20 Best Waterfalls in Texas, From Local Favorites to Hidden Gems

Texas is known for many things. Beyond delicious Tex-Mex and barbecue, rowdy rodeos, and historic landmarks, the Lone Star State is also teeming with beloved national parks and natural scenery. Everything's bigger in Texas, from the portion sizes to temperatures and, yes, the waterfalls. That's right, we have waterfalls here, too!

Turns out, there are plenty of impressive falls worth visiting around Texas, including the 20 we've listed below. From the tallest waterfalls to the most accessible to the stunning falls that require an adventurous hike to see them, these cascades across the Lone Star State are without a doubt worth visiting and checking off your bucket list, whether you're nearby or live far across the state.

Ready to explore more waterfalls beyond the state border? From jaw-dropping cascades to swimmable emerald ponds, there are countless magnificent waterfalls found across the United States to explore.

Best Waterfalls in Texas

Texas doesn't mess around when it comes to waterfalls. All across the state, there are some breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls sure to drop your jaw. These are the kinds of bucket-list-worthy waterfalls worth chasing; commanding cascades that aren't only the best in Texas, but in the entire country. Big and small, hidden and centerstage, here are the best waterfalls in Texas:

1. Gorman Falls, Bend

• Location: 2236 Park Hill Dr., Bend, TX, 76824
• Stats: You'll find this commanding 65-foot cascade along the eponymous, 2.6-mile loop trail that's considered a moderately challenging route.
• Good to Know: These falls are located within Colorado Bend State Park, an amazing outdoor playground two hours northwest of Austin. This Texas State Park charges a daily fee of $5 per adult.

Colorado Bend State Park sits on over 5,000 acres of trails, springs, rivers, and caves, but most visitors come for one reason and one alone: Gorman Falls. This magnificent, 65-foot waterfall is almost reminiscent of a pinball machine, breaking off into dozens of trickling segments before converging in a shockingly blue pool. While you're there, drive about five minutes away to explore the subterranean wonderland at the park, which is well known for its cool caves.

2. McKinney Falls State Park, Austin

• Location: 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway Austin, TX, 78744
• Stats: Don't be deterred by its length; the 6.5-mile loop to reach McKinney Falls is considered easy for most.
• Good to Know: McKinney Falls State Park charges a daily fee of $6 per adult.

Located on the southeastern edge of Austin, McKinney Falls State Park provides a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the city. On the main trail, you can find this small waterfall gushing over the rocks. Despite its diminutive stature, the flow rate is strong, especially after a good rain. It takes just about 3 hours to complete the entire loop trail, but it's a fairly moderate hike—and the views along the way are so worth it. Just 15 minutes away, you can spend time in the fun city of Austin, visiting the most iconic buildings, restaurants, and parks in the Lone Star State.

3. Dolan Falls, Comstock

• Location: Devil's River State Natural Area in Comstock, Texas
• Stats: This 10-foot waterfall requires about a one-third-mile hike to get there; the river is also full of Class II and III rapids.
• Need to Know: Bring your own water and food to the site. Reservations are required to visit; purchase passes online for $10.

One of the most fun things to do in Texas on a hot summer day is find a place to cool off. Dolan Falls at the Devil's River State Natural Area in Comstock is one of the best places to do that. This 10-foot waterfall can be seen from the riverbanks, and its rushing flow will leave you in absolute awe. There's plenty of space to set up camp for the day, enjoy a cookout or packed lunch, or dip your toes in the river. You can even kayak at this spot with a $10 DRAP pass, but, as the name suggests, the Devil's River is full of Class II and III rapids—only experienced paddlers are encouraged to take a boat out on the river.

Best Waterfall Hikes in Texas

There's nothing quite like happening upon a waterfall in the wild; it's an enchanting scene that feels truly magical and charmed. Texas is home to some of the country's most amazing national parks and state parks; these are places where the sublime scenery of the Lone Star State shines brightest. Included in this spectacular scenery are some of the most wondrous waterfalls—and, by extension, some of the top waterfall hikes in Texas! Lace up your boots and come along with us as we explore the best waterfall hikes in Texas:

4. Cattail Falls, Brewster County

• Location: Big Bend National Park, TX, 79834
• Stats: A true hidden gem, Cattail Falls is located on a 3.1-mile (one-way) unmarked trail in Big Bend National Park. The daily fee for this National Park is $30 per vehicle; free with an America the Beautiful Pass.
• Good to Know: As the trail to Cattail Falls is unmarked, we recommend asking a park ranger for explicit directions before you embark on this journey.

