Texas is the largest state in the US. If you’ve never visited the Lone Star State before, you might think it’s just dry and hot, but you might be surprised to learn that it is filled with incredible natural, green wonders!
One of these natural, green wonders that Texas deserves a lot more recognition for is all of its waterfalls!
There are some waterfalls in the state that are really popular amongst tourists, but there are also other waterfalls that aren’t as well known.
These waterfalls can be visited all year round, but if you really want to appreciate them in all their glory, they are best visited in the summer months.
If you want to be surrounded by lush, green nature and you want to find more waterfalls to explore, then you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve put together a list of 18 of the best waterfalls to visit in the Texas area, which will make your summer vacation even better!
18 Of The Best Waterfalls To Visit In Texas In The Summer
Whether you’re in the mood for some natural beauty, or you’re looking for the perfect wild swimming spot, each of the waterfalls we have included in this list is sure to cater to your needs.
There’s something for everyone on this list and regardless of which one you visit first, you won’t be disappointed!
We consider each of these waterfalls to be the very best in all of Texas, and once you visit them for the first time, you will definitely find yourself coming back for more! So let’s get started!
First, on our list, we have the incredible Wichita Falls. When you see it for the first time, it might surprise you to learn that it’s actually a man-made waterfall!
The waterfall is named after the town and it is truly a fantastic sight to see.
Access to this waterfall is extremely easy, so even if you are not a big hiker, you should have no problem getting to the waterfall.
You can find the falls by going to Lucy Park and then by following the Wichita River Trail.
The hike is one mile long, but it is so incredibly scenic that you will complete the trail in no time. At the end of the hike, you will find Wichita Falls and you will absolutely love it!
Heading to Witchita Falls makes for the perfect day out, and it is incredibly family-friendly.
The Devils River Nature Preserve is already a fantastic place to visit because it is so beautiful, but going specifically for Dolan Falls just makes it even better.
The water in the nature preserve is crystal clear and because the whole area is completely natural, it just makes the whole experience even better.
Unlike Wichita Falls, getting to Dolan Falls is a bit more adventurous and difficult, because you cannot hike there. The only way to get to these falls is to ride down the river.
If you do make the trip downriver though, you won’t be disappointed once you see the falls for yourself.
Dolan Falls is a great place to visit if you’re a bit more adventurous and you enjoy water activities.
Along with the boat trip and the falls themselves, this whole area is perfect for fishing and kayaking.
There is so much for you to do in Fort Worth (Also check out The Best Breweries In Fort Worth) and it is already a popular tourist destination, so why not throw in some waterfalls too?
Airfield Falls is one such waterfall that you will find in Fort Worth, and it just happens to be Tarrant County’s largest natural waterfall too!
Man-made waterfalls are beautiful, but there really is something special about the natural ones, and Airfield Falls is no exception.
The water falls onto impressive rocky structures and the views are sure to leave you wide-eyed.
Getting to Airfield Falls requires you to head to Westworth Village on Pumphrey Drive.
Once you are there, be on the lookout for a trailhead that will lead you directly to Airfield Falls.
It’s not too hard to get to the falls once you find the trail, and the surrounding views and wildlife make the trip even better.
If you can’t decide between dinosaurs and waterfalls, then head to Dinosaur Valley State Park so you can enjoy both!
Along with the beautiful running water and scenic views of the falls, you will also be able to see real fossilized dinosaur tracks, making it a fantastic day out that the whole family can enjoy.
The Wildcat Hollow Waterfall is a special waterfall because you can only actually see it when it’s raining! Heavy rainfall creates this waterfall and it is truly a remarkable sight!
You can find Wildcat Hollow Waterfall via a marked trailhead, but if you are having trouble locating it, there are plenty of park rangers in the area who can point you in the right direction.
If the concept of secret waterfalls intrigues you, then you are going to love the Wildcat Hollow Waterfall!
Not only is Blue Hole Park home to some of the best waterfalls in all of Texas, but it is also home to one of the most popular wild swimming spots too.
This is the perfect place to visit in the summer and you can quite easily spend all day cooling off in the water here.
The water is a beautiful emerald color and it is the perfect temperature to take a plunge in during a Texas summer.
You can find Blue Hole Park on the San Gabriel River, and the waterfalls themselves are both beautiful and exciting.
Blue Hole Park is an incredible place. It is incredibly scenic and beautiful, and you will find plenty of fantastic views and photo opportunities here!
McKinney Falls State Park is home to many beautiful waterfalls, but if you really want to see the best of the best, then head to both the Upper and Lower Falls.
All of the waterfalls in McKinney State Park are beautiful, but there’s something about these two that really makes them stand out.
McKinney State Park is the perfect place for anyone who enjoys hanging out in nature.
There are plenty of trails to hike as well as bike trails, and there are plenty of bird-watching and fishing spots for you to enjoy.
The park is also really popular in the summer because it’s a great place to go wild swimming.
