24 Spectacular Waterfalls in Texas You Can’t Miss

Despite being one of the states known as a generally hot, dry place, Texas has a surprising number of magnificent waterfalls. The Lone Star State is home to some beautiful waterfalls that shouldn’t be missed.

During your next trip to Texas, make time to see one of these awesome waterfalls. Whether you’re looking for a popular waterfall with a swimming hole, or you’re on the hunt for a hidden waterfall — we’ve got the perfect one for you.

Take these cascading marvels as a sign that a trip to Texas can always be bigger and better.  Here are 24 waterfalls in Texas that you’ve got to see.

DOLAN FALLS

Location: Devils River State Natural Area, Del Rio, Texas

Dolan Falls is one of the more secretive waterfalls in this list. Why? Because it’s particularly hard to get to. It’s in the naturally rugged Devils River State Natural Area, which makes accessing the falls a journey in itself.

Getting to the falls involves a one mile hike to the river, followed by a half mile paddle down the river, which is not for amateur paddlers. Only experienced paddlers should try to make their way to the falls, since the rapids here are ranked Category IV and V throughout the year.

Still, should you brave the journey, the falls are a splendid piece of the Texan landscape. Plus, since they’re in a protected natural area, the waters surrounding the falls are clear and utterly gorgeous. 

Note: The nearby Dolan Falls Preserve is not open to the public. Make sure to head to the Devils River State Natural Area to access the falls.

PEDERNALES FALLS

Location: Pedernales Falls State Park, Johnson City, Texas

Unlike Dolan Falls, getting to Pedernales Falls is a much easier feat. In less than 20 minutes, you can walk to the waterfall area through the Texas state park.

These falls might look inviting, but Texas Parks and Wildlife cautions against swimming in the falls area. There is a swimming area in Pedernales Falls State Park, which includes a more difficult .25-mile hike with steep stairs.

TWIN FALLS

Location: 3917 S MoPac Expressway, Austin, Texas

More like a watering hole than a proper waterfall, Twin Falls is a favorite swimming destination for folks in Austin. Getting to the falls themselves is a few miles worth of hiking, though the trail is fairly accessible on foot.

There are also ways to paddle a canoe to the falls as well, if that’s of interest. Plus, there is then nearby Sculpture Falls if you want to find another swimming hole (that is a little less frequented). 

Read More: 36 BEST THINGS TO DO IN AUSTIN, TEXAS YOU’LL LOVE

HAMILTON POOL WATERFALL

Location: 24300 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs, Texas

The Hamilton Pool Preserve waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in Texas.

Reservations are required to visit the Hamilton Pool Waterfall located within the preserve. Because of falling rocks, only a portion of the swimming hole is available for swimming. The falls are amazing, though, and swimming here is a bucket list item!

The preserve is also a place where visitors can see all kinds of wildlife and flora beyond just the waterfall area. 

Read More: 26 BEST SMALL TOWNS IN TEXAS YOU’VE GOT TO VISIT

GORMAN FALLS

Location: Colorado Bend State Park, Bend, Texas

In the heart of Texas Hill Country, you will find the Texan wilderness that is Colorado Bend State Park. Within the park, the mighty Gorman Falls invites visitors to witness the power of its cascading water.

To get to the falls, visitors must endure a 3-mile round trip hike through rocky, uneven nature. Once there, however, the falls are not for swimming. But not to fear, there is a nearby area in the river that you can swim in!

UPPER AND LOWER MCKINNEY FALLS

Location: McKinney Falls State Park, Austin, Texas

Upper and Lower McKinney Falls aren’t giants by any means, though they are made up of wide rock sheaths. Getting to both is easy enough, the lower falls is only a ½-mile round trip hike, while the upper falls is a ¼-mile round trip hike. You can swim at these falls too, though reservations are currently required to visit. 

