5 Beautiful Central Texas Waterfalls Near Fort Hood

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When we moved to Texas, I never dreamed that I would spend so much time hiking to waterfalls. However, these 5 Central Texas waterfalls near Fort Hood are perfect for a family day out!

We made a Texas Bucket List to keep us busy during our time there, and these waterfalls were the perfect way to experience the beautiful landscape around us.

Here are 5 Central Texas waterfalls near Fort Hood:

Chalk Ridge Falls

Chalk Ridge Falls is a short drive from Fort Hood in Belton. It’s a fairly easy hike, and you can swim at the falls!

You should definitely add this unique swimming hole to your bucket list if you’re in the area.

My girls loved this hike and begged to go back to the waterfall “with the swinging bridge.” Unfortunately, the falls were dry our last Texas summer because of a severe drought, but hopefully they’ll be flowing again soon!

Playing in the waterfall in Belton, Texas.

Crossing the suspension bridge on the Chalk Ridge Falls trail.

Girl sitting in the water in front of a waterfall near Fort Hood, Texas.

Gorman Falls

Our hike to Gorman Falls at Colorado Bend State Park was one of the first adventures we had when we first moved to the area. The hike was beautiful, but we were completely unprepared for it.

The waterfall was gorgeous, but if we were to ever visit this one again, we would kayak or canoe to the falls instead of hiking. The views from the river would be even better!

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

Gorman Falls was a little underwhelming.

Pedernales Falls

We saw Pedernales Falls on an extremely hot summer day. It wasn’t a tall waterfall, but the rapids in the river were still pretty cool to see.

It was a fairly short hike down to the river, and we had fun exploring the rocky banks. Plus, we put on our swimsuits and played in the river for a long time to beat the heat. It was a fun day!

Swimming at Pedernales Falls State Park.

The hike down to the river was full of LOTS of stairs.

Krause Springs

Krause Springs was one of the most beautiful places we visited in Texas! In addition to the beautiful waterfall, there is a rope swing and a swimming pool. The kids had a blast!

Plus, the grounds are absolutely gorgeous and there is a beautiful garden to explore. If you only see one waterfall on this list, this might be THE one.

Rope swing on Little Cypress Creek in Texas.

McKinney Falls

One of the most popular Central Texas waterfalls is in the state’s capital. McKinney Falls State Park has 2 waterfalls, and you can swim there too! The girls love the waterfalls where we can swim the most!

There are several hiking trails and historical features located at this park. We didn’t take the time to explore these since we were too busy swimming. However, Onion Creek is one of the most beautiful creeks I’ve ever seen, and I could spend all day exploring it.