Texas is home to hundreds of breathtaking waterfalls, each offering a unique natural escape. Whether you’re looking to hike, swim, or simply enjoy a peaceful picnic, these stunning falls provide the perfect setting for a day of outdoor adventure. From refreshing pools perfect for a dip to scenic spots ideal for wildlife and birdwatching, Texas waterfalls offer a variety of experiences for every nature lover.
Be sure to bring your camera to capture the beauty of these picturesque spots along the way. Texas Outside put together this list of some of the most appealing and popular waterfalls across Texas. We organized them by region, so you can easily plan your next waterfall adventure anywhere you want to visit where there is a Texas waterfall.
So, grab your hiking stick, pack a swimsuit, and picnic lunch, and get ready to explore the best that Texas nature has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking to relax in a serene setting, these waterfalls are waiting to welcome you!
Some of these waterfalls only appear after heavy rains, others run year round, and some are hard to get to. We are referring to the four following regions of Texas in bold font:
- Big Bend Country, West Texas, the far western arm of Texas bordering Mexico and New Mexico.
- Gulf Coast, South Texas on the Gulf of Mexico
- Hill Country, Central Texas
- Panhandle, North of Midland to the OK and NM borders
- Pineywoods, East Texas
- Prairies and Lakes, North Central to North EasternTexas
- South Texas Plains, the Lower Rio Grande Valley bordering Mexico
Hill Country Waterfalls in Central Texas
Blanco State Park
Blanco, TX
Off Highway 281 in Blanco this waterfall could easily be overlooked but it is well worth a stop. Whether you camp, stay in an RV, or just picnic, fish, or swim in the Blanco River this is a fun spot to cool off and spend an afternoon.
Blue Hole Park
Georgetown, TX
This popular swimming hole in Georgetown is another spot that you have to see to believe. Definitely one of Texans’ favorite swimming holes to take a dip in when summer comes around! With the ancient limestone rocks surrounding the pool, the gorgeous jade green water, and the riverwide waterfall. Make sure to arrive early in summer as the park does get crowded. Enjoy this central Texas waterfall fun on the San Gabriel River!
City Tube Chute
Comal River, New Braunfels, TX
If you like tubing, then you need to try the City Tube Chute, which is an s-shaped chute that is a slide to allow tubers to bypass the Clemens Dam on the Comal River. It’s a fun and thrilling ride, and usually packed with tubers on a hot summer day. It falls 20 feet into the Comal River, which is why we’ll consider it a water fall.
Gorman Falls
Colorado Bend State Park, Lampasas, TX
Colorado Bend State Park is home to a large concentration of falls that are open to the public. The largest of which is the 65 foot Gorman Falls. And if you hike a mile above the falls on the Gorman Trail you’ll find where the spring emerges from the ground. Photo Courtesy of TripAdvisor.
Hamilton Pool
Austin, TX
About a mile from its confluence with the Pedernales River is the infamous Hamilton Pool which has a 50 feet waterfall that cascades into a pool and limestone grotto. The pool is available for swimming.
Hueco Springs Rapids
Guadalupe River, New Braunfels, TX
If you’ve tubed or paddled the Lower Guadalupe River, then you’ve probably gotten to experience the waterfall and rapids known as Hueco Springs Rapids. This is the monster of the Guadalupe River – a 25-foot, Class III rapid when the dam release is at least 500 cubic feet per second. When the River’s flowing, you’re likely to get very wet.
Krause Springs
Cypress Creek, Spicewood, TX
Krause Springs may just be one of the prettiest swimming holes in Texas. Towering cypress trees and a waterfall cascading over a cliff covered with ferns make this a great place to spend some time on a hot summer day. Tent and RV campsites are available.
McKinney Falls
McKinney Falls State Park, Austin, TX
McKinney Falls State Park is at the confluence of Onion and Williamson Creeks and several waterfalls cascade over limestone formations into peaceful pools. The Park has excellent campsites, hiking and biking trails, fishing, and more.
Pedernales Falls
Pedernales Falls State Park, Johnson City, TX
Pedernales Falls State Park is one of our favorites because it has great sites, hiking, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, and more. But the highlight of the park is where the Pedernales Rivers cascades over steps of layered limestone to create Pedernales Falls and several pools of water.
