Chasing Waterfalls — Texas Style
When the heat hits triple digits and your kids are climbing the walls, there’s only one thing to do: pack the car and hit the road for a Texas waterfall road trip!
This road trip will take you to 9 unforgettable spots in the Texas Hill Country where the waterfalls are seriously stunning. And trust us — you DO NOT want to miss this Texas waterfall road trip.
Some of these are the best waterfalls in ALL of Texas, and they’re perfect for cooling off, hiking with the kids, or just snapping that “we-actually-did-this” family pic.
Get ready for an awe-inspiring adventure filled with natural beauty at every turn.
When you’re new to the State, like we were 12 years ago, we explored many of these with young kids and were surprised at how many of them were so accessible, and close-ish to each other in Texan terms!
To show you this in reality, you’ll see many of them close to the Austin/San Antonio and Hill Country areas so I included a map of these Texan waterfalls, making your entire Texas waterfall road trip easy to plan and follow.
How This Road Trip Flows (and Why It Works!)
I have mapped out this road trip starting from the DFW area and looping through the heart of Texas Hill Country in a way that makes total sense — no criss-crossing back and forth!
You’ll start with the closest stop near Belton, and then wind your way through quiet trails, iconic swimming holes, and shady waterfall hikes.
We’ve even grouped the Austin-area falls toward the end so you can plan an overnight stay (hello, comfy beds and tacos).
Whether you’re doing this over a long weekend or stretching it out into a full summer travel adventure, this route keeps things smooth, scenic, and totally doable with kids.
This also:
- Minimizes backtracking
- Places more strenuous hikes earlier in the trip
- Groups the Austin-area falls near the end, so you can stay overnight if needed
- Ends with easy access to major highways home
Our Road Trip Stop-by-Stop
1. Chalk Ridge Falls Park – Belton
Address: 5600 FM 1670, Belton, TX.
The drive time from Plano is around 2.5 hours. This is the closest waterfall to DFW so it makes sense to kick off the trip with this one!
Why I Love It
It’s a hidden gem with a rope bridge and small falls and with a short hike it has a big wow factor
My Tips
- It’s a great “starter hike” for preschoolers
- Bring water shoes!
2. Gorman Falls – Colorado Bend State Park
Address: Gorman Falls Trailhead, Bend, TX
Drive time from Plano is about 4.5 hours. This is a slightly more rugged stop early in the trip before kids are too tired.
Why I Love It
It has a 60-ft lush travertine fall, is secluded and is a great backdrop for pictures.
My Tips:
- The hike is rocky and moderately challenging
- It’s not great for toddlers, but a hit with older kids
3. Krause Springs – Spicewood
Address: 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood (Plug this address into your GPS for visitor parking)
Drive time from Plano around 4 hours. This is a great mid-point where you can relax, picnic and even camp if you are making it a multi-day trip
Why I love it
There are multiple small waterfalls and a spring-fed pool and camping is available too!
My Tips:
- Bring cash for entry
- The tree swing is a kid favorite!
4. Hamilton Pool Preserve – Dripping Springs
Address: 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX
Drive time from Plano around 4 hours. This is iconic spot, perfect for those “we made it!” family photos.
Why I Love It:
It’s one of the most iconic waterfalls in Texas in a turquoise swimming hole under a rock overhang!
My Tips:
Water may be closed to swimming depending on bacteria levels I recommend booking a timed entry well in advance
5. Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center – Round Mountain
Address: 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, Texas 78663
Drive time from Plano: ~4 hours. This makes a great contrast to the wildness of Hamilton
Why I Love It: They have guided tours to a magical grotto and for small groups only it feels extra special
My Tips:
- Reservations required
- Great for older kids or tweens
6. Pedernales Falls State Park
Address: 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636
Drive time from Plano around 4.5 hours. Spread out and take your time exploring here!
Why I Love It
Pedernales has iconic cascading rock falls and a large park with shaded trails
My Tips:
- It is not swimmable, but amazing to explore
- Wear grippy shoes — rocks can be slick
7. Landa Falls – New Braunfels
Address: 178 Landa Park Dr (plug this address into your GPS for Landa Falls parking)
Drive time from Plano around 4 hours. This combines lazy river tubing and water play and is the perfect reset after hiking.
Why I Love It:
You can go tubing near the spring-fed falls. This is easy water fun for families
My Tips:
- Rent tubes in advance
- Parking may be limited on weekends
8. McKinney Falls State Park – Austin
Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy
Drive time from Plano is around 3.5 hours
Why I Love It
It has two scenic waterfalls and shaded trails and is great for younger kids
My Tips:
- Arrive early on weekends (it gets busy!)
- Bring a picnic and swimsuits(Good shady stop to unwind, with easy walking for tired legs)
9. Barton Creek Greenbelt – Austin
Address: 3755-B S Capital of Texas Hwy
Drive time from Plano is around 3.5 hours. Wrap up your waterfalls road trip with a bang — hiking to Sculpture Falls or Twin Falls!
Why I Love It
– Multiple falls, including Sculpture Falls and Twin Falls
– Easy hike-in, good for active families
My Tips:
- Bring water shoes for creek crossings
- Best after recent rain for stronger flow
Eats Nearby: Stop at Tacodeli or Juiceland nearby!
Then head back north and home to DFW!
FAQ: What Moms Want to Know
What should I know before I go?
Check parking tips, trail info and if there are any closures to know about.
What’s the best time of year to go?
Late spring through early summer is peak waterfall flow.
Avoid dry spells for better water volume. Some of them (like Pedernales Falls will totally dry up in drought conditions.
Do I need reservations?
Yes for Hamilton Pool, Westcave, and sometimes McKinney Falls
What should I pack?
Essentials: Towels, water shoes, sunscreen, plenty of snacks and a change of clothes.
For hikes: carriers for littles, hats, bug spray, extra water!
Are these kid-friendly?
Most are! We have noted which are best for toddlers, preschoolers, or school-aged kids
