Yes, you read that correctly: waterfalls in Texas!
Granted, waterfalls probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Texas, but thanks to the diverse terrain across the state, some Texas waterfalls are worth adding to your itinerary.
As Native Texans, we love visiting the waterfalls throughout the Lone Star State.
Whether heading to a waterfall in the Texas Hill Country like Hamilton Pool Preserve or the waterfalls of Big Bend National Park, we are always in the mood for some waterfall chasing.
Of course, some of these waterfalls cascade into an amazing swimming hole, perfect for escaping the Texas heat, so keep that in mind when planning your trip!
Keep reading to discover some of the most visited waterfalls (and the best waterfalls) in Texas!
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Gorman Falls, Colorado Bend State Park
One of the best Texas waterfalls (in our opinion) is the Gorman Falls waterfall.
Located in Colorado Bend State Park, Gorman Falls will make you feel as if you have been transported to a tropical island.
During my first visit, I asked myself if I was still in Texas!
After arriving at Colorado Bend State Park, visitors must complete a 3-mile round-trip hike to Gorman Falls.
The hiking trails to Gorman Falls are pure Texas, with cacti and plenty of uneven rocky terrain, which can get slippery when wet.
Once you have ascended the rock facing down into the waterfall area, Gorman Falls won’t disappoint.
This Texas waterfall is wide and cascades down the side of the mossy rock face, creating one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Texas!
While visiting Gorman Falls and the state park, be sure to take advantage of the miles of trails and camping sites.
This truly is one of the best waterfalls in Texas!
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Madrid Falls, Big Bend Ranch State Park
Located on the property of Big Bend Ranch State Park, Madrid Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Texas and the tallest waterfall in Texas open to the public.
Madrid Falls is difficult to get to and requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle. This makes it one of the least visited waterfalls in Texas.
If you are up for hiking to the falls, you will be rewarded with beautiful scenic overlooks of them.
Entrance fees to this park are $5 for visitors 13 and older.
While you are in the Big Bend area, be sure to visit the small towns nearby. These towns include Marfa, Alpine, and Terlingua!
Pedernales Falls, Pedernales Falls State Park
Another popular Texas waterfall is Pedernales Falls, which is located in Pedernales Falls State Park in Johnson City, Texas.
Located 1.5 hours north of San Antonio, it is no wonder this is one of the fabulous state parks near San Antonio.
The falls at Pedernales Falls are not your typical tall waterfalls. Instead, these Texas waterfalls are spread across the river.
The Pedernales River cascades over the limestone rocks, creating a beautiful waterfall that forms natural pools. Fishermen love these pools, as they are home to many species of fish.
Getting to Pedernales Falls is an easy .5-mile hike on the Twin Falls Nature Trail.
While you aren’t allowed to swim directly in the falls, Pedernales Falls State Park does allow swimming and tubing in certain areas of the river. Several hiking trails are also available to explore.
Pro Tip: Pedernales Falls and the Pedernales River are prone to flash flooding. Be sure to heed all warnings during your visit.
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Mexicano Falls, Big Bend Ranch State Park
If you are visiting Madrid Falls, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Mexicano Falls. Located a short distance from each other on the Choro Vista Trailhead, this Texas waterfall is the third tallest in Texas.
Hamilton Pool Waterfall, Hamilton Pool Preserve
Hamilton Pool Waterfall is another of the best Texas waterfalls.
Located near downtown Austin in the small town of Dripping Springs, Hamilton Pool Preserve is popular thanks to the natural pool into which this Texas waterfall empties.
Granted, Hamilton Pool waterfall is not the tallest waterfall, but that doesn’t keep people from flocking to Dripping Springs to enjoy this Hill Country swimming hole.
Swimming in Hamilton Pool allows you to enjoy swimming under the waterfall that drops from 50 feet above.
Pro Tip: If you plan to visit Hamilton Pool Preserve, make your reservations in advance, as this Travis County park fills up fast in the summer! I mean, everyone wants to swim in Hamilton Pool!
Read Next: Driving From Dallas to San Antonio: Top Stops and Tips
Pine Canyon Waterfall, Big Bend National Park
Another waterfall that requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle to see is Pine Canyon Waterfall in Big Bend National Park.
If you are adventurous enough to do the four-mile roundtrip hike, you will be rewarded with this fun Texas waterfall in an area full of natural beauty.
