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Frio River Cabins

Lost Maples

Local and nearby attractions

State National Area

This park is known and named for the unique presence of the Big-tooth Maple. The park is called “lost” because this maple was discovered far from any other maple forest. It is believed that these maples may be remnants of a larger, more widespread population that flourished during the cooler and wetter climate of the last glacial period.

Bring your camera, because the maple leaf colors are brilliant, unless autumn is mild. The Texas Red Oak also gives a beautiful display every year. Fall colors peak in November. At the entrance, there is a nice, educational indoor information center that tells you about the park.

If you want to go for a hike, bike ride, backpack trip, wildlife watching (Lost Maple’s bird check list) or just to sightsee this is the place. Don’t forget your camera! They have a variety of hiking trails that take you through canyons and over hills for some majestic views. The Maple Trail is great during the fall and has the most concentrated area of colors. Stalactites have been seen along the 4 mile East Trail. This trail will also take you to ponds and a creek with springs. The 3.5 mile West Trail is steep, but offers great views. Just remember not to walk too close to the maple trees as this can cause damage to their shallow root system. All of the trails have benches to rest on and a couple of outhouses throughout the park. There are two small ponds in the center of the park, which attract a variety of wildlife.

The park is located about 20 miles East of Leakey, off FM187, in Vanderpool.
Get lost on the 2,174 acres and 11 miles of hiking trails! The East Trail can be quite a hike.
To see which trail is best for you visit: Lost Maple’s Map and hiking trail

Tree species found at park:
American Sycamore
Bald Cypress
Black Walnut
Green Ash
Black Willow
Chinkapin Oak
Lacey Oak
Texas Red Oak
Juniper
Florida Basswood