Blanco State Park has a small but tranquil waterfall that trickles over a rocky ledge into the Blanco River. What the falls lack in gusto, the picturesque park and its offerings more than make up for: swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Reservations are required for camping, but wildlife sightings of armadillos and mallards take patience.

If you seek the thrill of cliff jumping, Devil’s Waterhole in Inks Lake State Park is just the spot. A small waterfall spills into a deep pool, also known as the landing point for a 40-foot leap. There are no lifeguards on duty, so take caution—or leave jumps to the experts. Nine miles of hiking trails through rock formations, 200 campsites, and fishing aplenty at Inks Lake can keep the less thrill-seeking visitors more than entertained.

Located on the western border of Texas Hill Country, halfway between Del Rio and Sonora in Val Verde County, Devils River State Natural Area is one of the most remote and unspoiled destinations in Texas. Inside is Dolan Falls, a 15-foot cascade that drops into a serene pool and flows down moss-covered rocks, surrounded by pristine wilderness. This remote natural wonder is not open to the general public unless special permission is granted from the Nature Conservancy. The adjacent Devils River State Natural Area, however, is open year-round and shares the same river frontage and habitat as the preserve.

Hidden away in Colorado Bend State Park, surrounded by limestone cliffs and dense vegetation, Gorman Falls cascades down 70 feet to feed into the Colorado River. It’ll take a moderate hike to get there, and the views include glimpses of the spring that fuels the falls and the lush environment below. No swimming is allowed, but cave tours offer a chance to explore underground.

Located just outside of Austin, Hamilton Pool Preserve is a natural 50-foot waterfall that feeds into an intimate water bowl. The collapsed grotto is a popular spot for swimming and relaxing, but the waterfall is the real attraction, accessed via a short hike through the lush Texas Hill Country. Here’s the catch: You’ll need to reserve a spot in advance to visit and swimming isn't always guaranteed (it's all dependent on bacteria levels and recent rain). As of August 2025, the trail under the overhanging cliff is closed due to safety concerns. 

While this Marble Falls park has a hidden waterfall, it’s really the biking and off-roading that are the biggest draws. If you want to make a weekend of it but don’t want to pitch a tent, cabin rentals and RV spots make it easy to glamp.

This park located just west of Austin in Spicewood has several waterfalls and swimming holes. The main falls spill 30 feet into a crystal-clear pool, and picnic areas and campsites scattered around with other water features invite a weekend-long adventure.

Just 13 miles from the state capitol, McKinney Falls State Park has two waterfalls on Onion Creek that feed into large swimming holes. While you may see a good amount of foot traffic on nice-weather days, there are usually enough parking spaces and easy-to-moderate trails for everyone. It's encouraged to purchase a day pass in advance, as this area is a hot commodity. 

Pedernales Falls State Park’s namesake cataract flows over a series of rocky ledges, creating a natural playground for swimming and wading. Be wary, though: The hike to access the swimming area is filled with steep rock stairs and no handrail. If looking for something a little less adventurous, try one of the several other waterfalls or pools in the state park near Johnson City. You won't regret that refreshing dip on a hot Texas day.

Tucked away in Texas Hill Country is this 40-foot waterfall flowing into a scenic grotto. Since this area is a private, nonprofit nature preserve, reservations are required for a guided hike, but the tour offerings include access to the canyon, cave, and grotto. And lucky visitors can even sign up for seasonal specialty hikes.