Westcave Waterfall
Westcave Preserve, Austin, TX
Westcave Preserve is a 30-acre preserve with a breathtaking cave formation with waterfalls and deep pools, carpeted with lush vegetation and teaming with wildlife. Guided tours on the weekends is the only way to see Westcave Waterfall which tumbles 40 feet over the fern covered travertine columns into a pool below.
Zilker Park
Austin, TX
This recreational area located in the heart of downtown Austin, Zilker Park features an enormous, natural spring-fed swimming pool, sculpture garden, Zilker Park Waterfalls among the beautiful flowers and exotic plants.
Pineywoods Waterfalls in East Texas
Beef Creek Falls
Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Jasper, TX
Beef Creek Falls on Hog Creek, just below Sam Rayburn Reservoir, was on land owned by the Temple family as part of their East Texas timber empire. You may be able to get special permission by the new owners to visit the falls with an escort.
Boykin Springs
Angelina National Forest, Zavalla, TX
Boykin Springs is located in the Angelina National Forest. Why not camp in Boykin Springs campground and hike the Sawmill Trail to the waterfall and to see ruins of the Aldridge Sawmill. Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor.
Big Bend Country Waterfalls in West Texas
Pine Canyon Waterfall
Big Bend National Park, Rio Grande, TX
After the rains come, the desert backcountry of Big Bend National Park become a haven for waterfalls. The Pine Canyon Waterfall and Cattail Falls are scenic and remote. The Window, during a flash flood turns into a 220′ high torrent which is the tallest waterfall series in the state.
Madrid Falls
Big Bend Ranch State Park, Presidio, TX
Madrid Falls, at 100′ is the tallest publicly accessible and the second tallest overall waterfall in Texas. The falls are difficult to reach so a four-wheel drive is needed or the stamina for a long, uphill hike. Madrid Falls is comprised of an upper and lower level, that together flows 100 feet.
Dolan Falls
Devils River State Natural Area, Del Rio, TX
To reach this impressive waterfall in the rugged and remote scrublands north of Del Rio you’ll need permission from the stewards of the falls, The Nature Conservancy. Dolan Falls is in the Devils River State Natural Area and it spans the width of the Devils River which is recognized as one of the cleanest in Texas.
Cattail Falls
Big Bend National Park, Lajitas, TX
Lush and secluded and hard to find, Cattail Fall is on the western slope of the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park. You should ask a park ranger for directions because the three mile round trip trail is unmarked and difficult to find.
Mexican Falls
Big Bend Ranch State Park, Lajitas, TX
Located in the rugged Big Bend Ranch State Park, Mexican Falls located near Madrid Falls, and is the third tallest falls in Texas at 80 feet. Like most things of beauty, it’s hard to get to and you’ll need a four wheel vehicle or take a long hike to get to view this beautiful waterfall.
Ojito Adentro
Big Bend Ranch State Park, Lajitas, TX
Located in the rugged Big Bend Ranch State Park, Ojito Adentro is a slow trickle of water that has created a rich oasis with ferns, moss, lichens, and plenty of trees, in the hot and arid Chihuahuan Desert. You’ll need to hike about a mile on a fairly rugged and difficult trail to reach the canyon that is home to Ojito Adentro.
Windows Trail
Big Bend National Park, Lajitas, TX
The Windows Trail in Big Bend National Park follows a creek that drops hundreds of feet into the desert at the end of the trail. The end of the trail provides a spectacular view of the mountains, desert, Rio Grande, and into Mexico. When it rains the creeks is a series of waterfalls funneling down the mountain.
Capote Falls
Marfa, TX
Capote Falls is the highest waterfall in Texas at 175 feet and yet it is in one of the driest parts of West Texas. It is the main drainage below the Rio Grande Rift and the Sierra Vieja on its way to the Rio Grande and as such it consistently flows. But the bad news is that it’s on private property and can only be seen by air.
Prairies and Lakes Waterfalls in North Texas
Airfield Falls
Ft Worth, TX
There are beautiful walks, hikes & biking found among many segments of the Trinity Trail system. From the White Settlement trailhead, go in the direction of Carswell, and you’ll discover The Falls! Slightly more than 6 miles round-trip, and will bring you to the beautiful Airfield Falls.