ZILKER BOTANICAL GARDEN FALLS

Location: 2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas

Lovingly referred to as the “jewel in the heart of Austin,” Zilker encompasses over two dozen acres of greenspace in downtown Austin. Part of that includes, not just the falls, but Taniguchi Japanese Garden, The Mabel Davis Rose Garden, koi ponds and more!

Though these falls aren’t found deep within nature like some others, there is still plenty to be appreciated in their aesthetic. The resident turtles certainly think so, anyway!

KRAUSE SPRINGS

Location: 424 County Road 404, Spicewood, Texas

Krause Springs is a unique entry on this list because it isn’t just one water feature. The whole of the Krause Springs property includes nearly three dozen natural springs, as well as a man-made and natural pool too.

There are plenty of places here to swim, in addition to campsites, and even a butterfly garden. 

MADRID FALLS

Location: Big Bend Ranch State Park, Terlingua, Texas

Nestled within the state’s largest state park, the 100-foot Madrid Falls in Big Bend Ranch State Park towers over visitors into a pool hidden within the park.

Technically, the falls are accessible to the public, though there is over five miles of trail to get there.

WESTCAVE WATERFALL

Location: Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, Round Mountain, Texas

At the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, visitors can visit the 40-foot waterfall grotto via a guided tour. The Westcave Preserve folks warn that the one mile round trip hike, though short, is difficult, and will take between 90 and 120 minutes.

These are small tours, so do check in advance to ensure space. Visitors cannot access the waterfalls or nearby areas — like the grotto or cave — without attending a guided tour. 

WILDCAT HOLLOW WATERFALL

Location: Dinosaur Valley State Park, Glen Rose, Texas

Although not a very long hike, the 90 minutes round-trip hike to the 60-foot waterfall in Dinosaur Valley State Park is a more difficult trip. Still, it’s a great stop in a state park with so much to see.

You can’t swim here, though if you look closely in the various water spots within Dinosaur Valley, you might spot some giant footprints! (There is a reason they call it Dinosaur Valley.)

WICHITA FALLS

Location: Wichita Falls, Texas

Per the Wichita Falls website, the namesake falls of Wichita Falls, Texas were wiped away during a flood in the 1800s. So in 1987, a man-made waterfall was constructed.

The multi-level waterfall is 54 feet in height and is easily accessible from the road as there are parking areas nearby. It is about a one mile round trip walk to the falls from where you can park. 

BOYKIN CREEK WATERFALL

Location: Boykin Springs Recreation Area, Zavalla, Texas

This waterfall/waterhole area in East Texas can be found via a five mile round trip walk through the Boykin Springs Recreation Area. Swimming at the fall itself is not permitted, though visitors are welcome to swim in nearby Boykin Springs Lake. Watercraft are also permitted at that lake as well. 

WINDOW TRAIL FALLS

Location: Big Bend National Park, Brewster County, Texas

Not to be confused with the Window Falls in North Carolina, the Window Trail within Big Bend National Park will lead you to a seasonal stream along the cliffs. How long the trail is depends on which point you reach, but generally the trail is just over 2 miles, or just over 2.5 round trip if you go to the upper part of the trail.

The Window Trail, because of the unique window-shaped outcropping, is a popular one throughout the year, so expect other hikers. 

CATTAIL FALLS

Location: Big Bend National Park, Brewster County, Texas

Like Window Falls, which is also located in Big Bend National Park, Cattail Falls is another West Texas waterfall. The Cattail Falls Trail is a moderately challenging hike, at just shy of 6 miles. Though the hike to the falls themselves is relatively easy, at just 1.5 miles.

Cattail Falls can sometimes run dry, though the pools nearby are still beautiful either way. Swimming in the pools is not allowed.   

MEXICANO FALLS

Location: Big Bend Ranch State Park, Terlingua, Texas

A sibling waterfall to Madrid Falls at Big Bend Ranch, the 80-foot Mexicano Falls is the third tallest waterfall in Texas.

