Have you always wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life? Are you looking for that perfect outdoor escape? Look no further than these amazing waterfalls spread across Texas! Here, we give you the best 17 waterfalls in Texas that you don’t want to miss out on. From sheer cascades to breathtaking trails, this list has something for everyone!
Pedernales Falls, Pedernales Falls State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park is one of Texas’ most popular state parks, and it’s easy to see why. The park features spectacular views of the Pedernales River and the majestic Pedernales Falls.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking in the park.
The highlight of Pedernales Falls State Park is definitely Pedernales Falls. The falls are 65 feet tall and plunge over a sheer limestone cliff into a deep pool of water.
The falls are best seen after a heavy rain, when the river is flowing at its fullest. Even if you don’t catch the falls at their most impressive, they’re still a beautiful sight.
If you’re looking for an outdoorsy escape in Texas,Pedernales Falls State Park is a great option. Whether you’re interested in hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, or just enjoying the scenery, you’ll find plenty to do at this state park.
Camping is available in the park on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reservations required, so it’s easy to simply show up and pitch your tent. Be sure to bring plenty of water and bug spray, as both can come in handy in the Texas heat.
Pedernales Falls is a great place to explore and relax in nature, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re ever traveling through Texas. So grab your camping gear and head out to Pedernales Falls State Park for an unforgettable experience!
Hamilton Pool Waterfall, Hamilton Pool Preserve
Located in the Hamilton Pool Preserve, this natural swimming hole is fed by a 50-foot waterfall and is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. The preserve is also home to rare plants and animals, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
The hiking trail to the pool is a quarter of a mile long. It is steep, narrow, and rugged with uneven steps. Sturdy shoes are recommended. The pool is open for swimming from mid-April through October, although visitors should always check the weather before visiting, as it may occasionally close due to inclement weather or flooding in the area.
Beef Creek Falls
Beef Creek Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Texas. Located in East Timberland, along the Beef Creek Trail, The falls cascade down a series of travertine steps and can reach heights of up to seventy-five feet.
This picturesque waterfall is fed by underground springs that are released through limestone crevices in the rock formations.
Visitors to this spot can enjoy a variety of scenic views, including the creek below, as well as the surrounding hills of Texas. Hikers may explore various trails that run alongside the falls or take an easy stroll on a foot bridge overlooking it.
Beef Creek Falls is open year-round, though visits June through October tend to provide some of the best views because water levels are usually high during these months.
Gorman Falls, Colorado Bend State Park
Gorman Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Texas, and for good reason! Located in Colorado Bend State Park, this beautiful waterfall is easy to access and offers stunning views.
Take a self-guided tour to this 70-foot spring-fed waterfall. Come prepared for a 3-mile round trip hike over rough and rocky terrain. The trail is well-marked and relatively flat, making it perfect for families or those looking for an easy hike.
Once you reach the falls, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views. The falls flow over a series of limestone ledges, creating a multi-tiered cascade that’s simply gorgeous. Be sure to bring your camera – this is one spot you won’t want to forget!
Cattail Falls
Located in Big Bend National Park, this waterfall is accessible by a canyon hiking trail. This natural wonder is located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country and is one of the best waterfalls in the state. Experience this 5.7-mile out-and-back trail near Terlingua, Texas.
Cattail Falls is an impressive sight, boasting a height of over 80 feet. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the area, so you can explore the beautiful landscape at your own pace.
Upper and Lower Falls, McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney State Falls Park not only includes the two swimming holes, but also camp sites, picnic areas, playground, hiking, fishing, and more.. This park is home to two stunning waterfalls – the Upper and Lower Falls.
The Upper Falls are about 25 feet tall and flow over limestone rocks into a small pool at the bottom. To reach the top of the falls, take a short hike up the Lycans Trail. Along the way, you’ll get some amazing views of the surrounding area.
The Lower Falls are even more impressive, with a height of 50 feet! These falls cascade down into the Onion Creek, which is a great spot for swimming or fishing.
You can also take a dip in one of the smaller pools that forms at the base of the falls. To get to the Lower Falls, follow the Bluff Trail from near the campgrounds.
Both of these waterfalls are must-sees when visiting McKinney Falls State Park!
Mexicano Falls
Mexicano Falls, located in Big Bend National Park, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Texas.
The falls plunge over a sheer cliff face, creating a mesmerizing display of water and rock. Visitors can hike to the top of Mexicano Falls for spectacular views, or take a more challenging hike down to the base of the falls.
This is a moderate one way trail to Mexicano Falls Trailhead in Big Bend Ranch State Park. This trail goes by Vista del Chisos and Primero Trailhead.
Krause Springs, Spicewood
KRAUSE SPRINGS is a well-known camping & swimming site located in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas.
The park features 32 springs, a man-made pool, and two waterfall pools. Swimming is allowed in all of the pools, and there are changing rooms and showers available on-site.
Krause Springs is also a great place for picnicking, hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing.
