Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
3.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Chalk Ridge Falls
Chalk Ridge Falls sits just outside Belton, Texas, inside Chalk Ridge Falls Park and the Stillhouse Recreation Area, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The falls tumble along the Lampasas River and are surrounded by leafy riparian corridors that make the site a popular choice for day hikes, picnics, and relaxed nature photography. The setting feels accessible and inviting—an easy escape for families and casual hikers alike. Access to the falls is via a roughly 2.4-mile out-and-back trail that gains about 350 feet and is rated moderate. Along the route you’ll cross a suspension bridge, pass shaded river views, and reach the waterfall about halfway along the hike. If you want to camp nearby, Dana Peak Campground is close—about 7.79 km (4.8 mi) from the trailhead—making Chalk Ridge Falls a convenient half-day outing from a nearby campsite.
The Setting
Chalk Ridge Falls sits at 499 feet within Stillhouse Recreation Area, in the coastal lowlands of Texas.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
This is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The route features a suspension bridge, shaded stretches along the Lampasas River, and the waterfall located roughly halfway through the hike. Surface, technical class, and any USFS trail number are not specified by the managing agency (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / Stillhouse Recreation Area); hikers should plan for typical recreation-area trail conditions and wear sturdy footwear.
What to Expect
Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Chalk Ridge Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Chalk Ridge Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit due to mild weather and vibrant foliage. However, the waterfall can be enjoyed year-round.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and river. Watch for poison ivy along the trail. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rains can make the trail muddy or flood-prone.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Lampasas Rv nr Belton, TX (4 km away).
Today
Low
9 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
10 cfs
6/10Sun
Low
9 cfs
6/10Mon
Low
10 cfs
6/10Tue
Moderate
11 cfs
4/10Wed
Moderate
9 cfs
5/10Thu
Moderate
10 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to mid July, peaking in May.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Salado hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 117 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 502 feet.
Most of the action is upstream: the ground drops about 94 feet in the 500 feet above the pin and flattens beneath the falls. Facing northwest, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 502 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 117 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Chalk Ridge Falls Park is located off FM 1670 near the Stillhouse Hollow Lake Dam. It is easily accessible by car, and the trailhead begins near the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking lot at Chalk Ridge Falls Park, which is free to use. However, it may fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.
Elevation
499 feet above sea level
Coordinates
31.017713° N, -97.524803° W
Land Management
Managed by USACE
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends. Wear sturdy shoes as some parts of the trail may be uneven or muddy. Bring water and sunscreen, as parts of the trail are exposed to the sun.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Belton Temple South I-35
La Quinta by Wyndham Belton - Temple South
Days Inn by Wyndham Salado
Stagecoach Inn
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
DANA PEAK
4.8 miles away · 34 sites
Overview Dana Peak Campground is located on a peninsula on the shoreline of Stillhouse Hollow Lake in central Texas. The lake offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities, including water sports, hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, large group pavilions, hunting, fishing and more. The facility is one of only two reservable campgrounds on the lake and often fills up on weekends during summer. Stillhouse Hollow Lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the constructio
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Stillhouse Hollow Lake, Belton Lake, and Miller Springs Nature Center are nearby attractions worth exploring.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, fish, and small mammals. Visitors may also see turtles along the river.
Cities near Chalk Ridge Falls
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