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Written by Shirley T
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Friday, 04 December 2009 08:24 |
In order to not get lost in Lost Maples State Natural Area, I would recommend you to read my earlier installment about Lost Maples and Maple Trail here.
My previous installment showcases the photographs mainly from the stunning view of foliage along Maple Trail. While in this installment, I would love to share the photographs shot along East Trail in Lost Maples State Natural Area which is located about 5 miles north of Vanderpool in the state of Texas, United States.
After walking through beautiful Maple Trail of 0.8 miles, we proceed to East Trail at half past one. Taking a loop of 4.6 miles on East Trail, we saw Lost Maples at its best in the season of fall. Colorful trees and splendid view of foliage!
Old Maple Grove ~ courtesy of Lost Maples SNA
"The canyon walls cast long shadow here much of the day. The Sabinal River left behind a deep, fertile soil. Limestone rocks provide sweet water not far underground.
A sheltered, moist, fertile environment is a fine place for trees. In this old grove, bigtooth maple, Lacey's oak, Texas oak, chinquapin oak, Florida basswood, American sycamore, green ash, black willow, sugar hackberry and pecan have put down roots."
East Trail was a hike of 4.6 miles in total. It goes parallel to Sabinal River at the beginning until Primitive Camping Site A. Then, there was a steep hike over a few miles before meeting a crossroad between East Trail and dead-end trail to a scenic overlook. This overlook site is about 0.3 miles from the junction and features the aerial view of the picnic area.
Continuing on the East Trail loop led us to another scenic overlook upon the bird-eye view of ponds surrounded by colorful foliage and a bare sloopy hiking trail (East Trail) which was also our next destination ahead.
After the ponds area, we crossed a wooden bridge and walked on rather flat trail and met the West Trail's trailhead at where Can Creek splits into two.
At last, we reached our vehicle parked near the picnic area. We took almost 3 hours to complete the East Trail. It was such a rewarding hike!
Note: All the photographs in this installment were captured along East Trail. Please proceed to my Maple Trail installment here.
Getting there?
5 miles north of Vanderpool on Ranch Road 187
37221 FM 187
Vanderpool TX 78885
Phone: (830) 966-3413
Click here for direction - provided by Texas Parks and Wildlife
Weekly Foliage Report from October through November: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/lost_maples/foliage.phtml
Website of Lost Maples: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/lost_maples/
Tips: Go early or get an annual state pass (like us) to beat the long waiting time during peak season.
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Texas State Natural Area | Lost Maples - East Trail
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