Wonders of Nature: Where you can find waterfalls in Texas
By DAKOTA REYNOLDS | Photos courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife, Travis County Parks and Gladys Ivonne Monge
Texas is known for having beautiful sites to see, with its rolling hills, limestone rocks, and sparkling rivers and streams. Where there’s hills and water, there’s bound to be waterfalls. Although Central Texas isn’t known for waterfalls, they can be found if you know where to look.
Strap on your hiking boots and have your camera ready to capture these photogenic locations.
Chalk Ridge Falls
(Belton/Harker Heights)
Nestled along Stillhouse Hollow Lake is the serene escape known as Chalk Ridge Falls. Hidden among trees with plenty of shade, there are coursing streams and plenty of tucked-away little spots to sit and relax, making it an ideal place to get some peace. It also has defined trails, a large parking lot and restrooms. This spot is both accommodating and quiet, perfect for a tranquil daytrip.
The trail is a 3-mile round trip hike to the wide and short waterfall. It’s on the smaller side, but its alluring and charming nature is undeniable.
The trails are labeled at a moderate difficulty level and involve wooden pathways, stairs and thrilling little suspension bridges full of character. It closes at sundown, with no overnight camping. The trail is easy enough for beginners and children, making it a great adventure.
Belton Lake Waterfall
(Belton/Temple)
A mere 20 minutes from Chalk Ridge Falls sits a 60-foot tall waterfall that’s only accessible by boat or kayak. If you know where to look, the man-made beauty can be seen from Temple Lake Park.
Located near the confluence of Cowhouse Creek and the Leon River, this waterfall is one many people don’t know about, making it a hidden gem in Central Texas.
If you’re looking for a weekend at the lake or an unforgettable fishing trip, take your boat to the two-lane boat ramp at Westcliff Park, head a little ways north, and keep your eyes on the limestone cliffs. Across the land from Waterworks Road, you’ll see the waterfall gushing in the summertime.
Gorman Falls
(Colorado Bend State Park)
This is a big one, standing tall with a magnificent 70-foot drop. These falls are spring-fed and can be found surrounded by fern and cypress, creating a lovely, secluded vibe. There’s only so much that can be said about what must be experienced in person.
“The 1.5-mile one-way Gorman Springs Trail leads to an iconic feature of the park — calcite formations 70 feet above the river,” said Tara Humphreys, director of interpretation with Texas State Parks.
The hike to the waterfall is 3 miles round-trip, and can be a little rocky. Dogs are welcome, but it’s advised to be careful the closer you get to the falls. You can hike to the top for an amazing view, or enjoy the 35 miles of trails throughout Colorado Bend State Park. Humphreys said that because the trail is difficult with little shade and steep rocks, plenty of water is advised. They also offer wild cave tours, kayaking, and the refreshing Spicewood Springs. If you’re looking for overnight camping, there are a multitude of campsites available.
McKinney Falls State Park
(Austin)
This is easily one of the most visited parks on the list because of its location. The Upper Falls are next to the visitors center, while the Lower Falls are just a short hike away, making them both popular and easier to reach than most of the locations on this list. Located in Austin, Texans flock here to cool off and enjoy the relaxing sights and sounds these waterfalls have to offer. Both falls are fed by Onion Creek, where you can also fish.
“McKinney Falls State Park is nice for those who don’t want to travel far from the city. It’s an oasis in Austin’s backyard,” Humphreys said.
McKinney Falls State Park has lots of history and educational trails. See the fascinating and well-preserved rock shelter used by Native Americans, or take the trail that will lead you to the remains of Thomas F. McKinney’s old homestead. Here, you can enjoy 9 miles of accessible trails, cool off at the falls and creek, mountain bike, geocache, go bouldering and more. For a nice summer getaway, take advantage of the 81 RV campsites with hook-ups, or stay in a newly remodeled cabin.
Sculpture Falls & Twin Falls
(Austin)
Accessed via the Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, Sculpture Falls and Twin Falls are an urban oasis, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Austin, making you forget life’s stressors for a little while.
Being part of the Edwards Aquifer, the waters are an average of 70 degrees, providing relief from the extreme heat, allowing for a refreshing dip after a hike. You can venture to Sculpture Falls with a 3.2-mile hike there and back, while Twin Falls is just a half-mile from paid parking with a more difficult climb down. If you’re looking for some excitement with friends, this is one of the few locations that allows jumping into the water from the bluffs.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
(Dripping Springs)
Well-known for its beauty, The Hamilton Pool Preserve is an absolutely stunning location in Dripping Springs, that you may have even seen featured in movies such as “The Hot Spot,” “The Tree of Life” and “Predators,” among others.
With its 50-foot waterfall flowing from a grotto, the waterfall looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. Due to popular demand, reservations are required. Swimming, hiking and picnicking are allowed, but strollers and pets are not.
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
(Round Mountain)
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center of Round Mountain is dedicated not only to preserving nature, but inspiring others to do the same. This is more than just a waterfall, it’s a guided tour where you will be led through a savanna and a limestone crevice, down a 100-foot staircase and into an incredibly green canyon that is full of life. At the end of the canyon and the moderate to difficult hike, visitors are treated to the angelic 40-foot waterfall that drops into an emerald green grotto. Behind the waterfall, you can enter a limestone room. The trek is worth the beauty of the waterfall and the cave in its lush jungle-like setting.
Pedernales Falls State Park
(Johnson City)
“Pedernales Falls is definitely the main attraction here at the park, as it gives spectacular views, rock climbing, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities,” said Stephen Garmon, Pedernales Falls State Park interpreter.
Garmon said the waterfalls provide all a person needs for the perfect trip back through time.
“This rock is older than the oldest dinosaurs, and represents a time when Texas was under a deep ocean. The rocks here are also slanted and cracked from a collision with a continent, giving the falls its picturesque staggered rock layers. The river flows over each rock layer and cascades downstream creating plunge pools at the base of each layer,” Garmon said. “Pedernales Falls is unique in that it is a cascading waterfall year-round, and after rain events, the upper falls give a more traditional waterfall aesthetic.”
Garmon said the landscape can change over the course of a day or two, depending on heavy rain. “Gravel banks, vegetation and even boulders are all affected by floods, giving you a different experience nearly every time you hike it,” he added.
Pedernales Falls is also a popular location for sunrise and sunset photos, with the golden hues bouncing off the crystal clear water. Garmon said Pedernales Falls State Park may just become your favorite vacation spot.