Krause Springs, Spicewood
Another popular swimming area in Texas can be found at Krause Springs in Spicewood.
Located about 30 miles west of Austin, Krause Springs is a great place to visit one of the fun waterfalls in Texas and camp at a beautiful campground.
While Krause Springs is located on private property, paying guests are welcome to come and explore the area.
Krause Springs contains over 30 natural springs that empty into nearby Lake Travis, one of the best lakes in Austin!
In addition to the natural springs, Krause Springs has a man-made pool.
Visit their website for more information. Honestly, this area of Cypress Creek should be on your list!
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Capote Falls, Marfa
Capote Falls is the tallest waterfall in Texas, dropping 175 feet.
Fed by Capote Creek, Capote Falls is, unfortunately, located on private property, so you need permission to visit.
If you are determined to see this West Texas waterfall, you can ask permission from the land owner or take a helicopter tour from Marfa.
Westcave Waterfall, Westcave Preserve
Westcave Falls and Preserve, located between Hamilton Pool and Pedernales Falls, is the perfect stop on your Austin to Fredericksburg road trip.
Westcave Waterfall is a 40-foot waterfall that empties into a pool, creating a pretty little cave behind it.
If you plan to visit this Texas Hill Country gem, note that you can only do so on a guided tour.
Westcave Preserve Falls offers weekend tours. We recommend making a reservation before your visit, as the tours fill up!
Visit their website for complete details and to make reservations for your visit to Round Mountain.
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Beef Creek Falls, Jasper
Beef Creek Falls in Jasper, Texas, is located on Hog Creek and stands 15 feet tall.
The creek empties into the Sam Rayburn Reservoir in East Texas. If you want to visit this fall, you will need a guided tour.
Upper and Lower Falls, McKinney Falls State Park
Another fabulous waterfall near Austin, the Upper and Lower Falls at McKinney Falls State Park, offers visitors a chance to see another of the waterfalls in Texas and enjoy a day swimming and fishing in the state park.
Before heading out to McKinney Falls State Park’s upper and lower falls, note that you need a reservation to enter. Once you arrive, visitors 13 years and older are charged a $6 fee.
Once inside, the hike to the falls is just over a mile.
After arriving at the falls, notice how the upper falls of Onion Creek offer great limestone cliffs for swimmers to jump off of into the cool water below.
During your visit to McKinney Falls, be sure to take advantage of the other amenities offered at the park, including hiking and bike trails and fishing opportunities.
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Wildcat Hollow Waterfall, Dinosaur Valley State Park
Visitors flock to the small town of Glen Rose and Dinosaur Valley State Park to see the historic dinosaur tracks petrified in the Paluxy River. Still, few know they will also be rewarded with a great waterfall during heavy rain.
After paying your $7 fee (for ages 13 and over), follow the marked trailhead to the Wildcat Hollow Waterfall, where you can catch a glimpse of this Texas waterfall.
The walk to this Lone Star State waterfall offers scenic views, but remember that the falls only flow during heavy rainfall.
Window Trail, Big Bend National Park
Another waterfall in Texas that requires heavy rainfall to flow is the Window Trail in Big Bend National Park.
Big Bend is one of the best places to visit in Texas, so even if you don’t catch the waterfall, you will still have a great time in this national park!
During heavy rain, you can view the Windows Trail Waterfall below along the Oak Spring Trail.
If there is no rain, consider hiking the Window Trail to see the gorgeous overlook. The Windows Trail is an incredible hike offering incredible views through Oak Creek Canyon.
Pro Tip: Be careful when you arrive at the Window area of the trail. The rocks here are smooth and slippery, so approach with extreme caution.
Boykin Creek Waterfall, Angelina National Forest
If you are in East Texas, consider visiting Angelina National Forest and the Boykin Springs Recreation Area.
Take a one-mile hike on the Sawmill Hiking Trail through the Boykin Springs Recreation Area to the small Boykin Creek Waterfall. Despite its small size, the waterfall offers a nice, relaxing setting for visitors to enjoy.
While here, enjoy the other amenities in the area, including the picnic shelter, the campsites, and Boykin Lake.
Cattail Falls, Big Bend National Park
Another waterfall in Big Bend, Cattail Falls, is in the Chisos Mountains, which can be difficult to reach.
