Spend The Day Exploring Dozens Of Waterfalls In The Texas Hill Country
By Katie Lawrence|Updated on January 21, 2023(Originally published January 16, 2023)
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Katie Lawrence
Author
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 began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
What if you could see over a dozen waterfalls in just one day of adventuring in the beautiful Lone Star State? In the Texas Hill Country, that dream can become your reality, and we’re gonna tell you how. From the 80-foot cascade that is Gorman Falls to the secret grotto at Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, this iconic region is home to some of the best waterfalls in Texas. This list doesn’t even begin to cover them all, so we encourage you to keep exploring! If you’re one of those folks who just can’t get enough of the great outdoors, especially in Texas, you’re in the right place. Check it out:
This may look like an image of a tropical rainforest, but it was actually taken right here in Texas. Gorman Falls is an 80-foot-tall cascade tucked away in Colorado Bend State Park, and the hike to see it is just one and a half miles each way. This is an amazing outdoor adventure in TX you won't soon forget, and you'll greatly regret it if you don't take lots of pictures.
Perhaps the most famous natural wonder in Texas, Hamilton Pool Preserve is a pristine oasis created eons ago by the collapse of an underground river. It's a wildly popular swimming destination in the summer, with a powerful, 50-foot waterfall flowing into the jade-green waters. There's also a large sandy beach area for picnicking and basking in the sunshine! From the moment you arrive you'll understand exactly why this is thought to be one of the most beautiful places in Texas.
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3. Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center (Round Mountain)
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX 78663, USA
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is another place reminiscent of a scene from Tarzan. This 76-acre preserve features a lush canyon with a 40-foot waterfall that spills down into a crystal-clear pool. The best part? All that stands between you and this breathtaking sight is a 15-minute guided stroll. Let the relaxation begin.
Travel back to prehistoric times when you visit Pedernales Falls State Park, where the mighty Pedernales River flows over giant slabs of ancient limestone. This series of waterfalls is just 30 miles west of Austin, and you can swim in the river as well as hike, bike, and camp in the park.
5. Lower Falls at McKinney Falls State Park (Austin)
Nestled at the confluence of Onion and Williamson Creeks, McKinney Falls State Park is a little slice of paradise in the heart of the Capital City. The easy, half-mile Picnic Trail leads to Lower Falls, one of the main points of interest in the park. This stunning natural wonder is sure to take your breath away! This waterfall - much like the others on this list - truly looks and feels like something out of a postcard or magazine than real life. Texas is amazing.
Krause Springs is a family-owned preserve featuring 32 springs that feed both a manmade and natural pool that guests can swim in. The natural pool is like a magical grotto, surrounded by trees whose moss-covered leaves allow a steady cascade of water to trickle into the pristine oasis. Oh, and if you decide you don't want to leave, you can do some camping in the area as well. Win-win!
7. Sculpture Falls at Barton Creek Greenbelt (Austin)
Barton Creek Greenbelt, colloquially known as "The Greenbelt," is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Austin, and for good reason. The wooded landscape stays green all year, and there are countless waterfalls to discover. Sculpture Falls is arguably the most well known of the bunch, accessible via an easy, three-mile hike. After pausing to enjoy the relaxing sound of the rushing water, jump in and make a splash!
How many of these waterfalls have you explored? Tell us in the comments! For more of the Texas waterfalls, check out our previous article.
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Waterfalls in Texas
Tori Jane|January 21, 2023
What are some of the most amazing waterfalls in Texas?
Texas is one of those states where there’s unexpected beauty just about everywhere. At the time of this writing, there are more than 15 amazing waterfalls in Texas worthy of an adventure. Some of them are:
Naturally, with thousands and thousands of miles of hiking trails in TX to pick from, it might seem a little overwhelming. But not to worry: we have ideas! Among the best places for hiking in Texas are places like:
