When it comes to parks and refuges in Texas we have more than our fair share. Many are known for great hiking (Colorado Bend State Park, Milton Reimers Ranch Park, Garner State Park and Enchanted Rock, just to name a few), but we came across one renowned for its Fall foliage. Yes, even this year when temperatures have remained high, there will be a Fall and there will be foliage. Want proof? Here’s what you do.
According to Texas Monthly you head just 47 miles southwest of Kerrville to Lost Maples State Natural Area. This somewhat challenging, 4 and a half mile, round-trip hike takes on rugged hills, deep canyons, and skirts the Sabinal River along gentle streams. TM states it the best:
“Start from the East-West trailhead to pass through stands of Uvalde bigtooth maples. Go left at the fork, crossing Can Creek to begin a clockwise loop on the West Trail. (If you take the East Trail, you’ll find some of the park’s best autumn color, as red oaks and Uvalde bigtooth maples turn a warm palette of reds, yellows, and oranges.)”
At this point you begin a steep ascent to a grassy plateau at 220 ft. where you will find a 360 degree view of what you came for: Fall splendor in the form of “undulating wooded terrain before trekking down into Mystic Canyon, marked by spring-fed pools and stair-stepped ravines adorned with colorful maples. The trail eventually turns east to follow Can Creek, which flows into several deep ponds fringed with cattails.”
And when you get hungry from all that hiking you can hop over to the Lost Maples Café in Utopia (that sums it up!) for what is described as comfort food in an historic old building built in 1904. Just looking at the menu will have you racing for your car keys (and don’t forget their world famous pies!).
And if you head to Lost Maples State Natural Area or any other wonderful Texas Park be sure to obey the rules of the road and should you meet one of our fine officers on your trek and need to take defensive driving, just log into WirelessDefensiveDriving.com. We are here for you.