For adventurous hikers, Cattail Falls is a 3-mile hike that ascends the mountain slope. Once you arrive at Cattail Falls, you will notice where they got their name, as the falls give the impression of cattails.
Pro Tip: Be prepared if doing the hike to Cattail Falls, as the terrain is unforgiving. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking shoes. The area also has black bears, so be on the lookout.
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Blue Hole Park, Georgetown
A visit to Blue Hole Park in Georgetown, Texas, rewards visitors with a view of one of the state’s widest waterfalls.
Blue Hole Park, fed by the San Gabriel River, features a popular swimming area carved into the limestone.
The beautiful emerald-green water invites you to jump in.
Don’t miss the town of Georgetown on your visit. Georgetown is one of the fabulous weekend getaways in Texas!
Airfield Falls, Fort Worth
Airfield Falls is located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and is Tarrant County’s largest natural waterfall.
The trailhead to Airfield Falls is located in Westworth Village on Pumphrey Drive. This area is also home to native Texas wildlife and two Texas historic markers.
Chalk Ridge Falls, Belton
A great addition to your Texas road trip itinerary is Chalk Ridge Falls. This waterfall is great thanks to its easy access right off of Interstate 35.
Chalk Ridge Falls in Belton, Texas, is one of the best waterfalls in the state due to its easy access and the beauty of the wide falls.
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Dolan Falls, Devils River Nature Preserve
Dolan Falls is on one of the prettiest rivers in Texas, Devils River.
The crystal clear water provided by Devils River makes it a popular destination for fishing and kayaking.
Located in the Texas Hill Country, Dolan Falls can only be accessed by a trip down Devils River. Visitors who decide to visit Dolan Falls are rewarded with a small waterfall cascading over the river’s rocks.
Please note that the land on each side of Dolan Falls is private property, so don’t trespass during your visit. Stay in the River State Natural Area!
Wichita Falls
One of the man-made falls on our list, Wichita Falls, is still worth a visit if you are near the town.
Located about two hours from Dallas, Wichita Falls makes for a fun and easy weekend getaway from Dallas.
Wichita Falls is located in a city park. Lucy Park, surrounding the Wichita River, provides a relaxing addition to the town park.
The falls are easy to find, and you can follow the Wichita River Trail from Lucy Park. The hike to the falls is less than a mile long, and the scenery in Lucy Park is pretty so that you will enjoy the walk.
While here, be sure to explore the town of Wichita Falls as well.
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About the Author:
Michelle Snell-Founder/Writer
Born and raised in Texas, Michelle Snell graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master’s Degree from Texas Wesleyan University. Her passion for travel has taken her all over the world. She has received multiple awards for her writing. She has been featured in numerous publications, including Travel Awaits, Fort Worth Magazine, Fort Worth Weekly, NewsBreak, Voyage Dallas, Ella Inspires Magazine, and more. You can view her complete profile on MuckRacks.
Han
Sunday 14th of May 2023
I imagine these waterfalls are the perfect thing during a hot summer in Texas! If I had to choose one on your list, I’d probably pick Hamilton Pool.
Terri
Saturday 13th of May 2023
I always try to visit waterfalls when I vacation (plus get out into nature). I need to check out these waterfalls on my next TX trip.
Natalie
Monday 6th of June 2022
I recently visited Texas and was pleasantly surprised by the nature! I only visited McKinney from this list though, so I'll have to see more of these next time I visit :)
texasonly
Tuesday 7th of June 2022
Yes, we have lots of nature and open space in Texas. We love McKinney! It's a great place to visit for sure!
Elizabeth Hilton
Sunday 5th of June 2022
I went to SMU and lived in Dallas for four years. I had no idea that Texas had so many beautiful waterfalls. I definitely need to visit some of these sites when I come back for my reunion. Thank you for putting this together.
texasonly
Sunday 5th of June 2022
Most people don't realize this, but it does. Texas is just full of surprises!
Bea
Sunday 5th of June 2022
I would have never thought that I would want to visit Texas because of its waterfalls but that's exactly how I feel after reading this amazing Texas waterfall guide. By far, the Hamilton Pool Waterfall, is number one on my Texas waterfall bucket list.
texasonly
Sunday 5th of June 2022
Yes, Texas is full of waterfalls. Most people don't realize this but it is true!