The Whole Canyon Forest

Before we get too far up, look around at the whole forest down here on the canyon floor, because it isn't only maples. This is one of the greenest, most varied woodlands in all the Hill Country, and the maples share it with fine company. Those tall, straight trees with the mottled cream-and-tan bark peeling off in patches are sycamores — always a sign of water close by. The ones dropping fat green husks on the ground are black walnuts, prized by squirrels and people both. There are Texas oaks, and pecans, and hackberries, and spicy-smelling shrubs in the understory.

The reason it's all so lush is the very same reason the maples thrive: down here by the river, in the deep shade of the canyon walls, there's cool air and steady water the open hilltops never get. So as you walk, don't only hunt for maples — read the whole forest. Every kind of tree down here is telling you the same story about water, and shade, and shelter. Keep on up the trail along the river.