Hiding deep within the mystical desert landscape of Big Bend National Park, the Cattail Falls Trail is a 5.7-mile hike of moderate intensity that's suitable for most skill levels. The trickiest aspect of this hike is that the trail is somewhat unmarked—it's best to hike with someone familiar with the trail, like a fellow hiker or national park ranger. You're in for a treat on this hike, which features sweeping mountain views and the beguiling, 80-foot-tall Cattail Falls. After feasting your eyes on the majestic waterfall, drive about 2.5 hours away to see the Prada Mafra sculpture—one of the most legendary roadside spectacles in Texas.

5. Westcave Falls, Round Mountain

• Location: Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, Round Mountain, Texas
• Stats: This 76-acre preserve features a lush canyon with a 40-foot waterfall that spills down into a crystal-clear pool.
• Good to Know: You'll need to book a tour to see these falls; tours happen regularly on the weekends.

This secret grotto at Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is endlessly enchanting and sure to become your new favorite place in Texas. This tall fall plunges into a cold pool surrounded by verdant greenery reminiscent of Middle-earth. The best part? All that stands between you and this Texas oasis is a 15-minute guided stroll. And if you're craving more time in paradise, the Hamilton Pool Preserve is just five minutes away, and truly is one of the most beautiful places in Texas.

6. Krause Spring Falls, Spicewood

• Location: Krause Spring, Spicewood, Texas
• Stats: This spring has been open to the public for more than 50 years, and is made up of 115 acres and 32 springs.
• Need to Know: Day visit tickets are $11 for adults and $6 for children; overnight fees are $17 per adult and $10 per child. You can also park your RV here, too, for $17. RV reservations are required.

One of Texas's most iconic waterfalls and natural destinations has to be Krause Spring Falls. The spring has been open to the public for more than 50 years, and has remained a popular swimming hole and camping spot for people all across the state. The park spans about 115 acres and 32 sparkling blue springs, but the most amazing feature in the park is the mystical grotto, complete with a trickling waterfall reminiscent of a faraway tropical paradise. The best part? The hike to this oasis is short and sweet. Note that these springs are pretty popular and can get crowded in the summer; book tickets well in advance and plan to get there early in the day.

Accessible Waterfalls in Texas (No Hiking Required)

Are you looking for an epic waterfall-chasing escapade in Texas... minus the chase? We get it: not everyone has time for an all-day hike. Perhaps you have kids in tow, or you have mobility issues that make certain hikes challenging, if not out of reach completely. Or maybe you're just not in the mood for a strenuous trek. You don't need a reason to visit these easy-access, no-hike waterfalls in Texas—you just need to enjoy them.

7. Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, Houston

• Location: Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, 2800 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX, 77056
• Stats: Some 11,000 gallons of water pour from this 64-foot-tall, semi-circular waterwall every minute.
• Good to Know: This attraction is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is free to experience.

Among the most heavily photographed spots in Texas, the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is truly a sight to behold. The horseshoe-shaped fountain stands at a whopping 64 feet tall and utilizes over 78,000 gallons of water every three hours. All you have to do is park nearby and walk up to this impressive monument. It's one of the coolest manmade waterfalls in the country! Make an entire weekend of things by booking a room at the swanky Grand Tuscany Hotel just 20 minutes away.

8. Pedernales Falls State Park, Johnson City

• Location: 2585 Park Road 6026 Johnson City, TX, 78636
• Stats: One of the best Texas State Parks, at Pedernales Falls State Park, you can camp, hike, mountain bike, picnic, geocache, bird watch, and ride horses. On the river, you can swim, wade, tube, and fish. Look for local wildlife and plants at the bird blind and butterfly garden. Daily admission is $6 per person 13 and older (kids 12 and under are free).
• Good to Know: Access to the swimming area requires a strenuous quarter-mile hike that includes steep rock stairs with no handrail. Please note that swimming is not allowed in the Pedernales Falls area, but is allowed in select surrounding pools.

