Texas
Nature|Waterfalls

The Hike To This Little-Known Austin Waterfall Is Short And Sweet

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve offers a peaceful escape with scenic trails and a hidden waterfall in Austin.

Published May 1, 2019

Written by 

Elisa Regulski

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is the perfect place to escape to when you need a bit of peace and quiet. The green trees, gorgeous wildlife, and breezy trails will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated. This natural area is home to several tranquil trails, but nothing beats the Laurel, Yaupon, Possom and Arroyo Vista Loop. The hike to this little-known Austin waterfall is short and sweet.

This effortless trail is only about 1.8 miles long, but it's packed with unimaginable beauty.

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Charles McKeever/All Trails

The lovely trees will shade you from Austin's harsh heat, and the well-marked trails are easy to follow.

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David Sivils/All Trails

This area is home to dozens of spectacular wildlife species. Keep your eye out for the vibrant golden cheeked warbler. This flittering bird is always a sight to see.

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George Schock/All Trails

Soon enough, you'll reach a beautiful waterfall tucked away in the woods. You'll want to stay a while and soak it all in.

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Alexis Aimard/All Trails

After a good rainfall, the waters gush over the edge. The rushing sound is like something from a relaxing dream.

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Melissa Kral/All Trails

This patch of paradise is tucked away inside the city, but it'll make you feel a millions miles away from it all.

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Stacie Parker/All Trails

Don't rush out -- the hilltop views are astonishing.

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Gabrielle Schulte/All Trails

Get in touch with nature at The Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. This breathtaking getaway is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Address: 805 North Capital of Texas Highway, Austin, TX 78746.

This isn't the only awe-inspiring spot in this city. This easy hike proves Austin is home to unrivaled beauty.

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Nature|Waterfalls

These 9 Breathtaking Waterfalls Are Hiding In Austin

Discover nine breathtaking waterfalls in Austin, perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.

Updated Aug 8, 2022

Written by 

Elaine Heng

Ah...the wonders of nature are truly amazing. Did you know that there are some absolutely breathtaking waterfalls that are hiding right here in Austin? I guess you wouldn't naturally think of waterfalls when you think of Austin, but they're definitely here, and definitely worth making your journey to them. Put your hiking shoes on and pack a bag with appropriate gear to discover these nine "waterfalls near me" in Austin.

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1. Wild Basin Nature Preserve

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Miles Abernathy/Google

You'll find lovely little waterfalls like these throughout Wild Basin Nature Preserve. There are plenty of trails throughout the park to find them. It's one of the best places for waterfall hikes in Austin.

2. Barton Creek Greenbelt

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Flickr/blt04

What a serene and calm setting for this waterfall at Barton Creek Greenbelt. If you're looking for hiking trails with waterfalls in Austin, this greenbelt is perfect.

3. River Place Nature Trail

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Flickr/OtterMatt

Waterfalls like this are fun to jump right into for a splash on River Place Nature Trail. Not only that, but it's such a lovely fairy tale hike in Austin you can take with all the scenery.

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4. Mckinney Falls State Park

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Flickr/Soul_Smiling

Mckinney Falls State Park is probably the best place for you to catch tons of waterfalls. It happens to have some of the best hiking trails with waterfalls in Austin!

5. Zilker Botanical Gardens

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Flickr/heatheronhertravels

Zilker Botanical Gardens has a few spaces where you can see manmade waterfalls like these. It's quite a wonderful oasis in the middle of the city.

6. Twin Falls

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Flickr/fabfemme

Twin Falls is part of the Barton Creek Greenbelt and is a popular place for Austinites to take a dip when it's hot out. This waterfall also has a swimming hole and belongs on everyone's summertime bucket list in Texas.

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7. Bull Creek

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Flickr/Kent Wang

This part of the Barton Creek Greenbelt is known as Bull Creek...how peaceful this is right in the middle of Austin! You can learn more on the Austin Parks Foundation website.

8. Mueller Neighborhood Waterfall

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This man-made waterfall is quite majestic, located right in the charming Mueller neighborhood. You can even go catch and release fish here!

9. Sculpture Falls

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This is a beautiful place on the Barton Creek Greenbelt called Sculpture Falls due to the artful formation of rocks. It's a wonderful spot to spend some time. You can learn more on the Austin Texas website.

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Hopefully, we have helped with your search for "waterfalls near me" in Austin. How many of these waterfalls in Austin have you seen? Let us know in the comments!

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Nature|Waterfalls

The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Austin Who Loves Waterfall Hikes

Discover the best waterfall hikes in Austin, Texas, perfect for nature lovers seeking scenic trails and outdoor adventures.

Updated Apr 28, 2022

Written by 

Elisa Regulski

Austin is so much more than festivals and tall buildings! When you're craving a taste of nature, there are dozens of places to escape to. Throw on your hiking shoes and pack a water bottle, because these stunning trails will lead you somewhere unforgettable. These are the ultimate bucket list ideas for anyone who loves waterfall hikes in Texas; here are our picks for the best hikes in Austin for nature lovers:

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1. McKinney Falls State Park

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Mikel Manitius/AllTrails

It's hard to believe there's a state park like this just minutes away from the bustling city streets, but here we are. McKinney Falls State Park in Texas is home to gorgeous trails and holds a fascinating history. You won't forget an adventure here any time soon!

2. Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

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Maan Mish/All Trails

Stroll under shady trees and look for rare wildlife! Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is sure to become your new favorite lovely little oasis in the Texan sun.

3. Hamilton Pool

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Daniel McGrotty/Flickr

This breathtaking waterfall is one of Texas' best. In fact, it's become popular, reservations are now required to experience it. Plan ahead and make a splash! Visiting this destination is totally worth it.

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Yes, you really CAN walk behind a waterfall in Texas!

4. Sculpture Falls

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Maurice Nelson/AllTrails

The Barton Creek Greenbelt surrounds this city with beauty. There are dozens of hiking options in this 809-acre area, but you haven't truly experienced it until you've dipped your bare feet in Sculpture Falls.

5. Pedernales Falls

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Duane Burdick/Flickr

Ready for a day trip? Pedernales Falls State Park is the perfect getaway for nature lovers. Hike along the water and spend a night under the stars! After spending an evening here, you'll feel refreshed and renewed.

What's your favorite hiking trail in Texas? Which hikes in Austin would you say are the best hikes in Austin? Tell us your thoughts in the comments; we love hearing from you! Need some ideas for kid-friendly hikes in Texas? Check out this list of the best trails in Texas that are nice and easy.

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