Most people don’t think of Texas when it comes to waterfalls. But, the Lone Star State has over 17 beautiful waterfalls to visit.
Texas Waterfalls
Texas has it all! From the vast plains, mountains, deserts, and everything in between.
If you are looking for a weekend getaway, cool off from the Texas heat, or simply looking for unique hiking destinations, then consider visiting one of the amazing waterfalls that Texas has to offer.
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Natural Waterfalls Near Me
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Airfield Falls, Fort Worth
Airfield Falls Trailhead & Conservation Park is located near the popular swimming hole Burgers Lake and neighboring Naval Air Station.It’s one of the many fun things to do in Fort Worth.
Guests are greeted by the McDonnell Douglas C-9 aircraft as they enter the park. This is Tarrant County’s largest natural waterfall and sits along the Trinity River.
The trailhead is home to monarch butterflies and can spot them for a few weeks during their migration north.
Although this is a gorgeous waterfall and a great place for a family picnic, the water level can run dry during the hot summer months.
Swimming is allowed at the park and is a great way to cool day on hot Texas day.
Admission fee: Free
Hike Distance: .5 miles
Waterfall Height: 12 feet
Beef Creek Falls, East Texas Timber
Located on Hog Creek below the Sam Rayburn Reservoir, this waterfall does sit on private property. Guests need permission and can visit the falls with an escort.
Admission fee: Free
Hike Distance: Unknown
Waterfall Height: 15 feet
Boykin Creek Waterfall, Boykin Springs Recreation Area
Located inside the Angelina National Forest visitors can explore over 200 miles of hiking trails, 85 miles of off-road trails, biking, and horse trails.
Take the 6.5-mile loop on the Sawmill Hiking Trail to reach the falls. This beautiful hike has 190 feet elevation gain and is a pleasant day hike.
The falls are part of the Neches River and run over the old Aldridge Saw Mill.
Admission fee: $3
Hike Distance: 6.5 miles
Waterfall Height: 3 feet
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Capote Falls, Marfa
If you are looking for a unique and adventurous waterfall view, then taking a helicopter ride to get a bird’s eye view is the way to go.
This waterfall is located on private property and guests will need permission before they make the trek to the falls.
A short quarter-mile will take you to the overlook or you can walk 1 mile to reach the base of the falls.
Admission fee: Free
Hike Distance: 1 mile
Waterfall Height: 180 feet
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Cattails Falls, Big Bend National Park
Located in the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park. Visitors start the 3-mile hike in a rough desert climate before reaching this amazing oasis.
Because of the fragile environment, the park does limit the number of visitors on the trail.
This waterfall trail is not for the faint of heart. Be warned that black bears are known to make an appearance in this area.
Admission fee: Free
Hike Distance: 3 miles
Waterfall Height: 80 feet
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Dolan Falls, Devils River State Natural Area
To maintain the beauty and preservation of Dolan Falls, guests must receive permission before making the trek to the falls.
Situated before the Texas Hill Country and the Chihuahuan Desert, you’ll find this spring-fed river with its gorgeous blue water.
This remote location is a popular spot for experienced paddlers who enjoy the challenge that Dolan Falls provides.
Admission fee: $5
Hike Distance: Access thru paddling trip
Waterfall Height: 10 feet
Fort Worth Water Gardens
The oasis sits downtown Fort Worth between Houston and Commerce Streets. Known as the “cooling oasis in the concrete jungle” of downtown, features 3 pools of water a terraced knoll.
Wading and swimming in the water are forbidden, but guests can walk down the cascading steps and enjoy the sounds of the water crashing around them.
Admission fee: Free
Hike Distance: No hiking is required
Waterfall Height: 38 feet
Gorman Falls, Colorado Bend State Park
This is one of the few waterfalls in Texas that flows year-round, even in the dry summer months.
This waterfall is secluded and surrounded by the beauty of Cyprus and fern trees.
The 65-foot waterfall has a stunning rock and plant-covered wall that makes it an oasis in the middle of the park.
