Texas Hill Country Scenic Fall Drive – Lost Maples Area

Hiking through Lost Maples State Natural Area in November when the leaves of the Uvalde bigtooth maples turn to yellow and gold is reputedly one of the most scenic in the Texas Hill Country.  But just as impressive is the scenic drive looping around the Lost Maples area.

Just as the season began to dawn, one could see every hue of green from the cedars and evergreen live oaks to the yellow and orange of walnuts, sycamores, and oaks, with a splash of deep gold and red scattered about.  It’s as if God had just sat down for his annual fall painting session, dashing a bit of color here and there.

Fall colors in the Texas Hill Country

And as the sun set, the yellow sparkled to gold and the reds became inflamed.  The most colorful foliage could be seen in low lying areas along creek and river beds where clear skies allowed for mirror reflections in the cool rivers for a double helping of beauty. 

Fall reflections 

Take the time to soak in the colors of fall.  Drive slowly.  Take the back roads.  Enjoy the silence.  Travel during the weekday.  And stop…often…to appreciate the peaceful wonders of the hill country.

FOLLOW THIS PATH…

Drive the loop from Kerrville to Bandera on state highway 16.  The stretch between Kerrville and Medina Children’s Home just north of Medina is serpentine and especially pretty.  From Bandera travel west on FM 470 through Tarpley to Utopia, which is especially scenic between the latter two towns.

The drive out of Utopia on FM 1050 is most dramatic as you drive through hills, valleys, and canyons.  Then take a turn off the beaten path.  Just before you get to US 83, turn north onto FM 2748 toward Rio Frio and continue north on FM 1120 to Leakey.  The views and colors along this stretch of the Frio River are most stunning.  Stop and soak in the colors at river crossings.

Serenity on the Frio River

Head east out of Leakey on FM 337 for the most picturesque drive as you hug the sides of limestone cliffs on a winding hill road toward Vanderpool near Lost Maples State Natural Area.  Take FM 187 north to the junction of state highway 39 where you will criss cross the South Fork of the Guadalupe River for spectacular views just prior to reaching Hunt and on your last stretch between Hunt and Ingram.

Splashes of fall in the Texas Hill Country

ALSO LOOK FOR…

Hill Country white-tailed deer

Pay attention to road signs during any drive through the Texas Hill Country, especially the deer crossing ones…they mean it!  You’ll see plenty of white-tailed deer grazing all over the area in the fall as the first of November is the opening of deer hunting season.  You would be advised not to drive at night, as we saw as many on the road side as a result of accidents in the early morning hours as we saw deer camps along the way.

Although our main focus was viewing the fall foliage, we couldn’t help noticing all the impressive ranch entrances along the way…hundreds of high fence deer and exotic animal ranches whose owners seemed more interested in besting his neighbor with the most elaborate and expansive entrances.

These architectural wonders certainly caught our attention, with names like Bug Scuffle Ranch and Heaven’s Doorstep, and imposing designs to resemble adobe ruins (complete with faux cannon pointing out second story windows) and a massive replica of the famous Texas landmark, the Alamo.

Whether your focus on a fall drive through the Texas Hill Country is the spectacular foliage, white-tailed deer in their natural habitat, or ranch entrances as grandiose as Texas itself, just enjoy the ride.  Sometimes it’s the journey…not the destination.

Enjoy the ride!