15 Stunning Waterfalls in Texas (+ Map to Find Them!)

Non-Texans may be more likely to associate desert landscapes and open plains with the Lone Star State, but in reality, Texas’ extreme diversity means that there’s a surprising number of cool waterfalls in Texas!

We love seeking out beautiful waterfalls in Texas, from popular Hill Country gems (hello, Hamilton Pool) to hidden gems in West Texas (like Cattail Falls).

Here are some of the best Texas waterfalls around, including popular local swimming holes, treasures hidden inside state parks, and even a few manmade urban waterfalls.

Waterfall at Lake Buchanan Texas as seen from the water

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Looking for more Texas waterfalls?

While we’ve rounded up some of the absolute best waterfalls in Texas here, there are plenty more to visit!

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To make sure we feature more spots, here at LSTG we also have guides to the best waterfalls in and near Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.

The perfect Texas waterfalls road trip doesn’t need to cover more than one region of the Lone Star State–but of course, with enough time, you can find incredible falls across the state.

view of westcave grotto waterfall from the inside looking out

Best Texas Waterfalls in National + State Parks

Texas’ system of 80 state parks, along with its national parks, means that you’re never far from an interesting natural highlight when exploring Texas.

Here’s where to head if you’re chasing waterfalls in Texas!

Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park, one of the best waterfalls in Texas

Gorman Falls, Colorado Bend State Park

Gorman Falls is widely considered to be one of the most popular Texas waterfalls, and for good reason!

Its incredible width paired with its height makes Gorman Falls incredibly striking.

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It’s a 3-mile round-trip hike to visit Gorman Falls, and the trail does get congested at times–consider getting an early start to avoid the crowds.

While the hike itself does feel like a typical Hill Country hike, featuring plenty of limestone and cacti, once you descend into the viewing point for Gorman Falls, you could almost believe that you’re in the tropics, rather than Texas.

View of Gorman Falls Texas from the side with fall foliage surrounding it

Pedernales Falls, Johnson City

The Pedernales Falls, located inside the aptly-named Pedernales Falls State Park, is one of the most subtle natural waterfalls on this list.

They gently cascade down the Pedernales River, from pool to pool, without any huge drops.

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That being said, they’re absolutely beautiful!

While you can’t swim in the main falls, head a bit further downriver in the state park, and you’ll find a great place to swim.

view of pedernales falls from above, a great stop on best road trips in hill country texas

Twin Falls, Pedernales Falls State Park

Set apart from the main Pedernales Falls, along the shaded Twin Falls Nature Trail, lies the small but beautiful Twin Falls.

The short trail will quickly deliver you to beautiful views of the waterfalls.

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However, like many Texas waterfalls in state parks, the impressiveness of Twin Falls depends a lot on recent rainfall.

It was barely a trickle the first time we visited!

small waterfall pedernales falls state park

Cattail Falls, Big Bend National Park

Tucked into a quiet corner of Big Bend National Park, the Cattail Falls are serene and lovely to observe.

Keep in mind, though, that the environment around them is quite fragile, so be very careful not to disturb anything as you visit.

cattail falls big bend national park
Unfortunately, the falls were almost dry here!

McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls may be fairly short, but as one of the best swimming holes near Austin, they’re extremely popular for good reason!

The park is home to both the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls, so be sure to check out both when exploring the best Texas waterfalls in state parks.

Small waterfall over limestone at MicKinney Falls State Park TX

Window Trail, Big Bend National Park

The Window Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Big Bend National Park!

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The window itself looks down upon a beautiful, natural Texas waterfall (the intensity of the waterfall, though, depends on the weather).

Be sure to watch your step on the slick rocks during the final portion of the hike!

sunset over a rocky section of texas hiking trail in big bend nap, home to some of the best hiking in texas

Cool Urban Waterfalls in Texas

Not all of the coolest waterfalls in Texas are nature-made!

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Engineering and art have brought some remarkable waterfalls to Texas’ cities, as well.

Here are some of the most notable urban Texas waterfalls.

small waterfall along the riveralk as shot with a long exposure

Waterwall Park, Houston

Houston’s Water Wall is obviously artificial, but that doesn’t detract from its mesmerizing beauty.

At 64 feet tall and with a semi-circular shape, the Water Wall is positively striking to look at and one of the most popular places to take pictures in Houston.

