FM337 and Lost Maples State Natural Area. (original) (raw)

	A view from FM 337 near Vanderpool TE Photo

Leaving Kerrville on Hwy 16 you encounter a rise in elevation until you descend into the Medina River Valley. The small town of Medina is near the headwaters of the Medina River which flows past Bandera and into Medina Lake in Medina County.

At Medina head west on 337. The 60-miles east-and-west route of FM337 from Medina through Vanderpool, Leakey to Camp Wood is a scenic route not to be missed.

	Texas Mountain Laurel Photo Courtesy of TXDOT

It would be best if you had the sun behind you. Take this road in the early morning if you can. If not, strong sunglasses would be in order especially in the late afternoon to navigate the uphillanddownhill curves of the road on steep slopes overlooking cloistered valleys. While on-coming traffic is sparse, you�ll probably encounter it on a curve.

An abundance of Texas mountain laurel would make this a trip to take in the spring when they bloom in profusion and the area is awash with the smell of Grape Soda.

A Loop:
A loop originating in Camp Wood is recommended by the Texas State Travel Guide: Go northwest on 55 to Barksdale and then North on 335. Go east when you intersect with Hwy 41 and continue until you reach 336. Turn south to go the 27 miles to Leakey. This will put you back on 337 to return to Camp Wood.

	Lost Maples State Natural Area. Courtesy TXDoT

Fall Foliage

Lost Maples State Natural Area

At Vanderpool go North on 187 to Lost Maples State Natural Area. Besides the bigtooth maples there�s a forest of sycamores thriving on the waters of the Sabinal River. Fall foliage makes this area a must for return visits when the color peaks in early November.