When most people think of Texas, they think of vast prairie land stretching for miles and miles.
While there are areas like this in Texas, there are also areas of extremely diverse terrain. Heck, we even have waterfalls in Texas!
It’s true! As a native of Texas, I have been visiting some of these Texas waterfalls my entire life and love introducing people to them!
These waterfalls in Texas spread all the way from Big Bend to the Texas Hill Country.
So, grab your list of road trip essentials and your favorite songs about travel, and head out on a Texas road trip to discover some of the fabulous waterfalls that Texas has to offer.
Whether looking for waterfalls that cascade into a fabulous swimming hole, like Hamilton Pool Preserve, or waterfalls that make you feel like you have been transported to a faraway land, the Lone Star State has you covered!
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
Gorman Falls is easily one of the best waterfalls in Texas.
Gorman Falls is one of the Texas waterfalls that make you feel as if you have been transported to another country.
Once you arrive at Colorado Bend State Park, go down the 3-mile round-trip hiking trail to reach Gorman Falls.
At the end of the hiking trail, you will make your way down a rock facing with the assistance of a large rope. Once at the bottom, you are greeted with one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Texas, Gorman Falls!
The falls here are a wide waterfall that cascades down the sides of the rocky, mossy cliffs. One look, and you will feel like you are in Hawaii or Costa Rica, not Texas!
After hanging out at Gorman Falls, enjoy the miles of hiking trails and other activities that Colorado Bend State Park offers.
Pro Tip: Be sure to wear sturdy shoes on the trail to Gorman Falls as it is on uneven terrain, and there are often cacti and other forms of vegetation growing. Also, bring plenty of water during your hike in Colorado Bend State Park.
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Pedernales Falls, Pedernales Falls State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park is a great state park in Texas with waterfalls, hence its name.
Pedernales Falls is one of the most popular Texas waterfalls, thanks partly to its easy location to Austin and San Antonio.
In the Texas small town of Johnson City, Pedernales Falls is one of the more unique falls in the state.
The falls here at Pedernales Falls are spread across the Pedernales River and cascade over the limestone rocks, creating beautiful waterfalls.
The bottom of the falls creates beautiful natural pools that are loved by fishermen thanks to all of the species of fish that are caught here.
After parking, take the easy .5-mile hike on the Twin Falls Nature Trail to find the falls.
These waterfalls cascade down the rocks and are really lovely!
Just note that you cannot swim directly in the falls.
However, you can swim and tube on other parts of the river; just be mindful of the signs guiding you through where you can swim.
In addition to the fall, Pedernales Falls State Park also offers camping sites and hiking trails you can use!
Pro Tip: Be careful when visiting Pedernales Falls State Park, as Pedernales Falls and the Pedernales River are prone to flash flooding.
Visit the park’s website for up-to-date information.
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Hamilton Pool Waterfall, Hamilton Pool Preserve
If you need an escape from the Texas heat, visit another of the best Texas waterfalls, Hamilton Pool Waterfall.
As one of the fun and easy day trips from Austin, the small town of Dripping Springs is a great place to spend the day.
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a beautiful natural pool that is the most unique experience you can have in Texas.
The Hamilton Pool waterfall is not the tallest in Texas, but it is a great addition to one of our favorite Texas swimming holes!
This beautiful waterfall at Hamilton Pool drops 50 feet from the cave-like rock outcropping to the amazing swimming hole above, making this one of the best Texas waterfalls.
Not only that, but Dripping Springs is a fabulous town to visit, not far from downtown Austin!
Pro Tip: Hamilton Pool Preserve fills up fast in the summer, so be sure to make your reservation to this Travis County park in advance. Visit the Hamilton Pool website for complete details.
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Cattail Falls, Big Bend National Park
Cattail Falls is another of the waterfalls located in Big Bend National Park.
The Chisos Mountains location of Cattail Falls makes it a little difficult to get to, meaning that if you brave the hike to these falls, you might have the place all to yourself.
The 3-mile hike to Cattail Falls ascends the mountain until you arrive at this unique Texas waterfall like looks like cattails, hence its name.
Pro Tip: Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water and bear spray if you hike to Cattail Falls. The terrain can be unforgiving, and the area has black bears.
While in this area, visit the surrounding small towns like Alpine, Terlingua, and Marfa.
Pine Canyon Waterfall, Big Bend National Park
If you want to visit Pine Canyon Waterfall in Big Bend National Park, plan to have a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
After doing the four-mile roundtrip hike, then you can take a break and enjoy the natural beauty of this fabulous Texas waterfall.
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Mexicano Falls, Big Bend Ranch State Park
Close to Madrid Falls in Big Bend Ranch State Park, you will also find Mexicano Falls.
The third tallest waterfall in Texas, Mexicano Falls, is easy to access vis the Choro Vista Trailhead.
Window Trail, Big Bend National Park
During heavy rains, Big Bend National Park boasts another pretty waterfall, the waterfall that falls from Window Trail.
