3 Things You Should Know Before You Hike to Gorman Falls in Texas

In front of Gorman Falls at Colorado Bend State Park in Texas.

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During our PCS from hell, we were looking for things to do to get us out of the hotel room. (Preferably something cheap or free.)

Texas has beautiful state parks and I was eager for a good hike.

We headed to Colorado Bend State Park. It’s about an hour away from Fort Hood and home to a beautiful Texas waterfall!

Our family hike to Gorman Falls. — *(As you can see, we were completely unprepared for this hike, but we were happy about it!)*

We busted through Colorado Bend State Park armed with 2 kids and a glass of sweet tea.

Funny…until we got to the rock climbing section!

Consider this a cautionary tale and don’t make the same mistakes that we did.

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Don’t Underestimate the Heat

After years of Carolina hikes, mostly surrounded by trees and their glorious shade, we were completely unprepared for our new landscape.

Although, it was early November, the temps were hovering just under 80 degrees.

Our hot hike to Gorman Falls at Colorado Bend State Park. — *(The first part of the hike looks like this – no trees at all.)*

However, the lack of shade on the way to Gorman Falls made this hike surprisingly hot.

It wasn’t too terrible for us, but this is not a hike that I would do in July. Male sure you check the temperature and take plenty of water with you when you go.

There are some trees along the trail to Gorman Falls. — *(Later on in the hike, there are some trees.)*

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The ‘Steep Descent’ is Also Slippery

According to the state park’s website, this is a “3-mile round-trip hike over rough and rocky terrain, with a steep descent near the falls.”

And while that is a very accurate description, we were completely unprepared for that steep descent!

Going down the slippery rock face was scary! — *(Going down the slippery rock face was scary, but my girls did it!)*

We passed several groups of people with backpacks full of gear, hiking boots, those hiking sticks thingies, first aid kits, etc. And I stupidly thought, “Wow, isn’t that a bit much?”

LOL…..the joke was on ME. Because that ‘steep descent’ was just shy of requiring ropes and special equipment.

Not only was the descent steep, but the rock face was also extremely slippery, even though it was dry as a bone.

Going back up wasn't as scary. — *(Going back up was exhausting, but it wasn’t nearly as scary.)*

Due to thousands of people walking on it over the years, the rocks are worn almost completely smooth. Thankfully, there is a cable guard rail to hold on to.

We made it down safely, even me in my completely inadequate shoes. Who wears Converse sneakers to hike in any way??? But it was very slow going and pretty sketchy in a couple of places.

Going back up wasn’t nearly as bad (ya know, except for being completely out of breath).

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Gorman Falls Could be a Little Underwhelming

I could get kicked out of Texas for this next part, but in the spirit of honesty, Gorman Falls was a little underwhelming.

Maybe it’s because we just came from North Carolina – the land of waterfalls, where rushing beauties like Looking Glass Falls are right beside the road for everyone to see.

Or perhaps it’s because we saw Gorman Falls when it was a little dry and there wasn’t much water rushing over the edge?

But I wasn’t super impressed by this waterfall.

Gorman Falls was a little underwhelming. — *(This is Gorman Falls from the viewing platform.)*

I mean, it was definitely still worth the trip. The waterfall just wasn’t as majestic as I was expecting.

This could also be due in part to REALLY pretty pictures I saw on Instagram before our trip. However, nearly ALL of those pictures are taken from the vantage point of people standing IN the river.

We hiked to Gorman Falls, instead of coming in by kayak or canoe and didn’t have any extra clothes for getting wet.

Just don’t be surprised if the waterfall doesn’t live up to your expectations.

Colorado Bend State Park in Texas — *(Even though the waterfall wasn’t as grand as we hoped, it was still worth it!)*

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Despite all of our preparedness shortcomings, we had a great time!

Colorado Bend is a gorgeous park and we can’t wait to explore more of it! I’m considering another trip where we paddle to Gorman Falls.

I was afraid that my family wouldn’t go on another impromptu adventure again after this hot mess hike. But the girls have asked me multiple times if we can find another waterfall. And we will definitely be doing that!