Last Updated on January 31, 2022 by Kate Storm
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.
Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.
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!
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Window Trail, Big Bend National Park
The Window Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Big Bend National Park!
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!
Cool Urban Waterfalls in Texas
Not all of the coolest waterfalls in Texas are nature-made!
Engineering and art have brought some remarkable waterfalls to Texas’ cities, as well.
Here are some of the most notable urban Texas waterfalls.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Japanese Tea Garden Waterfall, San Antonio
San Antonio’s Japanese Tea Garden is a beautiful, peaceful corner of the city.
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.
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.
The collapsed grotto formed a beautiful pool, which is fed by a 50-foot waterfall!
Depending on the conditions, you can sometimes swim here.
Airfield Falls, Westworth Village
The gorgeous Airfield Falls is a fantastic spot in North Texas.
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.
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.
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.
Fall Creek Waterfall, Lake Buchanan
A 30-foot waterfall that you can only reach by boat: how’s that for an unforgettable Texas waterfall?
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.
Chalk Ridge Falls, Belton
These short-but-wide falls along the Lampasas River are perfect for swimming in!
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.
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!
Map of the Coolest Texas Waterfalls
