Gorman Falls — 70ft Cascade in Texas

Gorman Falls is a 70-foot cascade waterfall in San Saba County, Texas, reached by a moderate hike over 3 miles.

Gorman Falls is a 70-foot travertine cascade in Colorado Bend State Park in Texas Hill Country — about 90 minutes northwest of Austin — one of Texas's only major waterfalls and one of the most distinctive in the state, with cascading mineral-deposited limestone terraces creating a tropical-jungle feel rare in the Texas landscape. The 3-mile out-and-back trail is moderate, with the falls reached via cables and stair-steps in the final approach. Spring runoff (March-May) is the peak flow season; in dry summers the falls can drop to a trickle.

What to expect

Drive into Colorado Bend State Park (in San Saba County, about 90 minutes from Austin). Reserve day-use access ahead online (the park caps capacity on busy weekends). The 3-mile Gorman Falls Trail is moderate with some rough Hill Country terrain, including cables on the steepest descent to the falls overlook. Stay on the trail; the travertine terraces are fragile. Pair with the park's Pedernales-style swimming holes on the Colorado River or the longer caving tour the park runs.