Pedernales Falls is one of the most popular state parks in Texas, and for good reason. It's a geological wonder with fast-flowing, crystal-clear water cascading down a series of limestone rocks. For a less-crowded experience, the Twin Falls Nature Trail is accessible to all skill levels and takes less than 30 minutes round-trip. It culminates in a hidden waterfall-fed grotto surrounded by lush, jungle-like greenery. The scene is akin to a faraway tropical oasis, making it hard to believe you're still in Texas.

9. Lucy Park, Wichita Falls

• Location: 100 Sunset Dr., Wichita Falls, TX, 76302
• Stats: The 175-acre park is in the heart of the city. It features 1.7 miles of concrete trail, as well as a scenic one-mile walk across a swinging bridge that leads to the falls.
• What to Know: This park is free to visit, although there is a $15 fee if you wish to reserve the picnic shelter areas.

Although the waterfalls at this park are man-made, Lucy Park in Wichita Falls still certainly deserves a spot on this list. Not only is the entire park beautiful, but it features so many fun activities, including an 18-hole disc golf course, 1.7 miles of concrete walking and biking trails, and a swinging bridge over the Wichita River that eventually leads to the impressive falls. The ease of access is incomparable, with a mere mile standing between you and the triplicate of cascades. It's no wonder it's one of the most-visited public parks in North Texas.

Best Waterfall Swimming Holes in Texas

When the summer heat descends upon the Lone Star State, the best course of action is to take to the water. Luckily, there are not only some superb swimming holes in Texas, but there are some thrilling waterfall swimming holes in Texas, too! Whether you're enjoying a dip following a rigorous hike or are simply seeking the R&R found in a cool, natural pool, you'll be glad you visited one of the following best waterfall swimming holes in Texas.

10. Hamilton Pool, Dripping Springs

• Location: 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd., Dripping Springs, TX, 78620
• Stats: This 50-foot waterfall in Travis County is one of the most popular and treasured places in Texas.
• Good to Know: For the best waterfall swimming experience, visit after a healthy rain. Advanced reservations are also required before entering.

There's perhaps nowhere more glorious, nor wondrous, in Texas than Hamilton Pool. One of the most beautiful places in Texas (and the country), Hamilton Pool features a cerulean blue pool located beneath an expansive limestone grotto. A 50-foot waterfall flows into the pool, making for a completely enchanting experience that's truly too beautiful to be real. While the water is chilly, especially after a good rainfall, it's so worth it to see the waterfall at full strength and speed. When you're done at the pool, head down to New Braunfels, a town two hours away with great lodging and dining.

11. Tonkawa Falls, Crawford

• Location: 524-550 E 4th St., Crawford, TX, 76638
• Stats: The falls are 15 feet high and flow into one of the best and most accessible swimming holes in Texas.
• Good to Know: Part of Tonkawa Falls City Park is a 35-acre wooded area that boasts full-service RV spaces, tent camping, and a clubhouse available for rent. Parking is $10 per day.

Editor's Note: Tonkawaka Falls City Park is sometimes closed seasonally. Be sure to stay updated on the park's website for closings and updates.

In Crawford, Texas, you'll find a beautiful and unexpected little oasis. Tonkawa Falls is a 15-foot waterfall that cascades down a series of limestone cliffs into the crystal-clear pool below. A rock ledge on the opposite side makes for easy jumping—just make sure to check the water level beforehand, as it's sometimes too low to safely take the plunge—and note that there is no lifeguard on duty. If you're hoping to stay on the adventurous side, visit the Waco Suspension Bridge afterward. It's about 30 minutes away, spans 475 feet, and is a harrowing and historic site.

12. Bull Creek District Park, Austin

• Location: 6701 Lakewood Dr., Austin, TX, 78731
• Stats: This 48-acre city park is a popular destination for hiking, swimming, and fishing. The swimming hole is one of two spring-fed water supply creeks in Austin.
• Need to Know: The main entrance for the park is Lakewood Dr., but there are plenty of other access points in the surrounding area. There's also a leash-free area for dogs at the park. Entrance is free.

In Texas, swimming holes aren't just a seasonal attraction; they're a way of life. Among the most wondrous of them is at Bull Creek District Park in Austin. At this underrated, dog-friendly city park, you'll discover a double waterfall that cascades down a series of rocks into crystal-clear creeks below. It makes for a picture-perfect scene—and a refreshing spot for you and Fido to dip your toes.

