VANDERPOOL, Texas – Lost Maples State Natural Area is one of the best places to view fall foliage in Texas. It’s known for its native Bigtooth Maple trees.

The trees are found nestled in the sheltered canyon along the Sabinal River in western Bandera County and far eastern Real County. The Hill Country's porous limestone allows for the rainwater to collect underground and come up through hundreds of springs in the park, making this exact spot ideal for the Bigtooth Maples.

So are the trees really lost? During the Ice Age, or Pleistocene Era, Texas' climate was much colder and allowed maple trees to grow this far south. When the Ice Age ended and the climate warmed, the only maple trees that survived were the Bigtooth Maples in the protected canyons.

Texas Parks and Wildlife says most of these maples live in cooler climates, making the Texas trees seem out of place or "lost." Hence the name Lost Maples State Natural Area.

According to the SmokyMountains.com fall foliage prediction, the best time to visit the park is in the middle of November. Fall color appears to be on track this year.

If you decide to check them out yourself, make sure you know what these Bigtooth Maples look like. They often get confused with the larger Sycamore leaves, which are up to eight inches across. The maples will turn vibrant red at their peak and are only about four inches wide.

You should also note if you plan on hiking the 10 miles of trails that your Instagram post might have to wait until you get back to your car. When I visited, I didn't have any cell phone service while hiking. Happy leaf peeping!