Whoever said Texas is just flat plains and deserts clearly hasn’t explored the state’s hidden gems—its waterfalls. Yes, you read that right.
Amidst the sprawling ranches and urban jungles, Texas boasts some of the most stunning waterfalls that offer a refreshing escape from the heat and a surprising twist to the Lone Star State’s landscape.
After countless road trips, questionable GPS directions, and more than a few mosquito bites, we’ve compiled our seven favorite Texas waterfalls that we’ve had the pleasure (and occasional misadventure) of visiting.
1. Pedernales Falls
- Location: Pedernales Falls State Park
- Nearest Town: Johnson City
- Where to Stay: Roadrunner RV Park or Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa for a touch of luxury.
Our journey to Pedernales Falls felt like stepping into a Texan postcard, minus the cliché cowboy hats. As we hiked down the well-marked trails, the sound of rushing water grew louder, building our anticipation. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a series of cascading limestone waterfalls stretching across the Pedernales River. The expansive rock formations looked like nature’s own amphitheater, and we couldn’t resist the urge to explore every nook and cranny.
We spent the afternoon hopping between the flat rocks, occasionally dipping our toes into the cool water. The sun reflected off the river, creating a shimmering effect that was both mesmerizing and a tad blinding—note to self: pack sunglasses next time. As the day wound down, we perched on a large boulder to watch the sunset paint the sky with hues of orange and pink, feeling utterly content and mildly sunburned.
History, Stats, and Data:
Pedernales Falls drops about 50 feet over a distance of 3,000 feet, creating a series of gentle cascades rather than a single drop. The state park covers over 5,200 acres and was opened to the public in 1971. The area is rich in limestone, and the river’s flow varies dramatically, making it essential to heed flash flood warnings.
Texas Waterfalls Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Cattail Falls
- Location: Big Bend National Park
- Nearest Town: Terlingua
- Where to Stay: Chisos Mountains Lodge or Terlingua Ranch Lodge for a rustic experience.
Visiting Cattail Falls felt like uncovering a well-kept secret whispered among adventurers. The trail isn’t listed on official park maps, but a bit of sleuthing and a chat with a friendly park ranger pointed us in the right direction. The 5.7-mile round-trip hike through the Chisos Mountains was challenging but rewarded us with a secluded oasis in the desert.
The waterfall itself is a slender cascade tucked away in a shaded canyon, surrounded by lush vegetation atypical of West Texas. We sat by the pool at the base, listening to the gentle trickle of water and the rustling of cattails swaying in the breeze. It was a serene contrast to the rugged landscape we’d trekked through to get there.
History, Stats, and Data:
Cattail Falls plunges approximately 80 feet and is fed by a spring that makes the flow variable, often dependent on recent rainfall. Big Bend National Park spans over 800,000 acres, and Cattail Falls is one of its hidden treasures, emphasizing the park’s diverse ecosystems.
Texas Waterfalls Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
3. Hamilton Pool Waterfall
- Location: Hamilton Pool Preserve
- Nearest Town: Dripping Springs
- Where to Stay: Hill Country Casitas or Camp Lucy for upscale accommodations.
Hamilton Pool is the kind of place that makes you wonder if you’ve somehow been transported out of Texas and into a tropical paradise. The short hike from the parking area led us to a breathtaking natural grotto, complete with a 50-foot waterfall spilling over limestone outcrops into a jade-green pool below.
We arrived early to beat the crowds—a pro tip we’d highly recommend. Swimming requires a reservation, and though the water was brisk, it was incredibly refreshing. The overhanging cliffs provided shade, and we spent hours floating on our backs, staring up at the stalactites hanging from the ceiling. It was equal parts eerie and awe-inspiring.
History, Stats, and Data:
Formed thousands of years ago when the dome of an underground river collapsed, Hamilton Pool Preserve covers 232 acres. The waterfall flows year-round, but its intensity varies with seasonal rainfall. The preserve became a protected area in 1990 to preserve its unique ecological features.
Texas Waterfalls Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. Gorman Falls
- Location: Colorado Bend State Park
- Nearest Town: Bend
- Where to Stay: Bend General Store Cabins or camping within the state park.
The trek to Gorman Falls is a moderate 3-mile round-trip that tested our endurance and our ability to carry enough water. The trail meanders through semi-arid terrain, which made the sight of the waterfall even more striking. Descending the steep, rocky path to the falls was a bit precarious—we clung to the handrails like our lives depended on it (they might have).