Wichita Falls
Lucy Park, Wichita Falls, TX
Does it count if the waterfall is man made? Even if it is man made, the 54 foot Wichita Falls with a multi level cascade on the Wichita River is still pretty impressive.
Texas Waterfall FAQ
What Is Texas’ Highest Waterfall?
These waterfalls highlight the hidden beauty and diverse landscapes of Texas, from rugged deserts to lush forests! Most of the tallest waterfalls in Texas, such as Capote and Madrid Falls, are seasonal or located in remote, rugged areas. They may not flow year-round. Accessibility to Texas waterfalls vary greatly, some like Hamilton Pool, are easily reached, while others, like Madrid Falls, require significant effort.
Top 7 Tallest Texas Waterfalls in Order of Tallest First:
- Capote Falls:
- Height: Approximately 175 feet
- Location: Near Marfa, Texas on private property in the Big Bend region and not open to the public.
- Madrid Falls:
- Height: Approximately 100 feet
- Location: Big Bend Ranch State Park
- Dolan Falls:
- Height: Approximately 15 feet
- Location: Devils River, near Del Rio, Texas
- Hamilton Pool Waterfall:
- Height: Approximately 50 feet
- Location: Dripping Springs, Texas, near Austin
- McKinney Falls, Upper and Lower:
- Height: 10-15 feet
- Location: McKinney Falls State Park, Austin, Texas
- Wichita Falls:
- Height: 54 feet
- Location: Wichita Falls, Texas
What Part of Texas Has Waterfalls?
The Texas Hill Country region has the highest concentration of waterfalls, thanks to its rolling hills, limestone cliffs, and spring-fed rivers. Big Bend Country is second in the concentration of waterfalls in Texas.
Where is Gorman Falls, Texas?
Gorman Falls is located in Colorado Bend State Park, near the town of Bend, Texas, in the Texas Hill Country. The waterfall is one of the park’s most popular attractions and known for its lush, moss-covered rock formations and the dramatic 70-foot cascade of water flowing into a pool below.
How Hard Is it to Hike Gorman Falls?
Hiking to Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park is considered moderately challenging due to the rocky terrain and a steep descent near the waterfall. The hike is approximately 1.5 miles each way and a 3-mile round trip. This trail features uneven ground, loose rocks, and a noticeable elevation change. Gorman Falls is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Texas, surrounded by lush greenery and unique limestone formations.
Key Considerations:
- Trail Difficulty:
- Most of the trail is relatively flat but can be rocky and uneven.
- The last 100 yards involve a steep descent, where a handrail is provided for support, making it manageable but potentially tricky for beginners or those with mobility issues.
- Trail Conditions:
- Expect little to no shade along most of the trail, so it can get very hot in summer.
- Good hiking shoes with strong grip are recommended for the rocky and slippery areas near the falls.
- Time and Effort:
- The hike typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the falls.
- What to Bring:
- Plenty of water, especially on warm days.
- A hat and sunscreen for sun protection.
- A camera to capture the stunning views of the falls.
Why Is it called Marble Falls Texas?
Marble Falls, Texas gets its name from the unique natural rock formations found in the area. The name is derived from the presence of marble-like limestone in the riverbed of the Colorado River that runs through the town. Early settlers noticed that the river had a marble-like appearance due to the sedimentary rock, giving the impression of marble.
Technically, the rock found at Marble Falls is a type of limestone. This distinctive feature inspired the name “Marble Falls,” highlighting the beautiful and striking geology that the area is known for. The town was established in the late 1800s and has since become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy its scenic beauty, water activities, and natural surroundings.
Author: Kendall Davis
Author: Kendall Davis Company: Lumini Services Kendall currently lives on the shores of Lake Texoma in Texas. She traveled across two-thirds of the U.S. for many years camping at lakes, rivers, and three oceans before motels and hotels if at all possible, and she continuously saw God's presence in nature. Writing for Lakehub allows Kendall to share her experience with God's creations. https://kdavis1836.wixsite.com/luminiwrites
