20 Waterfalls In Texas

Texas is then USA’s second-largest state, behind only Alaska. With sprawling prairies, flowing rivers, towering mountains, and unique bayous, it is perhaps the wildest, most natural place in the contiguous United States. However, you don’t often hear too much about waterfalls in Texas.

While there are certainly plenty of opportunities to find this beautiful feature in the Lone Star State, most people tend to associate them more with places like California, Hawaii, New York or Wyoming. That’s a real shame, though, as it means some visitors are depriving themselves of some of the most picturesque locations in the country. Here are the 20 best waterfalls in Texas to help you find new places to explore and take in the natural wonders of America while you are down south.

Texas Waterfalls

20 Best Waterfalls In Texas

1- Cattail Falls

Located well off the beaten trail in Big Bend National Park, Cattail Falls is a stunning, if somewhat secret attraction in Texas’ only national park.

Surrounded by beautiful vegetation, Cattail Falls stands 80 feet (24.4 metres) tall and torrents water down to the floor of Cattail Canyon.

At just a 1.5 mile (2.4 km) hike from the entrance to Cattail Canyon, the journey to see this natural beauty shouldn’t be too strenuous for most visitors.

However, it is important to note that the ecosystem is extremely fragile.

While it has been removed from many maps, it is still open to the public, so please be respectful when you visit and help preserve the site for future generations.

Cattail Falls is at Big Bend National Park, 79834.

2- Upper & Lower Falls

McKinney Falls State Park is within the Austin city limits, making the falls among the easiest in the state to visit.

Both Upper and Lower Falls are situated on Onion Creek and are surrounded by hiking trails filled with all manner of beautiful wildlife and landscapes.

While by no means the tallest waterfall in Texas, Upper and Lower Falls are among its most visited.

This is because the waterfall is easy to access in an urban location, and there’s a beautiful, unique landscape surrounding the falls.

McKinney Falls State Park is at 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, 78744.

3- Madrid Falls

Madrid Falls is in Big Bend Ranch State Park and stands 100 feet (30.5 metres) tall, making it the tallest publicly accessible waterfall in Texas.

However, just because it is accessible doesn’t mean it is easily accessible.

Although it looks like a moderate hike from the main trails on the map, the rough, rugged, steep terrain makes it a challenging journey.

While experienced hikers may like the challenge, most will need to use a four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach the falls.

When you do, though, it will be worth the hassle.

The water flows down into a calm pool, surrounded by stereotypical Texan “wild west” landscapes.

With lower footfall than similar locations, it offers a peaceful, scenic destination from which to enjoy the natural side of Texas.

Madrid Falls is at 21800 Farm To Market Road 170, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Terlingua, 79852.

4- Mexicano Falls

Mexicano Falls is a short distance from Madrid Falls, accessible from the Choro Vista Trailhead.

Mexicano Falls is slightly further from the trailhead and a little shorter, at 80 feet (24.4 m), although still ranks as the third tallest waterfall in Texas.

Featuring a similar aesthetic to its neighbour, many overlook Mexicano Falls, due to it being smaller and harder to reach.

However, for real waterfall enthusiasts, having two of the three tallest waterfalls in the state so close together is an opportunity they can’t pass up.

Mexicano Falls is in Big Bend Ranch State Park, Redford, 79846.

5- Wildcat Hollow Waterfall

Wildcat Hollow Waterfall is a 60 foot (18 m) waterfall in Dinosaur Valley State Park.

The park, known primarily for its dinosaur tracks, creates the opportunity to transport yourself back to prehistoric times and experience a truly unique destination.

Unfortunately, the falls only truly flow during periods of high rain, which fills up many of the tracks.

This means not only do you need to plan your trip carefully, but you also ideally want to stay for a few days if you hope to enjoy both attractions.

Dinosaur Valley State Park is at 1629 Park Road, Glen Rose, 76043.

6- Hamilton Pool Waterfall

Standing 50 feet (15 m) tall, water flows down from Hamilton Creek into a beautiful green pool inside a picturesque limestone grotto.

Despite being an incredibly popular destination, limited numbers are admitted to the preserve each day, meaning you will still get to experience it in all its natural glory.

The Hamilton Pool Waterfall is in the Hamilton Pool Preserve, to the northwest of Austin.

7- Westcave Waterfall

The Westcave Waterfall is located between the Hamilton Pool Waterfall and Pedernales Falls, making it a full day out for waterfall enthusiasts.

While only available to be visited as part of a guided tour, this 40 foot (12 m) waterfall pours out through the limestone and torrents down into a pool and grotto below.

This creates a truly magical location, even if you are surrounded by other visitors.

Westcave Outdoor Recovery Center is at 24814 Hamilton Pool Road, Round Mountain, 78663.

8- Gorman Falls

Standing 60 feet (18 m) tall and requiring a good hike to get to, Gorman Falls is a scenic and one of the most isolated waterfalls in Texas.

Visitors who do make the journey, which takes at least 90 minutes, will be met by the beautiful sight of cascading water, glistening pools, and unique and exciting wildlife, which will surely vindicate their decision to make the trip.

Gorman Falls is in Colorado Bend State Park, 2236 Park Hill Drive, Bend, 76824.

9- Krause Springs

While many consider it a spring, as opposed to a traditional waterfall, the largest cascade in Krause Springs is still a sight worth seeing for waterfall enthusiasts.

