5 Must-See Waterfalls in Texas (2026)
If you only have time for five Texas waterfalls, make it these: the state's most visited falls, spread out so the list covers more ground.
How We Picked
These are the five most visited Texas waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Gorman Falls
San Saba, TX · San Saba County · Hill Country and Balcones Escarpment
Why it is a must-see
With 121 Google reviews it is the single most visited waterfall in Texas, and it holds 4.5 stars. In short: "With a 200 foot elevation gain, this scenic hike with a 70 ft. waterfall is 3 miles round trip." Expect rocky trail, steep section, and challenging hike, the topics reviewers bring up most. 1 more named waterfall lies within 15 miles, including Post Oak Falls. It is one of 13 named falls in the Hill Country and Balcones Escarpment region. The nearest town is San Saba, about 17 miles to the northwest.
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2. The Falls
Marlin, TX · Falls County
Why it is a must-see
With 50 Google reviews it is the 2nd most visited waterfall in Texas, and it holds 4.5 stars. The nearest town is Marlin, about 4.3 miles to the north.
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3. Chalk Ridge Falls
Belton, TX · Bell County · Hill Country and Balcones Escarpment
Why it is a must-see
With 38 Google reviews it is the 3rd most visited waterfall in Texas, and it holds 4.6 stars. Expect easy to find, kids, and well, the topics reviewers bring up most. It is one of 13 named falls in the Hill Country and Balcones Escarpment region. The nearest town is Belton, about 4.4 miles to the northeast.
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4. Lower McKinney Falls
Austin, TX · Bluff Springs County · Hill Country and Balcones Escarpment
Why it is a must-see
With 30 Google reviews it is the 4th most visited waterfall in Texas, and it holds 4.4 stars. 1 more named waterfall lies within 15 miles, including Barber Falls. It is one of 13 named falls in the Hill Country and Balcones Escarpment region. The nearest town is Austin, about 5.6 miles to the north.
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5. Slumber Falls
New Braunfels, TX · Comal County · Hill Country and Balcones Escarpment
Why it is a must-see
With 18 Google reviews it is the 6th most visited waterfall in Texas, and it holds 4.4 stars. 2 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Horseshoe Falls and Dittmar Falls. It is one of 13 named falls in the Hill Country and Balcones Escarpment region. The nearest town is New Braunfels, about 3.7 miles to the south.
A Route Linking All Five
Starting from the northernmost pick and always heading to the nearest remaining one, the five cover about 210 straight-line miles. Road distances are longer.
- The Falls (start, near Marlin)
- Chalk Ridge Falls, about 39 mi southwest
- Gorman Falls, about 57 mi west
- Lower McKinney Falls, about 75 mi southeast
- Slumber Falls, about 39 mi southwest
When to Visit Texas's Waterfalls
Spring is the prime season across most of Texas. From March through early June, frequent storms and active springs keep Hill Country falls running, and wildflowers carpet the roadsides. Summer brings intense heat statewide; spring-fed falls such as Gorman Falls continue to flow, but many rain-fed falls dry up, and swimming holes become crowded. Autumn can bring heavy rains, especially in September and October, which revive falls but also bring dangerous flash floods. In the Trans-Pecos, the most reliable flow follows the summer monsoon, roughly July through September, while winter is the most comfortable season for hiking in Big Bend. Panhandle canyons see spring and summer thunderstorms, with occasional winter ice. Winter in the Hill Country is mild and flow is variable.
Before You Go
Texas is overwhelmingly private land, so access is the main planning challenge. Many falls are on ranches or private property and are not open to the public. The best-known sites are in Texas State Parks, such as Colorado Bend, McKinney Falls, Palo Duro Canyon and Caprock Canyons, which charge entry fees and can sell out of day passes on busy weekends, so reservations are wise. Cattail Falls is in Big Bend National Park, and Dolan Falls lies within a Nature Conservancy preserve with restricted access. The Hill Country is known as Flash Flood Alley, and rivers there can rise with startling speed; never cross flooded low-water crossings. Heat, sun and scarce water are serious hazards in summer, particularly in West Texas.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out.
Explore More Texas Waterfalls
See all 31 waterfalls in the Texas waterfall guide, or browse by town: San Saba, Marlin, Belton, Austin, New Braunfels.
More Texas Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one must-see waterfall in Texas?
Gorman Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.5-star rating from 121 Google reviews. It is near San Saba in San Saba County.
How was this list made?
These are the five most visited Texas waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state.
Can you see all five in one trip?
The five are about 210 straight-line miles apart in total when visited in the order suggested above. Most people split them across two or more days.
How many waterfalls are in Texas?
Our directory lists 31 named waterfalls in Texas. See them all, sorted by town, in the Texas waterfall guide.
What is the highest waterfall in Texas?
USGS records Capote Falls in Presidio County as the highest waterfall in Texas, with a vertical drop of 175 feet. It is in remote country in far West Texas.