic. The view was absolutely stunning I will say, is a medium moderate hike, bring boots because it is rocky!

  Stephen Williams
a month ago
Excellent place for hikes. Good mix of easy trails and more difficult ones. Reasonable entry and camping fees.

  Dusty M. Coleman
10 months ago
Well managed, easy to follow trails. Be warned there are several trails that are medium difficulty (at the very least). The views were amazing but the hike to the top and back down was torturous, especially in the heat. That particular trail wouldn't be good for children or people with health issues. However there are several trails that are super easy for all. There's a little natural pool swimming area but there are non venomous snakes that share the swimming hole. I was told the snakes keep their distance from swimmers but I didn't care- I don't do snakes.There are several primitive camping spaces along the trails but you gotta hike in and out with all your camping equipment and accessories- no vehicle accessibly.The staff was super friendly. Upon checking in, the conversation focused on safety, asked if I had plenty of water, informed me of a refilling station and warned me of the high temperatures (but it's Texas and that's what we do).All the scenery was beyond beautiful!!

  Colleen Conely
5 months ago
Amazing! I m get like we went to North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Colorado all in one hike. So many different trees, water features, mountains and rock formations! Will be back!

  David Gomez
4 months ago
A nice place to go hiking. Would recommend to wear the right kind of shoes you will be walking over loss rocks.

  That_one_dude 101
4 months ago
Beautiful state park,Staff was very friendly and informative,and has very informative maps and has plenty of parking,except for after holidays,it does get packed.Other than that very nice state park,fun for family and children,to enjoy wild life and to see how the rocks have different formations.Restrooms: They got Portapotties at the entrance, and then when you go park by the trails, there are bathrooms available, and the bathroom at the HQ is closed.Picnic area: Nice picnic areas and birds like to come up to you.