Are you aware that Austin has waterfalls? Live music is a natural part of the experience of visiting one of the Live Music Capitals of the World, and barbecue is also a common idea.
A waterfall, on the other hand, who can resist? There are some amazing waterfalls in Austin, including several of the best!
This city is excellent for solo visitors, and couples, I have found it to be a great place for bachelor/bachelorette parties (watch out Nashville), historians, foodies, and gardeners. Nature lovers don’t give Austin enough credit!
There really is something for every level of adventurer on some of Austin’s hiking trails with waterfalls, from easy strolls to strenuous hikes.
The weather in Texas can get very hot, so driving through waterfalls where there are swimming holes is just the thing to cool off.
There is a reputation that Texas is arid and more like a desert, and that is true for much of West Texas.
The East Texas region, which includes Austin, is lush and green all year long. There are hiking trails with waterfalls in Austin that are a must-see!
There are a few additional waterfalls nearby Austin that will be included in this list of the best waterfalls in Austin.
The sculpture falls
This waterfall is one of the more popular waterfalls in Austin, and is located in the Barton Creek greenbelt, about 7 miles west of Austin’s city center, and is one of the most popular waterfalls in Austin.
This 4.2-mile loop is popular with trail runners, bikers, and hikers. There are limestone cliffs along the trail as well as huge oak trees!
Summer is obviously the busiest season for the loop, though areas can flood in the rain, so make sure to wear the right shoes (or bring extra towels).
Three swimming holes can be found along the hike, so we recommend you bring your bathing suit as well!
There is more than one stream of water in this mile-long block-style waterfall.
Some of these rock formations create small pools and slides at the top of the waterfall where you can relax.
Swimming holes can be found below the falls that are substantial enough to allow groups of people to enjoy the water separately.
Summer temperatures are quite mild, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), perfect for diving right in.
There are many waterfalls near Austin, the most famous of which is Sculpture Falls.
Twin Falls
The Twin Falls are located within Barton Creek Greenbelt, just 15 minutes from Austin. An easy 3.2-mile hike is accessible to all levels (not a loop) that is out and back rather than a loop.
You must keep your pup leashed at all times on the trail, which is dog-friendly.
Due to a small elevation gain of only 124 feet, the trail leading to Twin Falls is not as popular with mountain bikers as other trails, but it is a lovely hike to see a beautiful waterfall.
There are some sections of the stream that are deep enough for swimming at Twin Falls’ top. Get your feet wet and cool off in this stream. There is a deep pool below the falls where you can jump off.
Even during the high season, there is enough room for swimming. There is no doubt that Twin Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Austin.
There are a variety of hiking trails near Twin Falls, including waterfalls, and it’s an excellent place to spend the day!
St. Edwards Park
As part of the Balcones Canyonland Preserve, St. Edwards Park comprises a park as well as trails.
Eight endangered species, including two songbirds, are protected under the BCP, which was established in 1996. It tends to be less crowded because it’s part of a nature preserve!
There are three trails, ranging in length from 0.8 to 2.7 miles, all of which are categorized as easy hikes with waterfalls in Austin!
Trails along Bull Creek provide scenic rest stops, wildflower fields, and shallow places for wading into Bull Creek. There are many birds to spot in the trees and bushes.
There is a two-mile out-and-back trail on the main creek there are a good number of smaller waterfalls along the trail that provide an ideal waterfall soundtrack!
Small sand beaches and rock ledges provide great views where you can sit and enjoy the scenery.
A larger waterfall can be found further down the trail, surrounded by greenery. There is a swimming hole near a large waterfall, whose depth varies throughout the year. Fish and turtles can be seen swimming in the water!
There are some beautiful waterfalls in St. Edwards Park, only 20 minutes from Austin’s city center.
Hamilton Falls
A visit to Hamilton Falls would be a great choice if you could only see one waterfall near Austin!
The Hamilton Falls is located in Hamilton Pool Preserve, approximately 30 miles west of Austin. There are a variety of birds, animals, plants, and fish that live on the preserve.
There is no increase in the water level in Hamilton Pool Preserve during the dry season, even during the hot summer months.
It is a magnificent waterfall regardless of whether it is gushing or trickling, depending on the season and rainfall that year.
There is a cash fee and reservations are required, but swimming is not guaranteed because of falling rocks and high bacteria levels.
It is a quarter-mile hike to the swimming hole and waterfall, but the scenery and terrain are well worth it!
The waterfall in the background is a beautiful backdrop to an afternoon spent by the beautiful blue water.
There aren’t many places to cool off in Texas like this if you can swim! Austin’s Hamilton Falls is a popular waterfall!
Lower McKinney Falls
Lower McKinney Falls can be found in McKinney Falls State Park, about 15 minutes from Austin city center. This state park has something for everyone: fishing, hiking, mountain Cycling, camping, bouldering, picnicking, and even geocaching are all popular activities. There’s no better hiking trail with waterfalls in Austin than Lower McKinney Falls!
