Lost Maples Starts Its 2026 Fall Color Reports. The Maples Are Still Green.
Texas' best-known fall foliage spot has begun its weekly leaf reports. Only the sycamores have started to turn, but now is the time to plan, because weekends sell out.
Fall color season has officially started at Lost Maples State Natural Area, but the show is not here yet. In the park's first 2026 fall foliage report, posted Oct. 14, Texas Parks and Wildlife said only the sycamore trees have started to change, turning golden yellow. "The maples are still green," the report said.
For many Texans, the Hill Country canyon maples at Lost Maples are the closest thing the state has to a New England autumn. Our earlier feature, "Unearthing the Mystery of the Lost Maples", tells the story of these trees.
How to track the color
TPWD says it will update the report almost every week through November. You can also call the park for a recorded report at (830) 966-3413, option 3. The park also posts photos on its Facebook page.
Timing depends on the weather and can change a lot from year to year. In 2024, the park's reports said most trees stayed green into the fall, with updates looking to cold fronts to start the change. One update that season predicted peak color "around Thanksgiving." TPWD keeps past years' reports online if you want to compare seasons.
Reserve before you go
Do not show up without a pass. TPWD warns of delays, traffic and capacity closures on fall weekends and the week of Thanksgiving. When parking lots fill up, the natural area closes.
"Weekends will sell out fast," the park says, so book a day pass online or through the state park customer service center before you go. Check the park's Facebook page for closures on the day of your trip.
If walking is hard
You do not have to hike to see the leaves. TPWD says visitors can drive about one mile into the park to view the foliage from their vehicle. Restrooms and picnic tables are wheelchair accessible.
Worth the wait
Patience is part of the trip. The color comes when it comes, after enough cool nights, and no reservation system can hurry it. Watch the reports, book early, and go on a weekday if you can.
While you wait for the maples, other state parks have fall fun of their own. You can even fish without a license in many of them.
Hero photo: Larry D. Moore / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 (license).
