Lost Maples - First Week In November

[princer7]

I have been wanting to go to Lost Maples sometime next week for the fall colors. Prefer to go during the week to avoid as much crowds as possible. The actual date is somewhat flexible. Let me know if you may be interested. Would really enjoy some company.

[revjvegas]

I'm considering the weekend of Nov 6.

[suerenee]

We're looking at going Nov 14.

[merock]

Hey Jennifer. Are you thinking the first week in November? And are you thinking a day trip? The Sun is rising at 7:42am right now. It's about a 3 hr drive from here. That means leaving at about 4:00am to get there before sunrise and time to get to a good spot. I could be into it. I like Starbucks!!!

[revjvegas]

Had to change plan A to plan B for me.
As I kind of expected, they have no camp spots available for the Friday night I was planning on going, so I'll be there on Thursday instead.

Weather forecast looks like it'll be excellent and from the foliage reports on their website the colors should be pretty good too.

[princer7]

Originally Posted by merock

Hey Jennifer. Are you thinking the first week in November? And are you thinking a day trip? The Sun is rising at 7:42am right now. It's about a 3 hr drive from here. That means leaving at about 4:00am to get there before sunrise and time to get to a good spot. I could be into it. I like Starbucks!!!

Yes... first week in November. I plan on heading out to be there before sunrise. LMK if you would like to share a ride... I like to drive so this early is no problem.

[princer7]

Originally Posted by revjvegas

Had to change plan A to plan B for me.
As I kind of expected, they have no camp spots available for the Friday night I was planning on going, so I'll be there on Thursday instead.

Weather forecast looks like it'll be excellent and from the foliage reports on their website the colors should be pretty good too.

Are you going this Thursday or next Thursday?

[revjvegas]

Next. Thursday the 4th.
Should get there shortly after lunch time.

I'm backpacking in that afternoon and will spend one night camping. Then hike out in the AM and should get some good sunrise light for some photo ops all along the way.

At least that's the idea. Its probably been a good 8 years since last I'd backpacked in that park; really looking forward to getting back again.

Not to mention the great driving on those twisty back roads along the way.

[princer7]

I'll be going tomorrow or Thursday... anyone want to join me from Austin or meetup from elsewhere?

[Al Buckner]

Heads Up.... if you are planning on coming out here on that weekend... you better get here early am!!!

The last few years, when the tv stations or park webpage predicted a peak in colors, the park filled up pretty early and there was a line almost two miles long outside the park to get in (they have limited parking areas). Maybe an hour or more wait.

If you are coming from a long distance away, you might want to consider leaving real early to get here before 9am or find a cabin or bed and breakfast to stay at on the night before you want to go to the park.

If can come any other time than the weekend, you'll have good luck getting in when you get here.

[revjvegas]

I've got my reservation for a camp site within the park for this Thursday night, so I'm all set.

I'm headed out Wednesday night and driving about half way there; that way I'll only be a couple hours away when I head out early Thursday AM.

I wouldn't even think about going there on a Friday-Sunday; those are going to be the worst with regards to people traffic.

[revjvegas]

Well, back from the trip.
There's some color out there, but its not peak yet.


lost_maples-53 by JVegas Photography, on Flickr

Still though, had a good time getting out there and hiking the trail.

[TrueLuLu]

I went to Lost Maples State Park last weekend. While the colors were starting to change, those were few. Apparently the two days of temps below freezing at the park is supposed to lead the color change. I would agree with going during the week if possible. If not possible, get to the park as early as you can to avoid lines.

[princer7]

Do you think this week will be good for color or should I wait for next week?

[revjvegas]

You can keep watch on their site too for color updates:
TPWD: Lost Maples State Natural Area Fall Foliage Report