Lost Maples State Natural Area
Hill Country Trail Region
Buffalo Soldiers, including the 9th Cavalry troopers and Seminole Negro Indian Scouts, patrolled the stunning, rugged canyonlands of the Texas Hill Country in the late 19th century. Operating from forts like Fort Clark and Fort Inge, they navigated these remote areas to protect settlers from Apache and Kickapoo raids and track elusive groups through the hills. As you hike along the trails of Lost Maples State Natural Area, famous for its colorful maple trees, you're walking in the footsteps of soldiers whose resilience and frontier know-how were essential.