The Upper Falls of Onion Creek are especially popular for this because people love to jump off of the surrounding limestone cliffs into the water.
You won’t be disappointed when you check out McKinney Falls State Park for yourself.
Located at Westcave Preserve, Westcave Waterfall is a fantastic 40-foot waterfall that cascades into a beautiful pool below.
The whole area is like something out of a storybook and it is definitely worth visiting if you get the chance.
You can only visit Westcave Waterfall on a guided tour, but they run almost every weekend and you will be able to learn lots of interesting facts about the falls and the surrounding area.
Because this is such a popular tourist attraction, it’s in your best interest to book the tour well in advance, or you might miss out!
Along with a tour of the waterfall itself, the guided tours also cover the rest of the preserve and some of the surrounding mountains.
All of the waterfalls on this list are beautiful, but there are some that just touch our heartstrings in really special ways. Krause Springs is definitely one such location!
Located in Spicewood, Krause Springs is not only home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Texas, but it is also home to a popular natural swimming pool that is perfect to visit in the summer.
It should be noted that Krause Springs is actually located on private property, but as long as you pay a fee, you are welcome to explore the area.
Along with the fantastic waterfall, there are also 30 natural springs in the area and there is also a man-made pool that you can enjoy.
There is also a campground located in Krause Springs, which means you can spend your evenings swimming and enjoying the waterfalls too!
9. Capote Falls, Marfa
Located in Marfa is the tallest waterfall in all of Texas! The falls drop down to 175 ft and they are quite a sight to behold.
Unfortunately, Capote Falls is located on private property, so the only way you’re going to be able to see them for yourself is by getting permission.
You can ask the landowner directly for permission, and as long as you are polite and respectful, they are likely to grant it.
It’s definitely worth asking because once you see this waterfall for yourself, you will be absolutely amazed!
You can also see this waterfall by taking a helicopter tour over Marfa, and it is just as beautiful from above!
If you still want to see a tall waterfall, but you don’t feel comfortable asking for permission to see Capote Falls, then the next best one would be Madrid Falls in Big Bend Ranch State Park.
This waterfall is completely open to the public and it is actually the second-tallest waterfall in all of Texas (Also check out Different Nicknames For Texas).
Getting to the falls will require a vehicle and a bit of effort, but it’s completely worth it when you see them!
Because of the effort it requires to get there, Madrid Falls is actually a lot quieter than some of the other waterfalls on this list, so if you do manage to get there, you can enjoy its beauty completely uninterrupted!
In order to see this waterfall, you will need to wait for it to rain, but when it does, you will be in awe.
These falls can be found on rainy days on the Window Trail, and you will need to hike on the Oak Springs Trail to see them.
When the water is flowing, you won’t find anything else quite like it. The rain won’t put you off either because it really adds to the whole aesthetic of the area.
The Cattail Falls are located in the Chisos Mountains of the Big Bend National Park, which does make this area a little hard to get to, but it’s completely worth it!
The three-mile hike to the falls is incredibly scenic, and because it’s a bit harder to reach, you might be lucky enough to have the falls to yourself!
Just be mindful of the area and have all the appropriate gear with you. Black bears are common in this part of Big Bend National Park, so be cautious of that!
To reach Gorman Falls, you will need to go on a 3-mile hike, but it’s worth it for the views, both along the way and at the falls!
Gorman Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Texas, and you will definitely be impressed when you see them for yourself.
Though the falls and the surrounding areas are worth hiking to, make sure to wear sturdy and durable shoes, because the terrain is very uneven and there are various forms of fauna (such as cacti) that you need to watch out for.
The Hamilton Pool Waterfall is perfect for anyone who wants a relaxing and refreshing day trip away from the city.
It is a natural pool that also has a stunning waterfall and you won’t find anywhere else like it in all of Texas.
Just be mindful that Hamilton Pool Waterfall gets pretty full in the summer, so make sure you book ahead and get there early to ensure you can enjoy yourself uninterrupted.
The Mexicano Falls is the third largest waterfall in all of Texas, and it is accessible via the Choro Vista Trailhead.
Like many of the other waterfalls on this list, they are located in Big Bend, so if you’re in the area, they are definitely worth checking out.
18. Beef Creek Falls, Jasper
Beef Creek Falls is one of the smaller waterfalls on this list, but its size doesn’t impact its beauty! It can be found on Hog Creek and the water cascades into the Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
Beef Creek Falls is incredibly picturesque and worth visiting if you are in the area.
Conclusion
Check out these waterfalls when you are in Texas! You won’t be disappointed, whichever one you choose!
Hi, my name is Alex Kallen and I love to travel. Ever since I could afford the ticket, I hopped on a plane and never looked back. I’ve made a living writing travel guides and blogging my experience all over the world.
I want to encourage and inspire others to travel around the US like I am. There’s no need to go on vacation overseas when there is an amazing land of opportunity right on your doorstep. Enjoy my website, I hope to see you out here one day.
