Posted in Texas Nature August 19, 2021 by

Take This Unforgettable Road Trip To Experience Some Of Texas’ Most Impressive Caves And Waterfalls

The Lone Star State is full of mesmerizing natural wonders, both aboveground and beneath the surface. We’ve put together a road trip that features the best of both worlds, stopping at some of the most awe-inspiring caves and waterfalls Texas has to offer.

Click here for the Google Map that will help you navigate from place to place. Have fun!

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Google Maps
1. Gorman Falls (Colorado Bend State Park)
Gorman Falls Trail, Texas 76853, USA
Randall Chancellor/Flickr
This 65-foot-tall natural wonder looks as if it belongs deep within a remote, tropical jungle -- but it's right here in Texas. All that stands between you and the lush, vibrant, otherworldly landscape is a 1.3-mile hike each way. What are you waiting for? More information here.
2. Inner Space Cavern (Georgetown)
4200 S IH 35 Frontage Rd, Georgetown, TX 78626, USA
cmassie22/TripAdvisor
One of the best-preserved show caves in Texas, Inner Space Cavern had been hiding underground for over 10,000 years before its discovery in 1963. Several different tours are available, each one showcasing unique aspects of the incredible subterranean landscape. Among the features you'll see are vast chambers, staggering rock formations, and even the bones of prehistoric creatures. More information here.
3. Longhorn Cavern State Park (Burnet)
Longhorn Cavern State Park, 6211 Park Road 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
Christopher/TripAdvisor
Next up is Longhorn Cavern State Park, a historic destination established by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The cave itself was carved out by a river long ago, and two separate guided tours showcase its splendor. You'll descend 130 feet underground! The park also has aboveground trails that showcase the gorgeous natural scenery and original CCC buildings. More information here.
4. Krause Springs (Spicewood)
Krause Springs Drive, Krause Springs Dr, McKinney, TX 75071, USA
bevbootsfrias/TripAdvisor
The family-owned Krause Springs is among the most popular swimming spots in Texas, and for good reason. Sitting on 115 acres, the property features a whopping 32 natural springs, plus both a man-made and natural swimming pool. There's so much to see and do here, including a stunning waterfall that cascades down a grove of bright green vegetation into the pristine waters below. More information here.
5. Pedernales Falls State Park (Johnson City)
Pedernales Falls State Park Nature Trail, Texas 78663, USA
Lars Plougmann/Flickr
You'll half-expect to see dinosaurs stomping around on the slabs of ancient limestone at Pedernales Falls State Park. The landscape truly looks like something from a different time, especially with the towering bluffs rising up on either side of the gorge. The Pedernales River flows over the rocks, creating a series of mini waterfalls sure to take your breath away. Please note: flash flooding can occur quickly and without warning in the Hill Country, so leave immediately if you notice the water starting to rise. More information here.
6. Hamilton Pool Preserve (Dripping Springs)
Hamilton Pool, Texas 78620, USA
Trey Perry/Wikimedia Commons
Perhaps the most iconic natural wonder in Texas, Hamilton Pool is a magical grotto formed by the collapse of an underground river eons ago. It's truly an extraterrestrial landscape, with an awe-inspiring waterfall spilling off of the mossy limestone overhang above. Whether you come to swim or just take in the views, this bucket-list destination is one you simply can't pass up. More information here.
7. Natural Bridge Caverns (San Antonio)
Natural Bridge Caverns Road, Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX, USA
Bear Sloan/Flickr
The largest, and by far the most famous commercial cave system in the state, Natural Bridge Caverns attracts thousands of visitors each year. From a leisurely stroll through the underground passages to a full-blown spelunking adventure, there's an experience for everyone. You won't believe your eyes when you behold the sweeping panoramic vistas tucked away beneath one of Texas' busiest cities. Aboveground attractions include a ropes course, climbing wall, maze, gem mining, shopping, and restaurants. More information here.
8. Cascade Caverns (Boerne)
Cascade Caverns Road, Cascade Cavern, Boerne, TX, USA
Michael R./TripAdvisor
Cascade Caverns is the oldest tourist attraction in Boerne, established in 1932. A three-hour tour leads visitors through five expansive rooms, including the famous Cathedral Room. A gift shop, nature trails, outdoor pavilion, and picnic tables are also available for your enjoyment. More information here.
9. Cave Without a Name (Boerne)
Cave Without a Name Road, Cave Without a Name Rd, Texas 78006, USA
Peggy Hollin/Wikimedia Commons
Also in Boerne, Cave Without a Name is a living cavern considered the most beautiful in Texas by many. You'll traverse six rooms, all rich with spectacular mineral formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, and more. There's also underground music in the Throne Room, which will resume once larger gatherings are safe and approved. More information here.

Hours may be changed or reduced at the other locations, and special rules might apply. Always make sure to click the link provided in each description for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

How many of these epic caves and waterfalls have you visited? Would you take this road trip? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and check out our previous article to learn more about Gorman Falls: The One Place In Texas That Looks Like Something From Middle Earth.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Waterfalls Near Me in Texas

August 24, 2021
Tori Jane

What are some must-see natural wonders in Texas?  

Texas is a huge state with plenty to see, but some of those things to see become must-sees when you realize just how amazing they are. You’ve got your “seven wonders of the world”, sure, but what are the wonders of Texas? How about the incredible Palo Duro Canyon, which just so happens to be the second-biggest canyon in the entire country. There are also some strange-but-awe-inspiring natural places like the Devil’s Sinkhole, in Rocksprings, which is the largest single-chamber cavern in the state. For more natural wonders in Texas you have to see before you die, check out this article.  

Can I explore caves in Texas?  

Absolutely! Spelunking (also known as “cave exploration”) is a popular hobby in Texas, and for good reason. It’s incredibly fascinating to get a firsthand look at the intriguing processes of the planet, and caving is a great way to do that. There are hundreds of caves in Texas, but only some are open to exploration by the general public. One such place is the Natural Bridge Caverns, near San Antonio. It’s an absolutely breathtaking cave system, and you can’t pass it up if you’re a geology nerd like we are. Also near San Antonio is the Caverns of Sonora, which is located on private property, so you’ll need to arrange a tour – but trust us, the effort is worth it. There are plenty – you just need to know where to look! For more of our favorites, take a look at this article.  

Where are the best hiking trails in Texas? 

Texas is huge, and it’s also hugely popular with hikers. There are thousands of miles of trails throughout the state, but of course, there are some trails that tend to be more popular than others for their outstanding excellence. Among the top-rated hiking trails in Texas, per AllTrails.com, are the Lost Mine Trail (within Big Bend National Park), the RiverPlace Nature Trail (within the Nature Preserve at River Place), and, at #1, there’s the Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail, which you’ve got to see to believe, at Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Texas is incredible, so go out and enjoy it!