Seeking a serene escape, a la Hawaii?
Well, these falls aren't giant, but they're running! And they won't cost you a $1,000 plane ticket, just a short drive to some of our favorite nature areas. Let yourself heal with hypnotizing sounds of waterfalls in the area’s beautiful greenbelts. Go with the flow and read below to find your favorite Waterfall Around Austin.
Water levels fluctuate throughout the summer. Check sites like Greenbelter to see how flowing the water is.
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Photo via TPWD
5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy
Delve into the tale of two falls when you visit McKinney Falls 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 have stronger chutes and taller bluffs for creek jumpers. But both cascade into vast and inviting pools perfect for swimming and fishing!
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Photo via the dyrt
424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood
Journey 30 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.
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Photo via Do512 Family
2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City
Deep in the heart of Texas Hill Country is the popular, picturesque Pedernales Falls offering six miles of riverfront 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 downpour.
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Photo via Do512 Family
4801 La Crosse Ave.
Make your way to the Family Garden at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center where all 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 with tile mosaics inspired by the Native American pictographs along Chimneys Trail at Big Bend National Park.
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Photo via Yelp
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!
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Photo via Do512 Family
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!
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Photo via Instagram
3918 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.
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Photo via Do512 Family
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.
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Photo via Do512 Family
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. Swimming is currently not allowed at Hamilton Pool due to recent rains and high bacteria levels.
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Photo via Do512 Family
1173 Lohmans Crossing Rd, 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.
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Do go chasin’ waterfalls.