The Window Trail Waterfall can be viewed below by hiking on the Oak Springs Trail.
This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Texas when it is flowing.
Since this waterfall can only be viewed during heavy rainfall, you can enjoy hiking Windows Trail instead.
The Windows Trail has a fabulous overlook area, giving hikers a great view of the Oak Creek Canyon below.
Pro Tip: The terrain on Windows Trail Waterfall can be slippery, so be careful when hiking in this area.
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Madrid Falls, Big Bend Ranch State Park
Head to Big Bend Ranch State Park if you want to see Madrid Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Texas!
Now granted, Madrid Falls isn’t the tallest waterfall in Texas, but the tallest waterfall in Texas is open to the public!
Getting to Madrid Falls does require some effort and a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
The difficulty in getting to the falls means that few people visit Madrid Falls, making it much more special!
Note that there is an entry fee to enter the park, so be sure to check their website for the most up-to-date information.
Pro Tip: Hike to the falls for a fabulous view with scenic overlooks.
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Capote Falls, Marfa
You will find the tallest waterfall in Texas in the small town of Marfa, Texas.
Capote Falls drops 175 feet and is fed by Capote Creek. Unfortunately, Capote Falls is located on private property, so you can’t visit without permission.
You can ask permission from the land owner if you really want to visit this West Texas waterfall, or you can take a helicopter tour over Marfa!
Krause Springs, Spicewood
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Texas is Krause Springs in Spicewood.
Not only does Krause Springs have one of Texas’s waterfalls, but it is also a popular swimming area in Spicewood.
Head about 30 miles west of Austin when you are ready to visit Krause Springs. Here you can enjoy swimming or camping in their beautiful campground.
Do note that Krause Springs is located on private property, but paying guests are allowed to enjoy the property.
The 30 natural springs at Krause Springs and Cypress Creek empty into nearby Lake Travis.
The property also contains a man-made pool for guests to enjoy.
Be sure to visit their website for more information.
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Westcave Waterfall, Westcave Preserve
The Westcave Preserve Falls, located in Westcave Preserve, is a 40-foot waterfall that empties into a pool below. This cascading fall creates a pretty little grotto area behind the fall.
While you can only visit Westcave Waterfall on a guided tour, they are offered on the weekends.
This Texas Hill Country beauty is definitely worth having on your Texas Bucket List, so don’t miss it!
Pro Tip: Make your reservation well in advance as tours to Westcave Preserve Falls, round Mountain, and Westcave Preserve fill up fast!
You can make reservations easily on their website.
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Beef Creek Falls, Jasper
In Jasper, Texas, there is a small waterfall called Beef Creek Falls.
Dropping about 15 feet, Beef Creek Falls is located on Hog Creek and empties into the Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
This East Texas waterfall also requires a guided tour to visit, so don’t venture out there on your own!
Upper and Lower Falls, McKinney Falls State Park
The Texas Hill Country region has several waterfalls to visit.
Another of our favorites is the Upper and Lower Falls at McKinney Falls State Park.
Located just outside of Austin, McKinney Falls State Park is the perfect place to see another of the waterfalls in Texas but also enjoy the day swimming, fishing, kayaking, and more!
When you arrive at McKinney Falls Park, a short hike will get you to the falls.
The limestone cliffs on the upper falls of Onion Creek are a popular place for swimmers. They love to jump off of the limestone rocks into the pool below.
Of course, McKinney Falls State Park also offers other amenities to enjoy.
You can spend the day hiking and bike trails, fishing, bird watching, and more.
A visit to McKinney Falls is one of the most fun things to do in Austin!
Pro Tip: Make your reservations for McKinney Falls State Park before visiting to guarantee you will receive an entry.
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Blue Hole Park, Georgetown
One of the most popular swimming holes in Texas is found at Blue Hole Park in Georgetown.
A visit here allows you a great way to cool off from the Texas heat and allows you to visit one of the widest waterfalls in the state.
Blue Hole Park is found on the San Gabriel River and is the perfect place to jump into the emerald water of the park.
This is one of the best waterfalls in Texas.
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Wildcat Hollow Waterfall, Dinosaur Valley State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park is most famous for the fossilized dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy River bed, but did you know that it also boasts a waterfall?
It’s true, but you can only see it during heavy rain.
The Wildcat Hollow Waterfall can be found at the end of the marked trailhead. Ask the park ranger if you are having trouble finding the trail.
While walking the trail, take in the scenic views of the Lone Star State.
Once you have fun at Dinosaur Valley, be sure to visit the small town of Glen Rose, TX, also.
There are so many fun things to do in Glen Rose that you can really make a weekend getaway out of this small town!
Boykin Creek Waterfall, Angelina National Forest
Angelina National Forest in East Texas boasts the Boykin Springs Recreation Area inside of the Angelina National Forest.
You can hike the Sawmill Hiking Trail to the small waterfall, Boykin Creek Waterfall.
