Gorman Falls
Texas • 70 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
Colorado Bend State Park often reaches capacity; day-use reservations are recommended. The entrance road can flood in heavy rain.
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
3.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Gorman Falls
Gorman Falls is a stunning 70-foot waterfall located within Colorado Bend State Park in Texas. Known for its lush, moss-covered limestone formations and cascading water, it is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the state.
The Setting
Gorman Falls sits at 1,115 feet within Colorado Bend State Park, in the foothills of Texas. The falls drop 70 feet.
Height: 70 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard 3.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The Gorman Falls Trail is 1.5 miles one way (3 miles round trip) over very rocky ground with little shade. Near the falls it makes a steep, slippery descent down a rocky bluff with a cable handrail to a viewing area. Park-guided hikes to the falls are also offered.
What to Expect
The falls drop 70 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Gorman Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Leashed dogs are allowed on Colorado Bend State Park trails, but pets may not enter Gorman Spring or the creek it feeds.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Gorman Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Gorman Falls due to mild weather and vibrant greenery. Winter is also a good option for cooler temperatures, while summer can be hot and challenging for hiking.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
The descent near the falls can be steep and slippery. Use the provided cable railing for support. Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging the ecosystem and for your safety. Carry sufficient water and be prepared for hot weather during summer.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Colorado Rv, 12.1 miles away, not on Gorman Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
116 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 96 years of record
2.31 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Colorado Rv nr San Saba, TX (19 km away).
Today
Roaring
113 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Roaring
105 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
107 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
99 cfs
9/10Sat
Roaring
111 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
115 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
105 cfs
9/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late June, peaking in June.
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 Tow hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Gorman Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Gorman Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 64°F to 59°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 111 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
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 113 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 70 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,116 feet.
Above the falls the ground is nearly level, then it breaks away and keeps dropping about 96 feet over the next 500 feet downstream. The falls face north and 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
- 1,116 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 113 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- 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 north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Colorado Bend State Park is at 1201 Colorado Park Road, Bend, about 2 hours northwest of Austin. Follow signs from Bend into the park and to the Gorman Falls trailhead. The entrance road can flood after heavy rain.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Gorman Falls trailhead within Colorado Bend State Park. The parking area is well-marked and typically has sufficient space, though it may fill up during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,115 feet above sea level
Coordinates
31.058226° N, -98.482258° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes due to the rocky and uneven terrain. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Be prepared for the steep descent near the falls, which can be slippery.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This challenging 3.0 miles trail gains 200 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Thunderbird Lodge
Ranchette Apartment- beach access small lake view
Lake Beach Access & Views, 5kings!
Oasis Lake Buchanan
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions within Colorado Bend State Park include Spicewood Springs, the Colorado River, and various hiking and biking trails.
Wildlife
The area is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, armadillos, and various bird species. Be cautious of snakes, especially during warmer months.
Cities near Gorman Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Gorman Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.