Best Waterfalls In Texas To Visit And Swimming Holes For The Most Fulfilling Experience

In 2025, we lost Victor Emanuel, the top-notch birder and the founder of the Austin ecotourism company. 

Now, one month after his passing, it is the ideal time to have an in-depth discussion about the ecotourism scenario of Texas, a state he called home. 

The ecotourism industry in Texas has experienced significant growth over the past few years. Further, it is an important element in the tourism and economic landscape of the state, generating employment and revenues. 

Again, ecotourism in Texas is a part of sustainable tourism in the state, emphasizing the importance of ethical and responsible travel practices. 

The waterfalls in Texas, located in state national parks and other locations, are important components of ecotourism in the state. These waterfalls are often at the epicenter of diverse ecosystems. 

Moreover, many of these waterfalls are part of bigger conservation projects, playing a bigger role in the environmental protection of the state. 

By now, you must have an idea that this Tour and Travel Blog is going to be about the best waterfall in Texas. 

So, let’s explore!

What Is The Best Time To Visit The Best Waterfalls In Texas?

What Is The Best Time To Visit The Best Waterfalls In Texas

Spring is the best time to visit the best waterfalls in Texas. During March and April, the waterfalls receive adequate water from rainfall in the winter season and melting snow. 

Further, the summer months from May to August are a good time to explore the waterfalls in Texas. The cascading water with mists around offers a cool escape in the scorching summer of Texas.

What Are The Best Waterfalls In Texas? 

Today, we mostly associate Texas with stunning urban areas and the most dramatic desert landscape. 

However, we often overlook the beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes in the state, offering the right fusion of adventure and immersive experience for tourists.

1. Gorman Falls

  • Location: Colorado Bend State Park
  • Height: 70 Feet
  • Hours Open: 6 AM to 10 PM
  • Entry Fee for Adults: $5, Children below 12: Free Entry

Gorman Falls near Dallas is so grand that you cannot capture the whole of it in a single frame. Further, Gorman Falls is a popular hiking destination with a rocky trail. 

Moreover, various springs and Gorman Creek feed this waterfall, and the pool near the fountain is home to Guadalupe bass fish. 

2. Cattail Falls

  • Location: Big Bend National Park
  • Height: 80 Feet
  • Hours Open: 24*7
  • Entry Fee: Standard Pass – $15.00–$30.00

Cattail Falls is one of the hidden gems when we talk about the best waterfalls in Texas. It is a popular hiking destination for adventurous tourists. 

The hiking trail is 3 miles long, and hiking is tricky through the trail. However, a glimpse of the waterfall falling as multiple streams of water is worth the effort.

3. Westcave Preserve Falls

  • Location: Hamilton Pool Road
  • Height: 40 Feet
  • Hours Open: Tuesday-Friday: 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Entry Fee: $20 for Adults 16+ and $10 for Children Aged 4-15 years

Westcave Preserve Falls is the ultimate fantasy destination with stories of unicorns floating in the air. 

Further, this waterfall is pristine, and the little cave here creates a sense of intrigue.

4. Chalk Ridge Falls

  • Location: Belton
  • Height: Around 206 Feet
  • Hours Open: 8 AM to 6 PM
  • Entry: Free

If you are looking for a tranquil getaway, Chalk Ridge Falls in Belton will be your go-to destination. 

Surrounded by trees, Chalk Ridge Falls exudes a pristine charm. Also, you will love swimming in the shallow side of the lake.

5. Pedernales Falls

Pedernales Falls
  • Location: Pedernales Falls State Park
  • Height: 50 Feet
  • Hours Open: 8 AM to 10 PM
  • Entry Fee: $6 for 13 Years And Above, Free Entrance for Children Aged 12

Located near San Antonio, Pedernales Falls is all about finding peace. The sound of the water is music to the ears. 

Here, you can bike and hike around the trail and swim in the calmest water. 

6. Hamilton Pool Waterfall

Hamilton Pool Waterfall
  • Location: Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs
  • Height: Around 50 Feet
  • Hours Open: 9 AM to 12:30 PM and 2-5:30 PM
  • Entry Fee: $8 for Adults and Free for Children Below 12 Years 

Hamilton Pool Waterfall has been formed with the creek spilling streams of water over limestone structures. 

There is a beautiful pool below the waterfall in a canyon. You can reach Hamilton Pool Waterfall after a hike of 1.9 miles through a moderately challenging route.

