Waterfall Hikes Near Austin, TX
Austin has water worth driving to on three sides. Pedernales Falls State Park, west past Johnson City, runs the river down tilted limestone slabs, an easy 1.8 mile walk with about 100 feet of gain and dogs allowed. To the north, the 3.1 mile trail at Chalk Ridge Falls ends where the swimming starts, below the Stillhouse Hollow dam. Slumber Falls on the Guadalupe covers the southern flank, a river ledge people swim at all summer. Eight falls make the fifty mile list, with Barber, Rust, and Roos filling it out.
Map of Waterfalls Near Austin
Pins are within 50 miles; hollow circles are day trips 50–100 miles out.
Today's Conditions
Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service
Water Flow
5 of 8 waterfalls near Austin are flowing strongly today
Updated about 2 hours ago via USGS
Best Day to Hike
Monday
Mostly Sunny · 71°F
Flowing best right now near Austin
Updated about 2 hours agoRanked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.
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Find waterfalls to hike near Austin
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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Austin (2 waterfalls)
Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.
All 8 Waterfalls Near Austin
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🧭 Day Trips From Austin (7 waterfalls, 50–100 miles away)
Everything listed above is within 50 miles of Austin. Make a day of it and 7 more are within 100 miles. The closest is Edge Falls, about 51 miles away, and the tallest is Gorman Falls at 70 ft.
Distances are approximate, measured from the center of Austin; the drive is usually longer.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Austin
Are there free waterfalls near Austin?
There is 1 free waterfall near Austin, including Chalk Ridge Falls.
Are there easy waterfall hikes near Austin?
There are 2 easy waterfall hikes near Austin, including Chalk Ridge Falls.
Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Austin?
There are 2 dog-friendly waterfalls near Austin, including Chalk Ridge Falls.
Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Austin?
There are 3 kid-friendly waterfalls near Austin, including Chalk Ridge Falls.
Can you swim in any waterfalls near Austin?
There are 2 waterfalls that allow swimming near Austin, including Chalk Ridge Falls.
What is the shortest waterfall hike near Austin?
The shortest waterfall hike near Austin is Chalk Ridge Falls at 1.8 miles round trip.
Do any waterfalls near Austin require permits?
Yes, 1 waterfall near Austin requires a permit. Check individual trail pages for current permit details.
Can I camp near the waterfalls around Austin?
Yes, 6 waterfalls near Austin have nearby campgrounds.
What is the closest waterfall to Austin?
The closest waterfall to Austin is Barber Falls, approximately 16.8 miles away.
What waterfalls are within a day trip of Austin?
Beyond the 8 waterfalls within 50 miles, 7 more are between 50 and 100 miles from Austin. The closest of those is Edge Falls, approximately 50.8 miles away.
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