LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
The Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout The Falls
The Falls, located near Marlin, Texas, is a small but historically significant waterfall. It is named after the falls on the Brazos River, which were once a notable landmark in the region. The waterfall is more of a cascading feature and may vary in flow depending on rainfall and seasonal conditions.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is limited information about any formal trail leading to The Falls. It may be accessible via an informal path or roadside view, but details are unclear.
What to Expect
The Falls is a small, seasonal waterfall that may not always have significant water flow, especially during dry periods. Visitors should expect a quiet, rural setting with minimal infrastructure.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at The Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at The Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and after periods of rainfall are typically the best times to visit, as water flow is more likely to be present.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Visitors should be cautious of uneven terrain, slippery rocks near the water, and potential wildlife encounters. Always check weather conditions before visiting.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Brazos Rv, 9.6 miles away, not on The Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
275 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 61 years of record
1.95 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual 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 Brazos Rv nr Highbank, TX (15 km away).
Today
Low
275 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
289 cfs
5/10Thu
Low
254 cfs
6/10Fri
Low
239 cfs
6/10Sat
Low
233 cfs
6/10Sun
Moderate
308 cfs
5/10Mon
Moderate
288 cfs
8/10Best window: Mon — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to late May, 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 Marlin hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is The Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
The Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 67°F to 58°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 291 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 27 feet of drop through The Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 335 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 0 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 30 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 335 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 27 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The Falls is located approximately 4.1 miles from Marlin, Texas, near the coordinates 31.2466, -96.9192. It is accessible by local roads, but specific signage or directions may be limited. Visitors should use GPS for accurate navigation.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park along nearby roads or in designated areas if available.
Elevation
335 feet above sea level
Coordinates
31.246567° N, -96.919155° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check recent weather conditions to ensure water flow at the falls. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes if exploring the area, as terrain may be uneven.
Where to Stay
Moon River Ranch
Hilton Garden Inn Temple Medical Center
Sleep Inn & Suites Hewitt - South Waco
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Temple-Medical Center Area by IHG
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
Nearby towns include Marlin, Lott, and Chilton, which offer small-town charm and local amenities.
Wildlife
The area may feature typical Texas wildlife such as birds, small mammals, and reptiles. Visitors should be cautious of snakes in warmer months.
Cities near The Falls
Other waterfalls named The Falls
20 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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