Waterfalls in Texas

Overview of waterfalls in Texas

All three are limestone falls. At McKinney, Onion Creek flows over limestone ledges at an Upper Falls and a Lower Falls. At Pedernales, the river "cascades over steps of layered limestone," TPWD says. At Hamilton Pool, Hamilton Creek spills over limestone outcroppings and plunges 50 feet into the head of a box canyon, per Travis County.

Entry works differently at each. Both state parks charge $6 a day and often reach capacity, so TPWD urges you to reserve a day pass. Hamilton Pool requires a reservation every day of the week: $12 per vehicle online, plus cash entry fees at the preserve.

Swimming rules differ too. TPWD allows swimming in Onion Creek at McKinney but bans it in the Pedernales Falls area. On Nov 3, 2026, Travis County allowed water access at Hamilton Pool in only a very limited part of the pool, because of falling rocks. The sections below compare all three.

Texas waterfalls compared: McKinney, Pedernales and Hamilton Pool

The three falls differ on who runs them, how you get in and whether you can swim.

Figures come from the TPWD and Travis County pages cited on each falls page. State park camping prices are plus the daily entrance fee.

Day-pass reservations at TPWD parks

TPWD sells day passes for both state parks online or by phone at (512) 389-8900. At McKinney Falls, the alert page says "Day passes sell out every weekend and holiday". TPWD strongly encourages buying ahead for weekends, school breaks and holidays.

At Pedernales Falls, TPWD calls the day pass a permit and says, "We often reach capacity and close to those without permits". Its alert page adds that permits often sell out at those same busy times. At both parks, TPWD says a reservation is how you guarantee entry.

Hamilton Pool reservations and swimming

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a 232-acre Travis County preserve and part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. A reservation is required every day of the week, booked through the official Travis County site.

Fees: the reservation is $12 per vehicle, for up to 8 people, paid online by credit card. At the preserve, entry is $8 per adult (13 to 61), $3 per senior (62 and older) and free for children 12 and under. Entry fees are cash only, and all fees are non-refundable.

Entry periods: morning entry runs 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with exit by 1 p.m. Afternoon entry runs 2 to 5:30 p.m., with exit by 6 p.m. Each period is a separate reservation.

Booking window: as listed on Nov 3, 2026, Travis County was taking reservations through November 2026. December dates were not yet available.

Swimming and trail status (Nov 3, 2026): water access from the beach was allowed in a very limited part of the pool. The trail under the overhanging cliff was closed because rocks have been falling from the cliffs above it. There is no lifeguard on duty.

Swim access depends on bacteria levels and recent rain, and the county says the water can drop below 50°F in winter and spring. Call the Public Information Line at 512-854-2581 before you leave. Pets are prohibited, with no exceptions, even on a leash or kept in your vehicle.

Swimming and flood safety at Texas state parks

TPWD allows swimming in Onion Creek at McKinney Falls but bans it in the Pedernales Falls area.

McKinney Falls: TPWD says you can swim in Onion Creek, and it strongly suggests every swimmer wear a life jacket. "Onion Creek can flood after rainfall," it warns. Contact the park for current creek conditions. Food, glass, coolers, speakers, hard balls and pets in the water are banned at the Upper and Lower Falls.

Pedernales Falls: TPWD does not allow swimming or wading in the Pedernales Falls area, and it says the ban is "for your safety". The designated swimming area is a strenuous 1/4-mile (or more) hike with steep rock stairs and no handrail.

TPWD warns that the Pedernales River can rise fast. In its words, the river "can rise from a placid stream to a raging torrent in a few minutes". If the water starts rising or turning muddy, leave the river area immediately. Our waterfall safety guide covers flash floods in more depth.

Closures and alerts

TPWD listed both state parks as open on Oct 29, 2026, with the alerts below. Hamilton Pool is partly open, as far as we can tell, as of Nov 3, 2026.

McKinney Falls: as listed on Oct 29, 2026, TPWD's alert page shows a burn ban dated Aug. 11, 2026. Wood fires are not allowed, but charcoal or propane cooking is.

Pedernales Falls: as listed on Oct 29, 2026, TPWD's alert page closes the park to all but permitted hunters on three dates. The page gives no year; read on that date, they fall in late 2026 and January 2027:

• 10 p.m. Nov. 21 to 2 p.m. Nov. 24, 2026
• 10 p.m. Dec. 13 to 2 p.m. Dec. 17, 2026
• 10 p.m. Jan. 18 to 2 p.m. Jan. 22, 2027

The same alert page says the water/electric campground closes Jan. 1, 2027 through summer 2027 for construction. The Twin Falls Trail stays open. Both park pages also link a statewide screwworm alert, which we have not summarized here.

Hamilton Pool: on Nov 3, 2026, Travis County's page listed the trail under the overhanging cliff as closed because of falling rocks. You can reach the beach, but not walk around the pool to below the waterfall. The county says the preserve rarely closes for weather.

Texas waterfalls FAQ