Pouring into a beautiful swimming hole, surrounded by foliage and beautiful trees, visitors can take a dip in the water and explore the nearby cave and butterfly garden.

In contrast, the trickle of the water relaxes them and brings them closer to nature.

Krause Springs is at 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669.

10- Pedernales Falls

Pedernales Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls in all of Texas.

The Pedernales River’s peaks, dips, and tight bends feed this waterfall to create a fast-flowing stream of water.

With water activities like tubing offered on the rapids, as well as things like hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and camping in the surrounding area, the Pedernales Falls can be the focal point of a wonderful day out in the wilds.

Pedernales Falls is in Pedernales Falls State Park, 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, 78636.

11- Dolan Falls

While only 10 feet (3 m) tall, Dolan Falls is located in an incredibly remote location, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking for a wild and natural adventure.

With the land around them, all privately owned, explorers hoping to see Dolan Falls with their own eyes will need to paddle down the river to do so.

While perhaps this may be off-putting for some, it creates a more complete and exciting adventure experience for others.

Dolan Falls is at Falls Canyon, Devils River, 78837.

12- Boykin Creek Waterfall

Boykin Creek Waterfall is a relatively small waterfall, standing just a few feet off the ground.

While undoubtedly very pretty, it may not be an attraction people will make an effort to visit on its own.

However, when combined with the beautiful hiking trails, picnic areas, swimming and fishing lakes, and even an abandoned sawmill that surround it, the Boykin Creek Waterfall becomes a central part of an exciting day out.

Boykin Springs Recreation Area is near Zavalla, 75980.

13- Capote Falls

At 175 feet (53.5 m) Capote Falls is, by far, the tallest waterfall in the state of Texas, almost equalling the height of the second and third-tallest waterfalls in the state combined.

Located near Texas’ western border with Mexico, Capote Falls features two drops fed by Capote Creek, the mineral-rich waters of which have coated the surrounding rocks in a distinctive travertine covering.

Unfortunately, Capote Falls is on private land, so very few people ever get to see it with their own eyes, which is truly a shame.

Those determined enough to do so can either seek permission from the landowner or take a trip by air in a helicopter or private plane for a unique experience.

14- Beef Creek Falls

Located on Hog Creek, Beef Creek Falls is a pleasant waterfall that stands 15 feet (4.5 m) tall. Similarly to Capote Falls, Beef Creek Falls is on private land owned by the East Texas timber company, with access to the waterfall requiring permission from the owner.

While this may put many people off, it also creates an opportunity for others, as the lack of other visitors makes it one of the least visited waterfalls in the state.

It’s perfect for those seeking a truly natural adventure.

Beef Creek Falls is at Hog Creek, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Jasper, 75951.

15- Wichita Falls

Wichita Falls is a beautiful, man-made waterfall on the Wichita River Trail in the city of Wichita Falls.

Surrounded by an urban park, it provides an opportunity for fans of waterfalls but not the hikes often required to see them in person.

Wichita Falls lets you spend a relaxing day in the park, listening to the sound of the flowing water and taking in the beauty with as little effort as possible.

Wichita Falls is on the Wichita River Trail, Wichita Falls, 76301.

16- Airfield Falls

Airfield Falls is the Fort Worth area’s only natural waterfall, making it an excellent stop to enjoy this natural attraction without travelling too far.

Fed by the Farmers Branch Creek, this small yet beautiful waterfall provides a little slice of nature in the confines of the big city.

Surrounded by a beautiful conservation park, it offers the chance for relaxation and the opportunity for a break from urban life.

Airfield Falls is at 00618209, Westworth Village, Fort Worth, 76114.

17- Blue Hole Park

Blue Hole Park is a popular destination that features a swimming hole carved into ancient limestone and fed by the San Gabriel River.

The river flows over the falls across its entire width to fill the pool with its emerald-green water, making it one of the widest waterfalls in the state.

Blue Hole Park is at 100 Blue Hole Park, Georgetown, 78626.

18- Blanco Falls

As a relatively small yet pretty waterfall, many enthusiasts won’t bother to visit Blanco Falls.

What makes it unusual is that it is at the heart of Blanco State Park.

A destination famed for activities like camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking, and tubing, it is filled with wildlife, including armadillos, mallards, nutria, racoons, and squirrels, all of which can be spotted from the observation tower.

This allows Blanco Falls to be the focal point of an entire day out instead of just a shorter stop purely to see the falls.

Blanco Falls is at Blanco State Park, 101 Park Road 23, Blanco, 78606.

19- Pine Canyon Waterfall

The Pine Canyon Waterfall is not a traditional waterfall as it isn’t fed directly by a river or present all year round.

It is predominantly a scenic outback hiking trail that offers stunning vistas and a chance to see some of Texas’ most beautiful natural locations.

However, during the rainy season, large stretches of the trail are flooded by torrents of water, transforming the area into a stunning and unique waterfall in Texas.

Pine Canyon Waterfall is in Big Bend National Park, 79834.

20- Windows Trail

Like the Pine Canyon Waterfall, Windows Trail is located in Big Bend National Park and only becomes a waterfall after periods of heavy rain.

What makes this section particularly worth mentioning is that at 220 feet (67 m) high, it becomes the tallest waterfall in Texas when it’s active.

Windows Trail is in Big Bend National Park, 79834.