Seeking a serene escape? A good dose of nature can help! Enjoy the hypnotizing sounds of waterfalls in the area’s lovely landscapes. Go with the flow and read below to find your favorite waterfall.
Twin Falls & Sculpture Falls, Photo via @austinstateofmind
Twin Falls & Sculpture Falls
3900 Mopac Frontage Rd
After a good, hearty rain, Barton Creek Greenbelt is lush with greenery peaking through cracks in the limestone walls that guide your short hike from the trailhead to Twin Falls. A mile and some rocky terrain later, you’ll meet the Twin’s big sister, Sculpture Falls. Splash off the Texas heat in one of these natural swimming holes or take a load off and slip into one of the naturally formed rock recliners under the rushing creek water.
St. Edwards Trail, Photo via Heidi Okla
St. Edwards Park
7301 Spicewood Springs Rd
Pinned on a well-marked path underneath open skies sits the start of your journey to finding the quiet, hidden waterfall in St. Edwards Park. A fair and easy hike along Creek Trail highlights all the wonders of an escape into nature’s pad. Soothing sounds of rushing water welcome you to the tucked away oasis and serene waterfalls, making you feel as if you’ve transported far, far from reality. Read more about St. Edward’s Park in our Do512 Family Park Spotlight Series!
McKinney Falls State Park, Photo via TPWD
McKinney Falls
5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy
Delve into the tale of two falls when you visit Mckinney State Park! Onion and Williamson Creek amalgamate with a rushing force to form the upper and lower falls that break over limestone edges. The upper falls provide pockets of water tubs for leisure hangouts, while the lower struts stronger chutes and taller bluffs for creek jumpers. But both cascade into vast and inviting pools perfect for swimming and fishing! Read more about our visit to Mckinney Falls!
Krause Springs, Photo via the dyrt
Krause Springs
424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood
Journey 3o miles west of Austin to find 32 natural springs feeding into one sharp 68 degree swimming hole. The waterfall at its center is a bit of a wonder. While it’s quite obvious the falls provide a dazzling photo op, those brave enough to traverse beyond the curtain of falling water will discover an adventurer’s treasure: a lengthy rope swing and small, but explorable cave.
Pedernales Falls State Park, Photo via Heidi Okla
Pedernales Falls
2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City
Deep in the heart of Texas Hill Country is the popular, picturesque Pedernales Falls offering six miles of river front with various springs, swimming holes, and rock slabs. Walking along the river’s edge, you’ll notice the sloping hills propel water over layers of smooth limestone. Little waterfalls throughout the park create stone pools and eventually run into rocky shores. The scene is quite breathtaking at sunset after a day’s down pour. Read more about our visit to Pedernales Falls State Park!
Wildflower Center, Photo via Heidi Okla
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Ave.
Make your way to the Family Garden at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center where children are encouraged to explore and play in nature. One of the most exciting elements in this garden is the grotto and waterfall inspired by Hamilton Pool Preserve. Behind the waterfall, you’ll find a cave (just a perfect size for kiddos to climb through) with tile mosaics inspired by the Native American pictographs along Chimneys Trail at Big Bend National Park.
River Place Nature Trail, Photo via Yelp user Judy S.
River Place Nature Trail
8820 Big View Dr.
If you’re a hiker in search of a challenge, this trail might be the one for you! Five miles of steep and winding rocky terrain transform into a limestone stairway ascending 1,800 ft. into a dreamy nature cove. Worth the sweat and hustle, rugged cliffs and tiny waterfalls complement the challenging trek with gorgeous scenery easy on the eyes while your legs put in the hard work!
Crockett Gardens and Falls, photo via Heidi Okla
Crockett Gardens and Falls
1065 Eagle Point Dr, Georgetown
Head to Cedar Breaks Park and hop on the 26 mile-long Good Water Loop to find these falls! But don’t worry, you’ll only have to hike roughly three miles around the beautiful Lake Georgetown to find what you’re looking for. You’ll begin your search under an archway of trees shading the tranquil path at ground level. Slight elevation gain will leave you near a mossy bluff watching crystal clear spring water tumble into the lake below. Read more about our adventure to Crockett Gardens and Falls.
Zilker Botanical Garden, Photo via Heidi Okla
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rd
A, “jewel in the heart of Austin,” the 26 acre garden and gorgeous oasis contains the Taniguchi Japanese and Mabel Davis Rose Gardens, Koi-filled ponds, a mishmash of cultivated plants, sunny lawns, and more! Follow the serene sounds of bubbling waters to the Hartman Prehistoric Garden, where you’ll find a mesmerizing waterfall among man-made dino tracks and statues the kids will love! Read more about why we love the Zilker Botanical Garden.
Hamilton Pool, Photo via Heidi Okla
Hamilton Pool Preserve
24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs
The waterfall at Hamilton Pool is rightfully revered as a wondrous beauty drawing crowds all year-round. Cascading from 50 ft. above are the frigid Hamilton Creek waters that confluence with the Pedernales River 3/4 mile upstream. A collapsed limestone grotto hugs the blue green cove below where the falling water joins visitors cooling off under its surge. Note that reservations are required every day of the week to visit Hamilton Pool Preserve.
Hamilton Greenbelt, Photo via Heidi Okla
Hamilton Greenbelt (Lakeway)
Hamilton Greenbelt is a beautiful, mostly-shaded trail with small waterfalls that is great for all ages. The Hamilton Greenbelt trail network includes Smith Greenbelt and Hurst Creek Preserve in Lakeway, offering several miles of both developed trails backing up to residential areas as well as primitive trails along Hurst and Yaupon creeks. The main trail path at the Hamilton Greenbelt entrance is very well-groomed for walking, hiking, nature exploring. Read more about the Hamilton Greenbelt in our Park Spotlight Series!
