16 Best Waterfalls in Texas

Though you may relate Texas to being a dry, arid state with desert areas all over, the Lone Star State will surprise you with its many waterfalls. It has some of the most striking falls, some hidden gems, while others stand tall and proud. Some are on privately owned properties, others in state parks, and some urban falls too. It also has some popular natural swimming pools where you can indulge in fun water-based activities. Lush forests with unique wildlife can also be encountered on hikes to these falls. Explore some of the best manmade and natural falls with our curated list of the best waterfalls in Texas. 

Gorman Falls | Colorado Bend State Park 

Gorman Falls is located in the Colorado Bend State Park and definitely warrants a visit. The hike to the falls is a three-mile round trip. The three-mile-long trail can be muddy and slippery, but in the end, the view of the gigantic falls is worth every effort.  

The Gorman Falls is 70-feet tall and considerably wide. There are many wild-cave tour opportunities available here with varying difficulty levels. You can also go fishing and camping at this hiker’s paradise. At the same time, the kids can indulge in Junior Ranger Activities and earn badges. 

By Wing-Chi Poon, USA., CC BY-SA 2.5, Link

Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/FSZFnjSxAYGhvtF4A  

Hamilton Pool Waterfall | Dripping Springs 

Hamilton Pool Waterfall is one of the famous spots in Texas and is located 23 miles west of Austin. The pool was created by a collapsed grotto and is filled by the 50-feet waterfall. These falls draw thousands of visitors in summer.  

However, swimming in the calm waters of the striking jade green Hamilton Pool is no longer allowed due to the instability of the grotto. The area is, however, open for hikers and sight-seeing. Online reservations are required to be made to visit the site. The beauty and vegetation of the area around the preserve make it one of the falls you must visit.  

By Trey Perry, CC BY 3.0, Link

Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fiMRD9xyzyC8CbgD7 

Boykin Springs | Zavalla

Boykin Springs is a small yet scenic waterfall on the Boykin Creek within the Angelina National Forest in Zavalla. The water cascades over the old Aldridge Sawmill, giving it a rustic touch.  

A quick walk on the five-mile (round trip) Sawmill Hiking Trail will take visitors past the waterfall to the Neches River, of which the falls are a part and along with the ruins of the Old Aldridge Sawmill. The Recreation Area here offers camping and fishing along with many small areas for a picnic. A picnic shelter is also available at the site with prior reservations.  

By William L. Farr, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: Zavalla, TX 75980, USA | Timing: Monday – Friday: 07:00 am – 05:00 pm, Saturday – Sunday: 07:00 am – 10:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/hYTPgxt6quyrfVSu6 | Phone Number: +19368971068 

Westcave Preserve Falls | Round Mountain

Westcave Preserve in Round Mountain is located between Hamilton Pool and Pedernales Falls. The trail to the falls is a little over one kilometer and offers several fun activities. It leads you to the waterfall, which is 40-feet tall and tumbles down the many limestone crevices of the preserve.  

The grotto, cave, and Westcave Preserve Falls make up for such a scenic beauty that the trek is worthwhile. You can enjoy the lush greenery surrounding the area and also witness wildlife during the hike. The Westcave Preserve also undertakes educational programs to inspire visitors to enjoy nature and strive for its protection. 

Address: 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX 78663, USA | Timing: 09:00 am to 04:00 pm, Monday – Tuesday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://g.page/Westcave?share | Phone Number: +18308253442 

The Falls | Wichita Falls 

The Falls situated in Wichita Falls city is a 54-foot manmade cascading waterfall on the south bank of the Wichita River. It graces Wichita Falls city with its stunning landscape and provides many excellent photo opportunities.  

Large boulders and half-barrel-style wooden pieces add to the scenery and make for an ideal wedding venue. You can view the falls from Interstate 44 from your car or take the Wichita River Trail to get closer to these magnificent falls. The hike is less than a mile from Lucy Park. 

Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/dVxZ1ubjWxakCEk3A 

McKinney Falls State Park | Austin

McKinney Falls State Park is located in Austin, at the confluence of Onion Creek and Williamson Creek. It is a part of the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail and features several designated hiking trails and houses the Upper and Lower Falls.  

The falls do not have much height but are a lovely sight. It has a lot of flora and fauna to be explored. It is a popular site among visitors for camping, hiking, biking, and fishing. It is also home to “Old Baldy,” a 500-year-old cypress tree – talk about natural treasures!   

By Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744 | Timing: 08:00 am – 10:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/uqRACsXKJwj7KJPf7 | Phone Number: +15122431643 

Window Trail | Big Bend National Park 

Window Trail, located in Big Bend National Park, is one of the best hiking trails in Chisos Mountain that offers a spectacular view of the waterfall. The trail is almost 5.2 miles round trip and starts from the floor of the Chisos Basin near Terlingua, Texas, and follows the upper portion of Oak Creek Canyon.  

Visitors have spotted a lot of wildlife along the trail, such as mountain lions, black bears, and different species of butterflies. It is considered moderately challenging to hike, but you have to be careful with the rockier sections towards the lower end. The Window provides you with amazing views of the sunset and the mountain environment. 

Address: Big Bend National Park, TX, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/uqj8uB2RakzwUmur6 | Phone Number: +14324772251  

Pedernales Falls | Pedernales Falls State Park

Pedernales Falls is one of the most subtle and understated waterfalls in Texas. Located about 25 miles from Austin, the Pedernales Falls State Park offers many water-based activities like fishing, tubing, and swimming in certain areas.

It has numerous spots perfect for a picnic and campsites that can be reached after a hike of about two miles. Hikers can also buy cute collectibles at the park store, enjoy the view of the falls, and even spot the endangered golden-cheek warbler if they’re lucky!

