What’s better than chasing waterfalls in Texas? How about Texas waterfall trails that lead you right to them? The following nine trails in Texas kill two birds with one stone by letting you explore before showing you the breathtaking sight that is a towering wall of water cascading into a pool below.

These nine trails are some of the best waterfall hikes in Texas.

1. McKinney Falls State Park - Austin
McKinney Falls State Park, 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Two falls known as the Upper and Lower can be found in this park. The former is located on the 2.8-mile Onion Creek Hike & Bike Trail, while the latter is at the end of the short-and-sweet, .5-mile picnic trail. Both hikes are easy, family-friendly, and very rewarding.
2. Hamilton Pool - Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs, TX, USA
flickr/Daniel McGrotty
It's only about a 10 minute trek from the parking lot to the entrance at the iconic Hamilton Pool, so there's no reason not to pay it a visit before summer is over. Watching the 50-foot waterfall pour into the grotto from the limestone overhang above is one of the most breathtaking sights you'll ever come across.

Take a look at the stunning natural beauty of Hamilton Pool:

3. Colorado Bend State Park - Bend
Colorado Bend State Park, 2236 Park Hill Dr, Bend, TX 76824, USA
Flickr/fiftypercentchanceofrain
Colorado Bend State Park sits on over 5,000 acres of trails, springs, rivers, and caves, but most visitors come for one reason and one alone: Gorman Falls. This magnificent, 65-foot waterfall is almost reminiscent of a pinball machine, breaking off into dozens of trickling segments before converging into a pool beneath. For a second, you might think you're in a scene from Tarzan.
4. Westcave Preserve - Round Mountain
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX 78663, USA
Flickr/rickmach
A weekend guided tour will lead you to a 40-foot waterfall that spills into an emerald pool below. Tours are held on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. With lush greenery and wildlife abounding, you definitely won't forget your visit.

Get an in-depth look at the Westcave Preserve:

Related Stories

The Marvelous 1-Mile Trail In Texas That Leads Adventurers To A Little-Known Waterfall And Natural Spring

The Marvelous 1-Mile Trail In Texas That Leads Adventurers To A Little-Known Waterfall And Natural Spring

 We Bet You Didn't Know There Was A Miniature Niagara Falls In Texas

We Bet You Didn't Know There Was A Miniature Niagara Falls In Texas

 If True Paradise Was In Texas, It Would Be At Madrid Falls In Big Bend Ranch State Park

If True Paradise Was In Texas, It Would Be At Madrid Falls In Big Bend Ranch State Park
5. Krause Springs - Spicewood
Krause Springs, 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669, USA
Pixabay/kbatx
Krause Springs has been open to the public for more than 50 years, boasting 115 acres with 32 springs total on the property. The one pictured above is the most popular and only a short walk from both the parking lot and campsites. This mystical grotto definitely looks like a faraway tropical paradise.
6. Cattail Falls - Big Bend National Park
Cattail Falls, Texas 79834, USA
Flickr/michaelhwhitten
A true hidden gem, Cattail Falls, is located on a 3.1-mile unmarked trail in Big Bend National Park. We recommend asking a park ranger for explicit directions before you embark on this journey because you certainly wouldn't want to find yourself alone in the middle of the desert.
7. Boot Spring Trail - Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park, TX, USA
Flickr/trekker314
This beautiful trail is pretty strenuous, so be sure to pack lots of snacks and water. Be prepared to spend about six hours hiking the 11-mile loop. We promise the view when you finally reach the falls makes the hike well worth it.
8. Window Falls - Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park, TX, USA
Flickr/12fh
Slightly less difficult, the Window Trail is 5.2 miles long and moderately intense. Not only does it take you to the most photographed scene in Big Bend National Park known as "The Window," but it also leads to a gorgeous waterfall. This trail is one you absolutely cannot pass up.
9. Pedernales Falls State Park - Johnson City
Pedernales Falls State Park, 2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636, USA
flickr/Corey Leopold
The falls here at Pedernales Falls State Park are located in the main area of the park, visible as soon as you step through the entrance. You can see them up close if it hasn't rained a lot recently, as the rocks will be dry enough to climb on. This is easily one of the neatest state parks in Texas.

Have you ever seen any of these waterfalls? What are your favorite waterfall hikes in Texas? Let us know in the comments. If you can’t get enough of Texas hiking trails, here are 13 more of the best hiking trails in Texas.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

best hikes in texas

Jennifer Young | March 22, 2022

What are three of the best kid-friendly trails in Texas?

If you're an avid hiker and have kids, you probably already know how challenging trails can be. To help you out, we've compiled a list of three kid-friendly hikes around Texas. These are perfect for whenever you want to bring your kids along on your hiking adventures. Each of these easy hikes in Texas can also be experienced by all skill levels.

Three of the best kid-friendly trails in Texas include:

1. Santa Elena Canyon Trail

Texas' Santa Elena Canyon Trail, which is located inside Big Bend National Park, is a 1.4-mile, out-and-back trail that's mostly used for hiking, running, and walking.

2. Cedar Brake Trail via Cattail Pond Trail

Located inside Cedar Ridge Preserve is the Cedar Brake Trail via Cattail Pond Trail. This 2.7-mile loop trail is popular for hiking, running, and walking.

3. Balanced Rock via Grapevine Hills Trail

Texas' Balanced Rock via Grapevine Hills Trail is a 2-mile, out-and-back trail that's located inside Big Bend National Park. Most people use this trail whenever they're in the mood for a hike.

What are three of Texas' best and most scenic hikes?

Have you ever wondered to yourself "Where are some of the best and most scenic hiking trails near me?" If so, wonder no more. We've got you covered! Listed below are three of the best and most scenic hikes in Texas. You'll want to do them all.

Three of the best and most scenic hikes in Texas include:

1. Lost Mine Trail

Texas' Lost Mine Trail, which is located inside Big Bend National Park, is a 4.8-mile, out-and-back trail with a moderate rating of difficulty. Most people use this scenic trail for hiking. It's also open year-round.

2. River Place Nature Trail

Located inside the Nature Preserve at River Place is River Place Nature Trail, a 5.5-mile, out-and-back trail with a moderate difficulty rating. This trail is open year-round, and most people use it for hiking, running, and walking.

3. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve Trail

Texas' Arbor Hills Nature Preserve Trail, which is located inside Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano, has an easy rating of difficulty. It's 2.5 miles long and is primarily used for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Like the other two trails, this one is also open year-round.

Related Articles

Explore Texas