DFW Hiking: Waterfalls!

There is something about waterfalls that attracts people. Whenever we are on vacation and are checking out trails to explore, the ones with waterfalls are always the first ones we pick to go visit. And w’ere not alone, the parking lots at waterfalls are often full. Whether it’s the sheer power of water cascading off a towering cliff, the fascinating way that water shapes the landscape, or the calming sound of water rushing and splashing to the basin below, there is just something magical about a waterfall.

While North Texas can boast about its praries, forests lakes and creeks, waterfalls are not what we are known for. But don’t lose hope, there actually are a few waterfalls in the area. Some close at hand in Dallas and Fort Worth, and if you are willing to drive a bit further out, you can make a day trip and have even more options! The list below is a mix of man-made and natural falls. I have deliberately left out spillways, where water is released by a dam. However it’s worth noting that White Rock Lake and Cleburne State Park have great examples of spillways that, especially after a a good rain, can look and feel like waterfalls.

Note: While I have been to a few of these, several others I have not had a chance to visit yet due to distance. Links in the titles will either take you to my write-up, or to an official site for more information.

Prairie Creek Falls

You don’t always have to drive far from the metroplex to find a beautiful waterfall. Nestled right in Richardson, Prairie Creek Falls at Prairie Creek Park offers a serene and accessible escape. This charming, smaller waterfall flows over rocky ledges into a peaceful creek, creating a picturesque setting perfect for a quiet picnic, a leisurely stroll, or capturing some beautiful photos. The park offers a few small trails to explore, or if you want more trails to explore, you can pop over to Spring Creek Nature Area for more outdoor adventures.

Marion Samson Park

Marion Samson Park, located in the northwest side of Fort Worth, has a beautiful waterfall on the West Fork of the Trinity River. This rocky are is home to a FWMBA (Fort Worth Mountain Bike Association) maintained mountain bike trail. From the parking lot you’ll head down a very steep decline, so be aware and prepared for that. Hiking sticks aren’t normally required in North Texas, but would come in handy here, and sturdy shoes. Once you get down to the base of the hill, there is a wider path, offering several views of the river, and eventually the falls. On my exploration I ran into a flock of egrets enjoying the water above the falls. Just listen for the sound of rushing water! I’ll return here and do a more formal review, again one of those spots that I’m surprised I never explored yet.

Airfield Falls

Just nine minutes away from Marion Samson Falls, you’ll find another waterfall. Known as the largest natural waterfall in Fort Worth, you’ll find this beauty just a short walk from the Airfield Falls Trinity Trails trailhead. Once you park, head past the art installation, cross the bridge, and walk for a while. You’ll eventually hear the sound of the water falling, and then you”ll find the waterfall. In talking with someone there, they said that it’s best viewed after a good rain, but even on a random day in June without any recent rain it was still a pretty sight. People were swimming in the water underneath the falls, and people were also laying out above the falls, with the water flowing down around them. A nice spot to take a break if you are biking the Trinity Trails, or a place to hang out and just take in the sights and sounds.

Turner Falls

This is one you may have heard of, and while it’s a bit of a drive (a 2 hour drive into Oklahoma), this is a fun park to explore. The waterfall itself is very impressive, with water flowing over a high cliff into a large basin below. If you want to swim in the water you can, which would be nice on a hot summer day. There are also trails, and a ‘Rock Castle’ which you have to check out if you visit. You can also drive around to the top of the falls, and walk along the waterway before it descends over the edge. There are also some caves located in the area, so lots to see and do.

Little Niagra Falls – Chickasaw Recreation Area

Photo Credit: NPS

Just 30 minutes north of Turner Falls, you’ll find the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. We did both in a day, and I was really amazed at what we found here. As you are driving down Sulphur, OK, you will make an innocuous right hand turn into a nature preserve. As you drive a bit further all of a sudden you’ll see waterfalls (little ones, keep your expectations in check), along the Limestone and Travertine Creeks. Pictured above is “Little Niagara” falls, which is tongue in cheek due to the much smaller scale for Oklahoma’s version! Also in the area are several trails you can hike (20 miles in total), the Lake of the Arbuckle which offers beaches / paddling / boating, and educational opportunities at the Travertine Nature Center. While I have been here once before, we didn’t have a lot of time to explore it all, so I’ll need to go back and do a proper write-up of this beautiful spot. If you do go to Turner Falls, you ought to consider doing both parks if you have the time.

Gorman Falls (Colorado Bend State Park)

Photo Credit: Texas Parks and Wildlife site

Colorado Bend State Park has long been on my list to visit, but at a 3 and a half hour drive, it’s just far enough away from DFW to make it a difficult day trip. The park, located along the Colorado River, has 35 miles of trails, creeks, canyons and all kinds of other things to explore. It’s also home to Gorman Falls, an amazing 70 foot waterfall. I’ve heard it’s a beautiful site, and I’ve also heard it can be a bit steep getting down to it. If you don’t have a head for heights, keep that in mind. From what I’ve read, it is also a slick trail, so make use of the cable railing, wear shoes with good traction, and enjoy!

Tonkawa Falls

Photo Credit: Austin Chronicle

Another place I’ve only read about is Tonkawa Falls, located in Crawford, Texas. I can’t say much about this waterfall west of Waco. I do know it’s used as a swimming area, and you can jump in from the surrounding cliffs, as well as just sit and enjoy the sound and motion of the falls. I have thought about visiting as part of a larger sweep around the Waco area, but it doesn’t look like there is much else in the area. There aren’t any trails at Tonkawa Falls, and from looking around using AllTrails, I couldn’t see much else of interest. Let me know in the comments if you’ve been, what you thought of it, and also if there is anything else in the area worth exploring!

Wichita Falls

Photo Credit: Wichita Falls, TX: All You Must Know Before You Go (2025) – Tripadvisor

Yes, the water really is brown! I have family in the area, and also nearby in Oklahoma, so we’ve driven past the Falls many times over the years. Wichita Falls was named for some actual naturally occurring falls, but they washed away in a flood over 200 years ago. The new waterfalls were constructed to honor the originals. There is parking available if you’d like to explore them. As these are man-made, and the water is brown, I’m mainly adding this for completion sake. Not to cast aspersions on Wichita Falls, I would recommend stopping by if you are in the area. Perhaps a good place to stretch your legs if you are going to visit the next spot on the list!

Wichita Mountains (Post Oak Falls and Cache Creek Falls)

Photo Credit: Friends of the Wichitas

The Wichita Mountains are about 3.5 hours out of DFW, just outside Lawton, Oklahoma. This 59k+ acre wildlife refuge is home to buffalo, cattle, elk, and so much more. When we’d visit my Oklahoma relatives, this was alsways a spot I wanted to go visit to see the prarie dog village. As a kid, we didn’t do any deep exploration of the area, so I need to come back as an adult and really explore this gorgeous spot. You can see lots of videos on Youtube about the land, what’s worth seeing, and instructions on how to find those areas. Of key interest, are the two big waterfalls: Post Oak Falls and Cache Creek Falls. I have read that the falls don’t always have water running, so best to go after storms. I’d also call them ahead of time, if the waterfalls are your goal.

Summary

So in closing, we may not have the magnificent waterfalls of Oregon or North Carolina, but we do have some great waterfalls close to home! Let me know if I’ve missed any major ones that you know of, and get out there and explore the ones near us! Nature awaits!