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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BY  Mashum Jan 26, 2021

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10 Best Things to Do in Phoenix(Arizona)

BY  Mashum Nov 10, 2021

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READ MORE Starbucks

Starbucks – Best Review By Users In 2022 [Genuine Information]

BY  Barsha Mar 2, 2022

How many of us craved for that coffee from Starbucks every morning while we were forced to work from home? My guess is too many to keep a count! In my living memory, I don’t remember the last time I thought about getting a coffee from somewhere else. So what is it about this coffee that makes so many around the world desire it? I have always wondered whether it was Starbucks’ policy of customized cups or the mouth-watering menu that continues to keep the brand relevant even today. A coffee addict’s paradise, the Starbucks near me is always packed but does that stop me? Well, not really. I simply move to the next chain shop around the corner. For everyone wondering why they have not visited a Starbucks yet, scroll down and read about this global brand in detail. Additionally, I have also added a few reviews that alone should be convincing about this chain coffee shop’s premium quality coffee and customer service! About Starbucks: The Brand When Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker launched Starbucks in 1971, they had no clue that the brand would remain relevant even after 50 years. Instead, what started with one outlet at the Pike Place Market in the Elliot Bay area of Seattle, Washington, expanded into 33,833 stores across the world. Of course, the founders had not anticipated the brand’s success in the international and local markets. In the 1980s, Howard Schultz bought the brand and took the wise decision of transforming the final product - from a coffee bean shop to a coffee shop. This was the change that is considered one of the biggest reasons behind the brand’s success. With a 114th rank on the Fortune 500 list and a 288th rank on the Forbes Global 2000, it does not look like Starbucks will stop expanding any time soon. The brand has consistently increased the number of stores in different countries, and even the Starbucks menu has undergone several transformations. Coffee Cup Size The Starbucks sizes for coffee cups have remained constant over the years. If you are not aware of the cup size, scroll down to find out! Short (240 ml) - Smaller of the two original sizes. Tall (350 ml) - Larger of the two original sizes. Grande (470 ml) - Italian for "large". Venti (590 ml and 770 mL) - Hot and Iced - Italian for "twenty." Trenta (890 ml) - Italian for "thirty". Products The Starbucks menu is golden, and there are so many things to try. If you have not been to a single Starbucks yet, update yourself on the menu! Low calorie and sugar-free products. Non-dairy milk offerings. Ethos Water. Instant coffee and coffee capsules. Coffee makers and single-use capsules. Alcoholic drinks. Fruit juices, fruit beverages, and sodas. Energy Drinks. Locations At present, Starbucks has its stores in 32,660 locations around the world, spanning as many as 79 countries and territories on six continents. Additionally, for people wondering what time does Starbucks close, you will be happy to know that most branches operate between 7 am to 8 pm. However, since the Starbucks hours of operation might vary from time to time, it’s best to check with the ones nearest to your locations. As of now, Starbucks is located in the following continents, Africa: Four countries. Europe: Twenty Eight Countries. North America: Fifteen Countries. Oceania: Two Countries. South America: Seven Countries. Asia: Twenty Six Countries. Starbucks - Best Reviews (https://www.consumeraffairs.com/food/starbucks.html) - Reference for three reviews. As a brand that has managed to stay relevant for more than half a century, Starbucks has a vast amount of reviews on Google from consumers all over the world. Check out a few of our favorite reviews! 1. Review By Denise Of Mckinney “I would like to give a huge shoutout to the Starbucks employees at the Kroger location in Plano, Tx. at Coit and Hwy 121. All of their employees are super friendly, efficient, and always remember my drink combo. I and my husband have been going to that Starbucks for six years now, and we love our Baristas. Most days, there is only one Barista tending to the store, but they are always efficient and seem to do an amazing job single-handedly. I would like to give a special shoutout to Michelle, she always greets me with a smile and a funny story, which makes my day amazing. Thank you, Michelle, for always being my ray of sunshine first thing in the morning.” 2. Review By Abhinav Of Abu Dhabi “Had a wonderful Christmas. Such an amazing experience this time at Starbucks. Mesmerizing taste and hospitality at its core. Delicious caramel frappe, turkey, and cheese pretzel sandwich yet chasing my taste buds. The Starbucks downstreet had a really tranquil environment and was great for having a hot coffee on a cold winter day. I love the sparkling bottled water and the painting on the walls, which give me a feeling of satisfaction. A relaxed and comforting environment to provide on a happy day. It's a great place to spend some time with friends, family, and converse. Thanks for the experienced Team Starbucks. It was 100% hostile and welcoming. Wish to see you soon.” 3. Review By M Of Cottage Grove “I have been to many Starbucks locations in several cities and states over the years. I want to take a moment to acknowledge Natatia at the Cottage Grove, MN, location. Natatia always has a very positive attitude, and I look forward to having her take my order when she is working. It is employees like Natatia that take the customer experience at Starbucks to the next level. Her customer service is "Star" worthy! I would highly recommend Starbucks in Cottage Grove to anyone.” Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): 1. What Is The Best Drink At Starbucks? The five best drinks of Starbucks as rated by consumers all over the world are as follows, Nitro Cold Brew with Sweet Cream. Pumpkin Spice Latte. Caffé Mocha. Caramel Brulée Latte. Caffé Americano. 2. What Is The Review On Starbucks? Starbucks has a stellar 4.4 rating on Google with over 5169 reviews from consumers all over the world. The vast number of positive reviews indicates that consumers are pretty satisfied with the menu and quality of service. 3. Why Starbucks Is The Best? Most fans would agree that the coffee brew served at Starbucks keeps them going all day long! But coffee is not the only thing that makes this global coffee shop chain so popular with users - the menu and customer service also happen to be a massive hit with people. Conclusion There’s no denying that Starbucks has stayed relevant as a brand for a really long time and continues to evolve every year. So if you haven’t visited the famous chain coffee shop yet, then what are you waiting for? Visit today! 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