Thomas McKinney, a businessman who lived in the area, was the name of McKinney Falls State Park. He is also a horse rancher. Despite the park’s deterioration, there is still evidence of his house.
The entrance fee for McKinney Falls State Park is $6 for adults and free for children under 12 years old.
Due to capacity issues, you should make reservations in advance. The busiest months for them are May through September.
The walk to Lower McKinney Falls is about a quarter mile across limestone bedrock and another sloped field of limestone.
There is a swimming hole down below the Lower Falls where water from Onion Creek falls over a 15-foot limestone bench!
The water will be pleasantly refreshing a day or two after it rains! You should go after it rains, according to Austinites! A must-see waterfall in Austin is Lower McKinney Falls!
Upper McKinney Falls
Upper McKinney Falls are also located in the McKinney Falls State Park! The 1-mile distance from the Upper Falls to the Lower Falls makes these must-see waterfalls in Austin!
It takes about one mile to walk between Upper McKinney Falls and Lower McKinney Falls. You can park at Upper McKinney Falls and walk to the Falls in less than a quarter mile if you want to swim instead of hiking (or if you have little ones with you).
There are cypress trees along the banks of the Upper Falls, and you can view ancient volcanic rock formations across the river.
The Upper Falls is an excellent swimming hole if you prefer a deeper swimming hole. There are places to wade in, but the Upper falls are deeper, and if you’re careful, you can jump off the falls.
Swimming hole bottoms contain large rocks that allow for standing up in the deeper sections.
Waterfalls and easy hiking make this one of Austin’s best hikes!
Link Falls at Bull Creek
There are several waterfalls on the Bull Creek North-to-South trail, but Link Falls is the biggest. The trail is nearly 4 miles long, out and back, and is very busy due to its consistent waterfalls.
There are a lot of hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers at Link Falls, located about 13 miles north of Austin city center.
In addition to being muddy and overgrown, the trail requires several stream crossings, so make sure you wear proper footwear!
In addition to the trail, you can swim in many places at the Falls and wade in the water as well.
There are many ledges and falls along the trail. As well as being a ledge fall, Link Falls has a swimming hole when it rains.
There are a lot of dogs on this trail during the busy season, so expect to see lots of them!
There are few Austin waterfalls like Link Falls because of its location and consistency.
Gorman Falls
This waterfall is two hours from Austin, but it had to be included because it’s absolutely gorgeous and makes for a nice drive to enjoy East Texas and grab a coffee.
It is approximately two hours northwest of Austin to find Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park.
There are 35 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails at Colorado Bend State Park, and you can camp overnight here too!
During the summer, advance reservations are recommended because the park will close if it reaches maximum capacity.
Day users are required to pay $6 entrance fees, and there is a self-service station at the entrance.
Wear proper footwear and bring plenty of water on the hike to Gorman Waterfall, a 70-foot spring-fed waterfall.
Additionally, at various points along the trail, there are very few shades, so sunscreen is highly recommended!
There is no charge for dogs in the state park, but they must be leashed at all times while exploring the trails!
The unique aspect of Gorman Falls is its living waterfall, which has grown over time to be more than 600 feet wide.
The limestone deposits that are so prevalent throughout East Texas are suffused with carbon dioxide. One of the most scenic waterfalls near Austin, it truly is a sight to behold.
Krause Springs
There are 45 minutes between Austin and Krause Springs in the Texas Hill Country! A National Register of Historical Site since 1955, Krause Springs is one of the most popular swimming spots in Texas. It is also home to a few of Austin’s most beautiful waterfalls.
re hours of operation from mid-February to mid-October at Krause Springs.
There are 32 springs that feed into the 115-acre property’s swimming pools, as well as a butterfly garden, campgrounds, and a butterfly garden.
There are also beautiful waterfalls on the property due to these springs.
The springs provide constant water levels and a constant 68-degree temperature in the pools.
It’s always safe to swim since there’s no stagnant water. Lake Travis is beautifully drained after heavy rainfall.
There is an entry fee of $9 per person at Krause Springs falls near Austin, but it is a stunning property, and the waterfalls are magnificent. If you’re an Austinite or just on vacation, this is a must-see!
Pedernales Falls
The Pedernales Falls are located in the Pedernales Falls State Park, 30 miles west of Austin.
There are a lot of things to do in Pedernales State Park, such as camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, geocaching, bird watching, horseback riding, mountain biking, and tubing.
The Pedernales River area has flash floods occasionally, but the river is generally calm. The river must be evacuated immediately if the water begins to rise rapidly or becomes muddy.
Although the falls are not suitable for swimming, you can still enjoy the view of Pedernales Falls.
There are hikes for everyone at this state park. A half-mile trail surrounds Twin Falls.
There are two trails in the Pedernales Falls Trail System near Austin that provide beautiful views of one of the best waterfalls in the area.
Several areas of the park can be explored on a 10-mile hike called Juniper Ridge Trail.
The falls are definitely one of Austin’s best waterfalls, despite the fact that they are somewhat of a drive from the city.
Also Read: Texas’s 12 most beautiful swimming holes