At the base, we were greeted by a 70-foot waterfall cascading over moss-covered travertine formations, creating a lush, green oasis. The cool mist emanating from the falls was a welcome respite from the heat. We couldn’t enter the sensitive area around the falls, but just being there felt like stumbling upon a hidden Eden.
History, Stats, and Data:
Gorman Falls is a living waterfall, meaning it continues to build the travertine formations due to the mineral-rich water. The falls contribute to the park’s extensive cave systems and are part of the Colorado River ecosystem. Colorado Bend State Park encompasses over 5,300 acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities.
Texas Waterfalls Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
5. McKinney Falls
- Location: McKinney Falls State Park
- Nearest City: Austin
- Where to Stay: On-site camping or any of Austin’s numerous hotels.
Who knew that such a natural haven existed just a stone’s throw from downtown Austin? McKinney Falls State Park offers both Upper and Lower Falls, and we made it our mission to explore both. The trails are easy to navigate, and the sound of rushing water drowns out any distant city noise.
We spent the day picnicking by the Lower Falls, watching as families splashed in the water and adventurous souls leaped from the rocks. The Upper Falls provided a more tranquil setting, where we sat on the limestone ledges and dipped our feet into the cool, clear water. It was the perfect urban escape without actually leaving the city limits.
History, Stats, and Data:
Named after Thomas F. McKinney, one of Stephen F. Austin’s original 300 colonists, the park covers 641 acres. Onion Creek flows over limestone ledges to create the falls, which vary in intensity with rainfall. The park opened to the public in 1976 and includes historical ruins and archeological sites.
Texas Waterfalls Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
6. Dolan Falls
- Location: Devils River State Natural Area
- Nearest Town: Del Rio
- Where to Stay: Camping in the park or accommodations in Del Rio.
Dolan Falls was perhaps our most adventurous outing—remote doesn’t begin to cover it. After securing the necessary permits, we embarked on a paddling trip down the Devils River, widely considered the most unspoiled river in Texas. The 10-foot Dolan Falls greeted us with its powerful flow, a stark contrast to the calm waters upstream.
We pulled our kayaks ashore and took time to absorb the untouched beauty surrounding us. The area is pristine, and we felt a profound sense of responsibility to leave it exactly as we found it. The sheer isolation was both thrilling and humbling.
History, Stats, and Data:
Dolan Falls is part of the Devils River, which flows through one of the most biologically diverse regions in Texas. The falls are managed by The Nature Conservancy to protect the delicate ecosystem. Access is limited and regulated to preserve its natural state.
Texas Waterfalls Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7. Wichita Falls
- Location: Lucy Park
- Nearest City: Wichita Falls
- Where to Stay: Hotel options in Wichita Falls like La Quinta Inn or Courtyard by Marriott.
We couldn’t resist visiting the namesake of Wichita Falls, even though we’d heard whispers that the original falls washed away in a flood back in 1886. The city constructed an artificial waterfall in Lucy Park, and while it lacks the natural formation of others on our list, it’s charming in its own right.
We strolled through the well-maintained park, following the sound of water until we reached the multi-tiered, 54-foot man-made falls. It was a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy a picnic. While it might not offer the rugged adventure of other sites, it provided a serene backdrop for a leisurely afternoon.
History, Stats, and Data:
The original Wichita Falls was a natural waterfall on the Wichita River, destroyed in the 19th century. The current falls were constructed in 1987 to restore a namesake feature to the city. They pump about 3,500 gallons of water per minute and are a central feature of Lucy Park.
Texas Waterfalls Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Yes, There are Waterfalls in Texas
From hidden desert cascades to urban oases, Texas surprised us at every turn with its diverse collection of waterfalls. Each one offered a unique experience, whether it was the thrill of discovery, the joy of a refreshing swim, or the tranquility of nature’s artistry.
PRO TIP: Texas Treasures: 7 State Parks to Explore This Year
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OMG! I was going to tease ya’ll that you forgot our Wichita Falls! LOL! As the Wichita River is the definition of “Red Dirt” the clean water is caught in a pool above the river level and recirculated up to the top, unless the river is flooding when the the pumps are turned off. There was a big campaign back in the 80s to “Put The Falls back in Wichita Falls” and NBC’s Willard Scott was brought in to officiate the big turn on! Unfortunately we had just had a spring flood so they hid fire hoses to send water down the falls into the flooded river below! This was not all that amusing to the residents downriver whose homes were already flooding!