7. Krause Springs

  • Location: Spicewood Road
  • Height: 8 Feet
  • Hours Open: 9 AM to 8 PM (Usually Closed between November 1st and February 15th for Maintenance.)
  • Entry Fee: $10 for 12 Years and Old, $6 for Children from 4 to 11 Years, and Free for Kids Under 4 Years

A property of the Krause Family for the last 50 years, Krause Springs has 32 springs. Furthermore, the waterfall here enhances the appeal of the serene landscape. 

You can swim in the pool, camp, or even hike the small trail to spend some time in nature. Also, do not forget a walk in the beautiful butterfly garden. 

8. McKinney Water State Park

McKinney Water State Park
  • Location: Austin
  • Hours Open: 8 AM to 10 PM
  • Entry Fee: $6 for 13 Years and Above, Free for Children up to 12 Years

Home to the Onion Creek, McKinney Water State Park has the Lower and Upper Falls. You can reach the waterfalls fed by the water of the Onion Creek by hiking through endless trails here. 

Moreover, the gigantic bald cypress tree, or Old Baldy, stands as the eternal witness to humankind in this state park. 

What Are The Best Swimming Holes In Texas?

Do you want to escape the summer heat of Texas? Why don’t you plan a trip to these amazing swimming holes?

These swimming holes are ideal for a fun time with family and friends.

1. Barton Springs Pool

Barton Springs Pool is located in Zilker Park in Austin. Fed by spring water, this 1000-foot-long pool maintains a temperature of 68 degrees F throughout the year. 

It is a perfect summer escapade for families. 

2. Devil’s Waterhole

Located in the Inks Lake State Park, Devil’s Waterhole is a popular swimming hole in Texas. You can also hike through the canyon in the Inks Lake State Park.

Further, you can plan camping and overnight stays in this beautiful state park. 

3. Blanco State Park

Blanco State Park has a dam that creates a beautiful lagoon and waterfall. You can swim here and indulge in the scenic beauty. 

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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THE NIGHTLIFE OF DENVER: A COMPLETE GUIDE

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 20, 2021

Denver ideally blends epic sports, gourmet food, world-class art, and beautiful scenic nature, along with dozens of breweries in this fantastic city. From exclusive museum tours to world-class dining and outdoor adventures, this city has it all. And don't think that Colorado ski resorts are the only reason to fly to Denver; the mountain village is also one of the best places to visit for its thriving nightlife.  As a tourist, choosing the right place to stay can make your vacation days great days to remember. 3 Popular Nightlife Places For The Tourists In Denver Denver is a pretty famous place among the international and the local tourists for the unique music concert. The summer open whole day musical shows are organized for the viewers. When you are in Denver, especially in summer, you will get plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local music show and the local music band’s songs.  For the nightcrawlers, the day and the night both are the perfect time to enjoy. 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10 Best Things to Do in San Diego (USA)

BY  Mashum Dec 9, 2021

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READ MORE is the bahamas safe

Is The Bahamas Safe For Tourists? Can I Travel To The Bahamas Right Now?

BY  Sibashree Apr 23, 2025

Is the Bahamas safe? Trust me! My mailbox is getting flooded with this question from the tourism businesses and professionals I know.  I think that the recent announcement from the Trump administration to avoid visiting the Bahamas has raised this concern.  But why is this sudden announcement? The growing crime rate, unsafe boating practices, and a rise in shark attacks have prompted the US State Department to issue an advisory on 31st March 2025 and an urgent warning against Americans visiting the Bahamas.  Now, the Bahamas, with the largest economy in the Caribbean, has often been under the radar as a nation with a Level 2 travel caution.  Level 2 caution means that a traveler needs to “exercise increased caution” while planning a trip to the Bahamas.  So, can I travel to the Bahamas right now? Yes, you can, but with increased safety precautions.  Do you want to know about travel safety in the Bahamas? You will find all the details in this Tour and Travel Blog. Is The Bahamas Safe? 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Showing affection in public, especially for same-sex couples, is uncommon.”Foreign Travel Advice Bahamas  Are The Bahamas Safe For Families, And Why We Still Love The Bahamas See, the questions like “Is it safe to walk in the Bahamas?” or “Is the Bahamas safe for families?” will not fade anytime soon, as the crime rates are high in the country.  Also, countries such as the USA, the UK, and Canada have issued travel advisories that highlight almost the same major issues.  Having said that, we still love the Bahamas, which has endless stories about the voyages of Vasco da Gama, and it is the home to the Pirates of the Caribbean.  The major tourist attractions in the Bahamas are Nassau, the capital city, Freeport, Andros Island, San Salvador, and Exuma Cays.