Lost Maples State Natural Area

A wren perched on a weathered post, looking up

Lost Maples State Natural Area, run by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, is known for fall color and for its birds, including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. The park offers a free bird checklist on its website.

Access: hard

The park describes its terrain as steep and rugged and asks visitors to stay on marked trails.
Because it's a natural area, it has been only lightly developed.
The headquarters and interpretive center, with their restrooms, are wheelchair accessible.
The park has one picnic site set aside as wheelchair accessible.

Good to know

October and November are the busiest months, and the park says it fills up every day then. Reserve a day pass ahead of time.
There's no cell service in the park.
Entry: $6 a day for adults; kids 12 and under get in free. The park is open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fees and hours can change, so check the park's page before you go.

Official park page (fees, hours, contact and alerts) | Official accessibility page

Conditions change. Paths close, ramps get fixed, feeders come and go. Call the park before you go and ask about the features you need.