By Adavyd, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: 2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636, USA | Timing: Monday – Sunday: 08:00 am – 10:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fmWiPs5XYRTTxLow6 | Phone Number: +18308687304

Cattail Falls | Big Bend National Park

Cattail Falls are located to the west of the Chisos Mountains within the Big Bend National Park despite the dry climate of the western part of the state. This serene waterfall falling into enchanting pools and surrounded by thick forest is one of the best waterfalls in Texas.

The waterfall area is very delicate and fragile, and therefore visitors are advised to be very careful. It is home to many unusual plants and wildlife. The entire Cattail Canyon is majorly inaccessible due to its steepness. However, you can hike along the Cattail Falls Trail, a 5.7-mile hike of moderate-intensity that takes you to the base of the 80-feet waterfall.

Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/VLwcsiwocsHdMSLZ7

Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park | Houston

This 2.77-acre park in the Uptown District of Houston houses a 64-foot multi-story sculptural fountain popularly known as the Waterwall. The Williams Tower at the opposite end, park, and fountain were all commissioned by Gerald D. Hines, a real estate magnate, hence the name.  

The semi-circular Postmodernist fountain pours re-circulated water in a curtain-like manner over its inner and outer surfaces at the rate of 11,000 gallons per minute. The concave side of the fountain looks like a Roman Theater with a low arcade and centralized steps. The convex side has a shallow pool where the water cascades.  

Address: 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056, USA | Timing: Monday – Sunday: 08:00 am – 09:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/5QSkQWUdugzjNy8p6 | Phone Number: +17138508841 

Dolan Falls | Devils River

The Devils River is one of the most pristine rivers in the arid Texas area. It is spring-fed and serves as a migratory path for many birds and monarch butterflies. Visitors cannot help but fall in love with the natural beauty of this place, where you can go swimming, fishing, and paddling.  

The river passes through Dolan Falls Preserve which is not accessible to the public as special programs are carried out by the Nature Conservancy to protect endangered species. The Dolan Falls is about 15 feet tall, and you can catch a glimpse of the falls from the Devils River State Park – Del Norte Unit. 

Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/z74s6iBtx6231YCWA

Krause Springs | Spicewood

Krause Springs, situated in Spicewood, is less than an hour away from Austin. This is an iconic site for both a hike and a swim. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a privately owned property with more than 32 springs and a large natural pool that feeds Lake Travis nearby.  

The small manmade pool for sunbathing and cooling off near the campsite is a refreshing treat during the summers of the Lone Star State. The property also offers primitive tent camping if you plan to camp on-site, and there are 24 RV sites.  

Address: 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669, USA | Timing: For details visit https://krausesprings.net/ | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/tXyGDUT69m3NLLYdA  | Phone Number: +14012367554 

Zilker Botanical Garden Waterfalls | Austin 

Zilker Botanical Garden is situated in the heart of Austin. It is spread over 31 acres, offering eight small gardens of varied topography to its visitors. The many theme gardens inside the Zilker Botanical Garden are connected via streams, waterfalls, and ponds, creating a stunning scene that pleases the eye and soothes the soul.  

The waterfall at the Hartman Prehistoric Garden is awe-inspiring, its beauty enhanced by the sound of the water, perfectly in sync with the tranquil atmosphere of the garden. It is surrounded by beautiful flowering plants and indeed cannot be missed when visiting the garden. 

Address:  2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746, USA | Timing: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/y1ESpHCUfFPMCr4a8 | Phone Number: +15124778672 

Madrid Falls | Big Bend Ranch State Park

Madrid Falls are a part of the Big Bend Ranch State Park and the second tallest falls in Texas. The 100-foot-tall falls are a surprise well-kept in the Chihuahuan Desert – the driest region of the state. Since it is not easily accessible, it is relatively less popular among tourists.  

Three different trails will enable you to hike to the various viewpoints of Madrid Falls. Each of them is steep and challenging, making prior hiking experiences, trail maps, and route-finding capabilities a must. The falls are surrounded by a dense forest and wildlife.  

By Freakinout, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6WtDZX644b5154zj8 

Japanese Tea Garden Waterfall | San Antonio

Also known as the Sunken Gardens, the San Antonio Japanese Tea Gardens are situated in Brackenridge Park, San Antonio, Texas. The garden was subject to neglect for years and was renovated, reformed, and reopened in 2008.  

The waterfall in the lower level of the garden offers the visitors an intimate location for personal events. It is a popular venue for wedding ceremonies. A small platform has been constructed with the waterfall as a backdrop for the perfect setting for special occasions. You will have to make prior reservations for the same, and it is available only for an hour. 

Address:  3853 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA | Timing: 07:00 am – 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/kD1HGYk6u99aMhGd6 |  Phone Number: +12105593148 

Wildcat Hollow Waterfall | Dinosaur Valley State Park

Dinosaur Valley State Park, famous for its dinosaur tracks, also houses a waterfall that only appears after heavy rainfall. This State Park is located at the edge of the Texas Hill Country and provides numerous well-maintained trails for serious hiking enthusiasts.  

One such distinctively marked trail takes you to the northern edge of the Park to the Wildcat Hollow, where a 45 feet waterfall cascades into a turquoise pool. The hike is considered a bit strenuous, but the scenic viewpoints along the way make all the efforts worthwhile. To make the most of your trip, you can camp on the grounds. 

Address: 1629 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043, USA | Timing: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/f5d6WmWw3o83YHJv9 | Phone Number: +12548974588 

Whether you visit the manmade falls, or the ones nestled in the laps of nature of the numerous State Park that Texas houses, you are surely going to have the time of your life. The picturesque scene, the miles-long trails, and the awe-inspiring views of the falls will gift you with memories for a lifetime. Hope our effort of bringing the list of the best falls in Texas helps you plan your next visit soon!