The Monkey Rock and Fall Foliage
#mariaonthego series: texas excursions
Leave the road, take the trails. — Pythagoras
Every fall I can’t resist hitting the trails at Lost Maples Natural Area with its assortment of colors and alluring creeks, rivers, grottos, and last but not least, the monkey rock.
If you’re looking to escape the usual Texan terrain, Lost Maples in Vanderpool is the perfect place to go. Lost Maples is exactly that, an array of maple trees that are more reminiscent of West Virginia. The park will mesmerize you with its fall brilliance, trails lined with reds, oranges, and green foliage.
Depending on the time of year, you will be crossing low waterways so be prepared.
The main trail, Maple Trail, takes you along the creekside and straight towards the monkey rock formation. It is the perfect picture opportunity to take a selfie with nature’s very own artwork, a large-scale monkey rock.
As you continue along, you enter a geological area with grotto formations. This too will lure you in for more meditative moments with the calming sound of running water alongside the trail. Stop and look up or you will miss the impressive overhangs above.
Next, you have the option to turn left into the scenic overlook trail for panoramic…