Chalk Ridge Falls
Chalk Ridge Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Texas for a great outdoorsy escape! TChalk Ridge Falls is located near the Stillhouse Hollow Lake Dam in Belton, Texas.
The park is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Texas, and the waterfall is definitely worth the hike. The park also has a swimming hole that’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Dolan Falls, Devils River
Dolan Falls is one of the most popular destinations in Devils River State Natural Area. The falls are an impressive 65 feet tall and flow over a limestone shelf into a deep pool below. The falls are best seen after heavy rain, but can be enjoyed year-round.
To get to Dolan Falls, hike the 1.5-mile out-and-back Dolan Creek Trail. The trailhead is located near the ranger station at the head of the state natural area. The trail is well-marked and follows along Dolan Creek before reaching the falls.
Madrid Falls, Big Bend Ranch State Park
Madrid Falls is a beautiful falls located in Big Bend Ranch State Park. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, javelina, and quail. Madrid Falls is a great place to hike, swim, and picnicking. There are also a number of camping sites available in the park.
To get to Madrid Falls, turn off US Highway 90 onto FM 170. Drive west for about 17 miles and you will reach the parking area for Madrid Falls. The trail begins from there and takes visitors through a canyon of limestone cliffs to the falls. The hike is roughly 2 miles one way, so it can take some time before you reach the falls. Once you are there, it is worth every step.
Madrid Falls includes multiple waterfalls in one location, all ranging from 10 to 50 feet high. It is truly a stunning site with plenty of great photo opportunities along the way.
Visitors can also explore the pool at the base of the falls by swimming or wading close enough to feel the mist of falling water on their faces.
Airfield Falls
Just outside of Austin, Airfield Falls is a beautiful place to take a break from the city.
Well-known to some and a complete mystery to others, Airfield Falls Trailhead is Tarrant County’s largest natural waterfall.
Much more than a pretty view, the trailhead is also home to important native wildlife and monarch butterflies during their northward migration.
The park sits on the east side of the Naval Air Station JRB and features parts from a McDonnell Douglas C-9 aircraft. In October 2017, the trailhead was honored as the home of two Texas Historic Markers.
Westcave Waterfall, Westcave Preserve
Westcave Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located in Westcave Preserve. The preserve is home to many different kinds of plants and animals, and the waterfall is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
Westcave Preserve also offers a variety of other activities for those wanting to spend more time outdoors.
These include hiking, bird watching, and nature photography. There are educational programs available for school or community groups looking to learn more about the ecological significance of Westcave Preserve.
Amidst the varied wildlife, canyon, and caves of the Western Preserve which spreads over a 30 acres of land stands the 40-feet tall and beautiful waterfall.
Whether you’re looking for a place to just escape from it all or a unique spot for your next outdoor adventure, Westcave Waterfall has something special to offer everyone.
Wildcat Hollow Waterfall, Dinosaur Valley State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park is home to one of the best waterfalls in Texas, Wildcat Hollow Waterfall. This waterfall is located on the Paluxy River and is about 30 feet high.
The best time to visit this waterfall is during the spring or summer when the water levels are higher.
The Wildcat Hollow Waterfall is easy to access and there is a trail that runs alongside the river. The views at this waterfall are breathtaking and it’s worth taking a few moments to take it all in. It’s also possible to spot some Texas wildlife, including birds, fish, and even dinosaurs!
This waterfall is a great place for swimming and hiking. There are several trails in the park leading to different points of interest.
There is also an observation deck that offers wonderful views of the area from above.
Dinosaur Valley State Park has plenty of activities for everyone, such as camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, picnicking and much more.
This park has something for everyone so you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience here!
Wichita Falls
The falls are located in the Wichita Mountains and offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
There are several hiking trails in the area that lead to different vantage points of the falls, so you can explore and find the perfect spot to take in the view.
Boykin Creek Waterfall, Boykin Springs Recreation Area
Boykin Creek Waterfall is located in the Boykin Springs Recreation Area, which is situated in the Boykin Springs Lake in Angelina National Forest.
The waterfall is approximately 30 feet tall and cascades over a series of rocky ledges into a pool of water below. Visitors to the recreation area can enjoy hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, and swimming.
Capote Falls
The best waterfalls in Texas are located in the Capote Falls area. This area is home to several different falls, each with its own unique features.
The first fall, called the Upper Falls, is the most popular and well-known of the group. It is a tall, thin waterfall that flows over a cliff face and into a pool below.
The second fall, called the Lower Falls, is shorter and wider than the upper falls. It cascades over a series of rocks and into a small pond at the base.
Conclusion
With so many stunning waterfalls to explore in Texas, it can be hard to decide which ones make the cut. We have compiled a list of the 17 best waterfalls in the state for you, but these are only some starting points.
If you’re looking for an outdoorsy escape, there are plenty of hidden gems out there – all waiting to be explored and discovered! So take this list as your cue and go find that perfect waterfall spot where you can relax and reset yourself back into nature. Happy waterfalling!
