Texas may not be the first state you think of when you imagine lush foliage and secret waterfalls, but in such a massive state, there’s bound to be much eco-diversity, including even fantastical waterfalls. Let’s see which of the state’s waterfalls are worth the chase. 

Gorman Falls

About two hours northwest of Austin in Central Texas, you’ll find Colorado Bend State Park where the 70-foot waterfall Gorman Falls awaits. You can access  after a mile and a half hike through some rocky, but flat, terrain. A green oasis appears and you might question, “Are we still in Texas?” This is a living waterfall, so it’s always growing and changing, trickling calcium-rich water to the bottom where you may find some Guadalupe Bass. Past visitors warn that it’s a tough hike in the heat, so may be best to wait for cooler months to go for a visit. Vloggers try to capture the size of it and show how the waterfall looks different from every angle. It’s $5 to enter the park, so be sure to take advantage of the springs and caves you can explore within the park to get the most bang for your buck.

Getty Images/ Richard McMillin

Chalk Ridge Falls

People go to Chalk Ridge Falls Park for the hike and stay for all the treasures along the way. Chalk Ridge Falls is one of those treasures and you encounter it quickly. It’s not tall, sitting at 8 feet, but wide, and visitors appreciate how the water flows over the stairs of rock and describe the experience as peaceful. You can swim in the shallow creek below it, and then continue with the rest of your hike. This park makes for a great detour when traveling between Austin and Waco as it sits right in between. 

Pedernales Falls

It’s not your typical waterfall, but the water is indeed flowing. Pedernales Falls is more of a flat formation where water runs sideways over sheets of million-year-old limestone, creating little pools. The Pedernales Falls State Park was once the bottom of the ocean, which explains why some of the limestone has been there for 300 million years and parts of the park look prehistoric. You’ll find this waterfall in Texas Hill Country’s Johnson City. 

Photo by: Jon G. Fuller/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Cattail Falls

Head out to Big Bend National Park for stunning views of several waterfalls, including its secret waterfall, Cattails Falls. Hike the Cattail Trail for a mile and half, and you’ll reach the 80-foot falls. It’s known for its colorful rocks and desert oasis ambience. Although it may be tempting, you can’t swim in the falls — but the breeze provided might be the next best thing. Much like other Texas falls, hikers suggest not visiting in the summer months as the trail has little shade. See a video of the falls live in action.

Dolan Falls

Dolan Falls is not as well-known as some of the other falls. It stretches 15 feet in the Devils River State Natural Area, a nature preserve in Del Rio. Here you’ll find crystal clear water —you read that right —some of the cleanest water in the state. Visitors can swim in the surrounding waters, and kayaking seems to be a popular option amongst guests, as well. You probably won’t find many guests though— this place gives peak solitude. 

Getty Images/Emile Abbott / 500px

Hamilton Pool

Austin has several waterfalls, but Hamilton Pool might be the most magical. Surrounded by a natural grotto, this 50-footer is unreal. Not only will you wonder if you’re in Texas, but you’ll question if you’re even in the United States. This emerald green pool only takes a short hike to see and lucky for you, the waterfall never dries up. Swimming is usually allowed, but is sometimes restricted based on water quality tests, so check before you go. Hamilton Pool is so popular you have to make a reservation to visit. Passes are $12 per vehicle, but more than worth it to see one of the most beautiful attractions in the state. 

Getty Images/ Michael Sugrue