Best Waterfalls Near Austin

Texas is a big state, about 268,597 square miles, to be exact. While there are waterfalls throughout the Lone Star State, many of these might be literally days away from where you live. If you live near ATX (or even if you don't), we've narrowed down the best waterfalls near Austin worth experiencing. Put your hiking shoes on and pack a bag with appropriate gear to discover these ATX waterfalls.

13. Twin Falls, Austin

• Location: Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, Austin, TX, 78746
• Stats: The Barton Creek Greenbelt contains 12.68 miles of gorgeous trails; the trail to Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls is an easy, three-mile loop.
• Good to Know: The Barton Creek Greenbelt has multiple entrances along the creek and is a popular place for swimming in Texas during the summer. Sometimes, the water quality and levels are not safe for swimming—stay updated on water safety at local government websites.

You get a big bang for your buck on the Barton Greenbelt Trail: a duo of cascades called the Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls. The Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail is three miles long, but incredibly accessible—between the two falls, swimming holes, and forest scenery, the mileage will fly by. You won't regret working up a sweat on your hike because it'll feel all the more refreshing once you take a dip in the water at the end. It's a great day trip activity right within Austin city limits.

14. St. Edwards Park, Austin

• Location: 7301 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, TX, 78759
• Stats: The St. Edwards Green and Red Loop is 2.7 miles long and considered accessible for all skill levels.
• Good to Know: The park consists of two parts, one park and one preserve. The portion of the park on the north side of Bull Creek resides within the City of Austin parks.

St. Edwards Park is an immensely beautiful oasis that's home to a sublime and secret waterfall. To access these falls, you'll embark on a 1.1-mile hike full of cacti, babbling cascades, and a sizable waterfall with a swimming area along the way. It's truly one of the most serene and secluded destinations right in Austin, offering the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle. Want to make it a weekend trip? Book a stay at this epic geodesic dome Airbnb near Lake Travis, just 30 minutes away from the park.

15. Japanese Tea Garden, San Antonio

• Location: 3853 N St Mary's St., San Antonio, TX, 78212
• Stats: This 60-foot waterfall is the centerpiece of the park, which also features a pond filled with hundreds of koi fish.
• Good to Know: The Garden is open daily, and admission is free. It's also pet-friendly, provided Fido remains on-leash.

On the National Register of Historic Places, the San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden was built in the early 1900s in an abandoned limestone quarry. A sublime place for quiet reflection and enjoyment of nature, a paved walkway leads straight to a marvelous, 60-foot waterfall sure to stop you in your tracks. While located in San Antonio, this Texas waterfall is just about 90 minutes from Austin, making it a viable day trip opportunity. After a visit to the garden, stroll down San Antonio's famous River Walk, just a 10-minute drive away.

Best Waterfalls Near Dallas

Dallas-Fort Worth may not be known for its spectacular waterfalls, but that doesn't mean there aren't any worth visiting—a few are even some of the best-kept secrets in Texas. Here are some of the best waterfalls near Dallas: one natural and one man-made, but both lovely and glorious to visit. Waterfall chasing in Dallas, Texas, here we come.

16. Prairie Creek, Richardson

• Location: 2400 W Prairie Creek Dr, Richardson, TX, 75080
• Stats: The 1.8-mile out-and-back trail to the falls is generally considered an easy route that takes about 30 minutes to complete.
• Good to Know: This is a popular area for birding and trail running, but Prairie Creek Park is still a relatively undiscovered Texas treasure.

Richardson’s Huck Finn Trail is a marvelous waterfall hike near Dallas that runs parallel to the gorgeous Prairie Creek. Bright green foliage lines the trail, forming a canopy over this fairytale footbridge that stretches across the creek. The trek's star feature is a waterfall that cascades down a cobblestone outcropping before spilling into the reservoir below, exuding total peace and serenity. While you're out, drive about 40 minutes to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, another lovely Texas oasis.

17. Pioneer Park, Dallas

• Location: 1428 Young St, Dallas, TX, 75202
• Stats: This waterfall is hiding in plain sight at the ever-popular Pioneer Park in Dallas.
• Good to Know: Pioneer Plaza is the largest public open space in Dallas' central business district. In addition to the waterfall, other features of Pioneer Plaza include man-made cliffs, native plant life, sculptures, and historic plaques.

