Plan A Visit To Cattail Falls, Texas’ Beautifully Blue Waterfall
Big Bend has a little bit of everything — including waterfalls, despite the arid West Texas climate. Cattail Falls is hiding within the towering mountain peaks, accessible via a moderate, 5.7-mile hike. At 80 feet tall, it’s truly a hidden desert gem that belongs on your outdoor adventure bucket list.
Hiding deep within the mystical desert landscape of Big Bend National Park, Cattail Falls Trail is a 5.7-mile hike of moderate intensity.
Expect to spend about three hours on the hike if you're walking at a leisurely pace.
Iconic West Texas vegetation lines either side of the path, painting a surface-level picture of scarcity that we know couldn't be further from the truth.
A wispy fog wraps around the mountain peaks, shrouding them in an air of mystery.
There are some loose rocks to scramble over in the last mile, so perhaps consider turning back beforehand if you have young children in-tow or deal with stability issues.
Regardless -- even if no more than a trickle is cascading down the rugged canyon walls -- this hidden gem is worth your while.
You’ll park at the trailhead for Sam Nail Ranch. The road is prone to flooding after heavy rainfall, so check with NPS before heading out. Visit the AllTrails page to learn more.
Are there any restaurants, businesses, or other attractions in Texas you think the world should know about? Head over to our nomination page and give them a shoutout — you just might see your submission featured in an upcoming article!
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.