Despite being in a state park, Gaia GPS has no published hikes for the trek. The site also lists it as a moderate hike of just over 5.5 miles in length to get to the trailhead. 

CHALK RIDGE FALLS

Location: Chalk Ridge Falls Park, Belton, Texas

Hiking to Chalk Ridge Falls is fairly simple on this easier hike. At just over 3 miles, the hike to the swimmable water is an easy feat, compared to some of the other hikes listed here. Perhaps because the falls are more of a swimming hole than cascading white water.

The leisurely walk ends with a relaxing dip in the calm waters of Chalk Ridge. 

JAPANESE TEA GARDEN WATERFALL

Location: Brackenridge Park, San Antonio, Texas

The Japanese Tea Garden reopened in 2008, when the restored garden space was reinvigorated with new walkways, much needed repairs, and the 60-foot waterfall, among other improvements.

The garden is open every day from dawn until dusk and is wheelchair accessible. The waterfall area can even be rented for special events!

Read More: 16 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SAN ANTONIO WITH KIDS

AIRFIELD FALLS

Location: Airfield Falls Conservation Park, 200 Pumphrey Drive, Westworth Village, Texas

Airfield Falls is Tarrant County’s largest natural waterfall, per Visit Fort Worth. The falls themselves are a short walk from the Airfield Falls trailhead, and are relatively easy to get to.

Walking the trail to the falls (or beyond) showcases the natural beauty of the area, as well through native flora and fauna. Monarchs are known to frequent the area as well, so be on the lookout!

TONKAWA FALLS

Location: Tonkawa Falls City Park, 524-550 E 4th Street, Crawford, Texas

Because Tonkawa Falls are found within a small town park, they’re easy to get to after parking. A short walk takes you to this swimming hole that is loved by swimmers, kayak, canoers, and tubers alike.

The falls themselves do dry up from time to time, though the watering hole itself is still there (even if it’s a little shallower in those drought times). 

PRAIRIE CREEK PARK

Location: 2400 W Prairie Creek Drive, Richardson, Texas

Another easily accessible waterfall within a park, the falls at Prairie Creek (which are man-made) are fairly simple to find via the park trails. Besides the falls, there are also areas around the park for picnicking, relaxing or seeing local wildflowers as well. (It does not appear that swimming is advised at this location.)

SILVER FALLS

Location: Silver Falls Park: 221 W Main Street, Crosbyton, Texas

According to the city of Crosbyton, travelers have been recorded as visiting the Silver Falls since the 1800s. Now Silver Falls Park is one of the state’s largest roadside parks.

Visitors are welcome to hike, backpack or picnic near the falls (with no mention of swimming). 

HIDALGO FALLS

Location: Navasota, Texas

The land around Hidalgo Falls is privately owned by the Texas Rivers Protection Association. Access to the waterfall area is permitted for kayakers or canoers who are TRPA certified, but is not open to the general public.

Paddlers can receive certification via TRPA membership and be renewed with their certification yearly through the organization. See more information on the TRPA website. 

LINK FALLS AT BULL CREEK

Location: 7872 TX-360 Loop, Austin, Texas

The full Bull Creek Trail is 4.5 miles and relatively easy (a 2 out of 5 stars for difficulty). Before reaching the falls, there is a swimming hole area by the Bull Creek trailhead, while the falls themselves are actually separate waterfalls found along the trail.

The site suggests that the Main Falls area is the best for swimming or wading, compared to the other falls along the Bull Creek Trail. 

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO TEXAS

• YOUR TEXAS VACATION
• EL PASO: 16 THRILLING THINGS TO DO IN EL PASO
• AMARILLO: 15 SUPER FUN THINGS TO DO IN AMARILLO, TEXAS
• GALVESTON: 17 FAMILY-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN GALVESTON, TX
• TYLER: 20 THINGS TO DO IN TYLER TX EVERYONE WILL LOVE

WHERE TO STAY IN TEXAS