The falls at Pioneer Park may be obscured by the surrounding greenery, but that doesn't mean these falls are any less beautiful. You'll be awed once you get a clearer view of this 50-foot-wide, 15-foot-tall cascading stream. Because Pioneer Park is a popular spot, you definitely see crowds of people picnicking, walking or biking, and soaking up the sun on a good weather day. If you don't have time to make a day trip out of the city, a few hours in this peaceful park is a great compromise.

Top Lesser Known Waterfalls in Texas

By now it's clear that Texas is positively teeming with waterfalls. But Texas is also a very big state, meaning that some of these marvels will undoubtedly fall through the cracks. Don't make that mistake because you could be missing out on some of the finest falls in Texas. From underground waterfalls and cave waterfalls to urban waterfalls and man-made marvels, here are the top lesser known waterfalls in Texas.

18. Lake Buchanan Waterfalls, Burnet

• Location: Vanishing Texas River Cruises, 443 Waterway Lane, Burnet, TX, 78611
• Stats: This epic waterfall on Lake Buchanan is only accessible via boat.
• Good to Know: Experienced guides narrate these two-hour cruises, detailing the history and geology of the area as well as points of interest along the way. Other cruises feature different parts of Lake Buchanan, a vineyard, eagles, iconic Texas sunsets, rehabilitated birds, and even an underwater ghost town.

Vanishing Texas River Cruises, which sails the deep blue waters of Lake Buchanan, leads intrepid explorers to a breathtaking waterfall that's only accessible by boat. You definitely won’t forget a trip to this lush, otherworldly hidden gem in Texas. While on the two-hour boat ride, you're bound to see other stunning natural sights, including eagles flying overhead, unique rock formations, and fish below in the lake. You can even enjoy a bird's-eye view of the lake on the scenic chairlift ride at Spider Mountain, just 10 minutes away.

19. Cascade Caverns, Boerne

• Location: 226 Cascade Cavern, Boerne, TX, 78015
• Stats: Seven waterfalls used to flow in these caves, but only one remains.
• Good to Know: You'll spend about an hour exploring the ancient corridors, all the while being fed invaluable information by a knowledgeable tour guide. Learn all about the cave's initial formation, all the different geological wonders throughout its passages, and how a waterfall is able to flow underground. The caverns are a cool 64 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making a perfect escape from the unrelenting Texas heat.

A world of wonder is hiding beneath the Texas Hill Country. At Cascade Caverns, adventurers can embark on an epic journey into a system of underground caves, which have a haunting, otherworldly beauty. Its name comes from the seven waterfalls that used to flow through its chambers, six of which dried up in the 1950s during a drought. One waterfall remains—the only underground waterfall in Texas. Take a tour and find out for yourself why it's one of the greatest natural wonders in the Lone Star State. When you're ready to pack it in, drive about 30 minutes to visit Guadalupe River State Park, a beautiful and underrated gem.

20. Schumacher Crossing, Ingram

• Location: Texas Hill Country, along Hwy 39 between the towns of Ingram and Hunt
• Stats: Located on the Guadalupe River, Schumacher Crossing features several small waterfalls and shallow pools for wading. It's located four miles from the Ingram marker on Hwy 39.
• Good to Know: This remote natural wonder isn’t easily accessed (you'll need to put the coordinates into your GPS), but it’s so worth the trip.

Nestled within one of the most remote areas in Texas, Schumacher Crossing is a beautiful oasis worth seeking out. Located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, between the small towns of Hunt and Ingram off of Highway 39, is one of the state's best-kept swimming holes and mini waterfalls. Because this spot is considered more "natural," i.e., not a public park, you might encounter more brush and rocky terrain as you get to the Guadalupe River and eventual wading pools. Proper gear is advised. Once you've arrived, stop and take in the quiet of this little-known gem.

There you have it: 20 of the most amazing waterfalls in all of the Lone Star State. From accessible cascades to more strenuous hikes with high payoff, there is something for everyone on this list—nature lovers, adventure seekers, and swimmers alike. Ready to begin your journey chasing waterfalls across Texas? Start planning a once-in-a-lifetime road trip or day trip to these falls now, using Only In Your State's itinerary planner to guide your trip.