Fall foliage
New England is famous for it's fabulous maple color show each fall,
and late September in the rocky mountains brings brilliant golden
aspen leaves, but not many folks think of Texas as a fall color
destination; however, travel options for 'leef-peepers' are generous
in the lone star state. One of the best destinations to see the leaves
change is Lost Maples State Natural Area near Vanderpool. Here,
Bigtooth Maples don their vivid shades of orange, yellow, and red
From late October until the middle of November. The park has 30
water/electric campsites, along with 40 backcountry hike-in sites if
You really want to experience nature. Campsites fill up quickly on
weekends during the leaf season, so reserve sites several months in
advance, or go during the week, when the park is less crowded.
But the bigtooth maple isn't the only colorful tree in the fall;
Flame-leaf Sumac is a small tree that turns a lovely shade of red
in late October. A walk in the Hill Country or the trans-pecos
mountains may reward you with the sight of this native wonder.
Flame-leaf Sumac
Rhus lanceolata
Photo by Sally & Andy Wasowski
3 Texas Outdoors & Farm Magazine November 2012