Waterwall in Houston Texas with the wall taking up the bulk of the image

Zilker Botanical Garden Waterfalls, Austin

Zilker Park is a beloved centerpiece of Austin, and its botanical garden includes plenty of stunning waterfalls that are perfect for snapping photos of or simply relaxing in front of while in the heart of the city.

Waterfall in Zilker Botanical Garden in Austin

Wichita Falls, Wichita Falls

The current 54-foot Wichita Falls that grace the city of the same name are definitely manmade, complete with a bridge in front of them that you can walk across for the best view.

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However, there were once natural waterfalls nearby, which is where Wichita Falls got its name.

Those original waterfalls, though, washed away in a flood in the 19th century.

3-tiered Wichita Falls with a bridge in front of them

Japanese Tea Garden Waterfall, San Antonio

San Antonio’s Japanese Tea Garden is a beautiful, peaceful corner of the city.

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And, its impressive 60-foot waterfall certainly adds to the beauty!

Located inside Brackenridge Park, one of the absolute best parks in San Antonio, a visit to the Japanese Tea Garden is easy to fit into a visit to Alamo City.

Stone bridge in Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio Texas with its waterfall visible in the back right of the photo

More Gorgeous Texas Waterfalls to Visit

Hamilton Pool Preserve, Dripping Springs

As one of the most popular swimming holes in Texas, the Hamilton Pool Preserve in Dripping Springs is an absolute marvel to behold.

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The collapsed grotto formed a beautiful pool, which is fed by a 50-foot waterfall!

Depending on the conditions, you can sometimes swim here.

close up photo of hamilton pool waterfall, one of the best things to do in dripping springs texas

Airfield Falls, Westworth Village

The gorgeous Airfield Falls is a fantastic spot in North Texas.

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This hidden gem is perfect for Texans from the DFW area who want to find beautiful waterfalls in their own backyard.

Located in Airfield Falls Trailhead and Conservation Park near Fort Worth, you’ll find Airfield Falls about half a mile into the park.

close up of airfield waterfalls fort worth, one of the best waterfalls near dallas texas

Krause Springs, Spicewood

Featuring 32 springs, plenty of small waterfalls, and a variety of places to swim, Krause Springs is one of the best places to visit in Spicewood, TX.

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If you’re looking more to cool off on a hot day in the Texas Hill Country than to photograph a particularly tall set of falls, these are the Texas waterfalls for you.

Don’t forget to stop at nearby Opie’s Barbecue for lunch after you wrap up at Krause Springs, either.

Krause Springs in Spicewood with a small set of falls visible in the back left among foliage

Fall Creek Waterfall, Lake Buchanan

A 30-foot waterfall that you can only reach by boat: how’s that for an unforgettable Texas waterfall?

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That being said, if you’re a Texan whose never heard of this magnificent place, you’re not alone!

A hidden gem of the Highland Lakes, Fall Creek Waterfall (sometimes also called Lake Buchanan Waterfall) is well worth the planning and effort that goes into getting there.

falls creek waterfall lake buchanan, a fun stop on a texas hill country road trip itinerary

Chalk Ridge Falls, Belton

These short-but-wide falls along the Lampasas River are perfect for swimming in!

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Located just a few miles off of I-35, Chalk Ridge Falls Park is a fantastic roadside stop when driving between Austin and Temple, or alternatively, is a must-see addition to a trip to Belton, Texas.

Chalk Ridge Falls is one of our personal favorite waterfalls in Texas thanks to the combination of their beauty and accessibility.

jeremy storm and ranger storm on top of chalk ridge falls belton texas

Westcave Waterfall, Round Mountain

Located on private property not far from the much more famous Hamilton Pool Preserve, visiting the gorgeous Westcave Waterfall requires a guided tour.

This gorgeous grotto is worth the trouble, though, and is home to one of the most visually stunning waterfalls in the Lone Star State!

Check out our guide to visiting Westcave Preserve!

kate storm standing with her arms spread in front of westcave waterfall

Map of the Coolest Texas Waterfalls

2 photos: one of Krause Springs and one of Hamilton Pool Preserve. Black text on a white background reads "13 best texas waterfalls"

5 thoughts on “15 Stunning Waterfalls in Texas (+ Map to Find Them!)”

  1. Enjoying this site. Looking forward to map of Texas waterfall being back up in the future. If not I’ll have to build my own. Thanks for all the wonderful ideas and places to see in Texas.

    Reply

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