This small waterfall located inside the Boykin Springs Recreation Area is a great place to enjoy a relaxing day in the Texas countryside.
The area also boasts a picnic shelter and some great campsites on Boykin Lake.
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Airfield Falls, Fort Worth
Of course, we had to include our hometown of Dallas-Fort Worth on our list of waterfalls in Texas!
There are so many things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth, including Airfield Falls, Tarrant County’s largest natural waterfall.
Head to Westworth Village on Pumphrey Drive to locate the trailhead leading you to Airfield Falls.
On the way, be on the lookout for the wildlife that calls this area home and for the Texas historical markers found there.
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Chalk Ridge Falls, Belton
Chalk Ridge Falls in Belton, Texas, are some of the most popular falls in Texas.
This is probably because the falls are so easy to access, thanks to their location right off of Interstate 35.
This is one of the wide falls in Texas that you will love to visit.
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Dolan Falls, Devils River Nature Preserve
Dolan Falls at the Devils River Nature Preserve is one of the prettiest rivers in Texas, thanks to its crystal clear water.
Getting to Dolan Falls is a bit more of an adventure than some other falls on our list, as access to the falls can only be obtained by a river trip on Devils River.
If you choose to take the adventure down the river, you are rewarded with a waterfall cascading over the river’s rocks.
In addition to Dolan Falls, you can enjoy kayaking or fishing while on Devils River.
Pro Tip: Dolan Falls is located on Devils River, but the property on both sides is private property, so be sure to only stay on the River State Natural Area during your visit.
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Wichita Falls
Granted, this Texas waterfall is man-made, but I still felt that it deserved a place on our list.
What would a visit to a town named “Wichita Falls” be if you didn’t see a waterfall?
Located near the town of Wichita Falls, one of the great day trips from Dallas, this waterfall is easy to access and worth a visit.
Head to Lucy Park, the Wichita Falls city park surrounding the Wichita River, to visit this relaxing city waterfall.
To get to the falls, follow Wichita River Trail from Lucy Park.
The walk through Lucy Park in Wichita Falls is so pretty that you will have completed the 1-mile hike to the falls before you even know it!
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About The Author
Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and enthusiast of different cultures. Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through her informative writing style on her blogs, That Texas Couple and Totally Texas Travel. Her practical tips and suggestions help make travel dreams a reality while immersing her readers in the history, culture, and food of a region. She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight:
We love using CheapOAir, Kayak, and Kiwi to search for the best flight prices. We love using these search engines because they search the web for airlines worldwide to ensure you get the best deal! In addition to flights, you can also find great hotel prices on Kayak and Kiwi.
Book Your Vacation Package:
If you want to book an entire vacation package, we suggest using Expedia. We love how easy Expedia is to use, and we always find good deals on entire vacation packages on their site.
Another great site for vacation packages is BookVIP. BookVIP offers super cheap vacation packages to incredible destinations. You are sure to save money using their site!
For full guided vacations, including hotels, some meals, transportation, and guides, then we book with Trafalgar. Trafalgar is a trusted tour company that will meet all your needs while ensuring a great experience.
Trip.com allows you to book flights, hotels, train tickets, rental cars, airport transfers, tours, and more all on one site. Owned by the parent company that also owns Skyscanner, this is a trusted resource for travel booking and a great “one-stop shop.”
Book Your Accommodations:
We always begin our search by checking out honest reviews on TripAdvisor hotels. This allows us to narrow our search for specific properties once we are ready to book. Of course, you can also book directly on the TripAdvisor site!
There are several accommodation sites that we like to use. One of our favorites is Booking.com because it offers a wide variety of hotels and guesthouses at a good price.
Another “go-to” hotel booking site for us is Hotels.com. We love their loyalty program that allows you to earn free nights, and their “secret prices” for members are fabulous deals!
HotelsCombined is another cool site. They allow you to compare all the top travel sites with one search to ensure you find the best deal out there. Kayak works in this way as well.
If you want a luxurious all-inclusive vacation, consider checking out the Sandals/Beaches properties. Sandals properties are for couples only and Beaches are for families. We have visited Sandals in the past and absolutely love the attention to detail and the service they provide.
Tour Companies We Trust:
We love taking guided tours when visiting new places. Our go-to tour companies are Viator.com and Get Your Guide. Both of these companies have been in business for years and provide excellent customer service. You can trust booking tours from their sites for sure!
For a guided city tour, check out City Sightseeing and BigBus Tours. These bus tours are so much fun and easy to hop on and hop off at top attractions in cities around the world.
CityPass is a great way to save money when visiting large cities. CityPass allows you to get free admission to major attractions once you buy their pass. The savings add up quickly with this pass, often saving 50% with combined admissions.
Another great pass to save money in larger cities is the Sightseeing Pass. This pass allows you to save valuable time and money by combining admissions to major attractions. They also have a handy app that keeps everything you need at your fingertips.
Looking to Save Time and Money?
Check out our resource page for all of our favorite vendors. These companies help us to save time and money on our travels!