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Autumn colors, cool days and winding roads
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Lost Maples SNA, © 2009 Lynn Herrmann
With autumn approaching - a fact some of us find hard to believe, considering our current heat wave - it’s a good time to start mapping out fall color possibilities here in the Texas hill country.
Always a favorite, Lost Maples State Natural Area can provide some of the most spectacular color in the the region. There is a catch. Late summer and very early autumn weather conditions must be just right. Rains, along with cool and dry temperatures must combine themselves within a short time frame, and in proper sequence, to bring on those brilliant orange and red and yellow colors.
This SNA , designated a National Natural Landmark, is home to the state’s largest concentration of bigtooth maples east of the Guadalupe Mountains. These maples change color in late October and early November, with a peak around the beginning of November. Call the state’s fall color hotline (800.452.9292) for up to date information. For birders, this region is also home to the endangered golden cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo. If the fall colors do arrive here, it is a good idea to plan a week-day trip, as the park becomes packed with tourists, creating a massive waiting list on the week-ends.
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Leaves on log, Lost Maples SNA, © 2009 Lynn Herrmann
In addition to the Lost Maples, autumn in the hill country includes the cedar elms, white oaks, bald cypress, and the spanish oaks. The colors of these two tend to be a bit more reliable, not quite as dependent on the weather, and sometimes last through the end of November.
There are numerous small ranch roads throughout the hill country that provide the photographer with great opportunities for fall color photography. A beautiful drive, perhaps the most well known in the hill country, is along highway 16, specifically the area between Kerrville and Bandera. Here the road winds along the Medina River, with several crossings, allowing for nice images. The river is ined with massive bald cypress trees and their cinnamon-burnt orange autumn color provides for striking compositions.
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Medina River, Bandera county, © 2009 Lynn Herrmann
Another popular area is along the Guadalupe River. Below Canyon Lake, it is one of the more popular recreational rivers in the country. However, above the lake it takes on a decidedly different air. Around Comfort you will find several spots that provide great opportunities, without the hordes of people, to set up the camera.
With a bit of research and proper weather conditions, autumn photography in the hill country is one of the reasons we call it home.
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