Admission fee: $6
Hike Distance: 3 miles
Waterfall Height: 65 feet
Hamilton Pool Waterfall, Hamilton Pool Preserve
This is probably the most well-known waterfall in Texas. It’s no wonder why so many people visit this destination with its limestone cliffs and sparkling green pool.
Hamilton Pool is located near Austin in Travis County and is a popular destination year-round. No pets allowed.
Admission fee: $11 and reservations are required
Hike Distance: .25 miles
Waterfall Height: 50 feet
Krause Springs, Spicewood
Hike along this 3 miles trail to find a perfect swimming hole and waterfall in Spicewood. Surrounded by a forest filled with ferns and Cyprus trees, making it a great place to picnic and enjoy a summer day.
There are also tent and RV campsites available to rent and another swimming area near the campground.
Located on private property, guests can enjoy over 30 natural springs, with the largest natural pool that feeds into Lake Travis.
Admission fee: $9
Hike Distance: 3 miles
Waterfall Height: Unknown
Madrid Falls, Big Bend Ranch State Park
Located near Lajitas, Texas you’ll find the second-highest waterfall in the state. Visitors can choose from 3 different trailheads for different viewpoints of the fall within Chorro Canyon.
Guests will need to make sure they have a trail map before starting a hike to ensure they don’t get lost. This is a backcountry waterfall with challenging terrain at times.
Admission fee: $3
Hike Distance: 3 miles
Waterfall Height: 80 feet
McKinney Falls State Park
The falls are created where Williamson and Onion Creeks meet. The two rivers cause small waterfalls that run over smooth limestone rock.
Be sure to visit “Old Baldy” which is one of the oldest bald cypress trees in Texas. It’s estimated to be more than 500 years old, 103 feet tall and the trunk is 195 inches around.
Admission fee: $6
Hike Distance: 700 feet
Waterfall Height: 3 feet
Mexicano Falls, Big Bend Ranch State Park
This 80-foot waterfall is the third-foot fall in Texas. Visitors can hike the Ojito Adentro mountain to view the waterfall or hike the mile-long trail to the canyon to get to the base of the waterfall.
Admission fee: $3
Hike Distance: 1 mile
Waterfall Height: 80 feet
Pedernales Falls, Pedernales Falls State Park
Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, visitors can get gorgeous views of the cluster of waterfalls. The water flows over limestone rocks that create shallow pools.
During the warmer months, visitors can tube and swim in the river. The Twin Falls Natural Trail is only a 1/2 mile trek or you can take a long 10-mile trail that takes you all along the river.
Admission fee: $6
Hike Distance: .5 miles
Waterfall Height: Height varies
Westcave Waterfall, Westcave Preserve
This waterfall creates a gorgeous pool and grotto to play in. It’s part of the 30-acre preserve with the falls running over the grotto.
Reservations for a guided tour to visit the savanna, limestone grottos, waterfalls, and pools are required.
Guests will walk down a 100-foot staircase into the canyon that is covered in plant life. Visitors can also explore a cave and canyon on the preserve.
Admission fee: $15
Hike Distance: .5 miles
Waterfall Height: 40 feet
Wichita Falls
Start at Lucy Park and take the 1.7-mile circle trail. The trail will wide you around to the The Falls, which is a man-made waterfall.
The original waterfall was washed away during a flood in the 1800s. The new waterfall is gorgeous (can be seen from the freeway) and flows into the mighty Wichita River.
Admission fee: Free
Hike Distance: 1.7 miles
Waterfall Height: 54 feet
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Wildcat Hollow Waterfall, Dinosaur Valley State Park
Located at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose. The waterfall only makes an appearance after heavy rainfall, so plan your trip accordingly.
Along the trails, guests can view the famous dinosaur tracks and wade in the Paluxy River.
Snakes are very common, so keep an eye for them!
Admission fee: $7
Hike Distance: 45 feet
Waterfall Height: 50 feet
Windows Trail, Big Bend National Park
This spring-fed waterfall only flows when there is rainfall but is still worth the hike.
Visitors can start the hike near Terlingua and take the moderate trail through the national park. Be sure to bring your binoculars as there are plenty of bird sightings along the trail.
Admission fee: $3
Hike Distance: 5.2 miles
