Right now
Right now as of Nov 7, 2026
- Permit No permit needed. Entry fee: $5 per adult (12 and under free).
Status note (Nov 7, 2026): Open, as far as we can tell. TPWD's alerts page (read Nov 7, 2026) listed a hunt closure that ended at 2 p.m. Nov 8. More hunt closures follow, when only permitted hunters may enter. The next runs 5 p.m. Nov 16 to 2 p.m. Nov 19, 2026. December closures run 5 p.m. Dec 3 to 2 p.m. Dec 6, and 5 p.m. Dec 14 to 2 p.m. Dec 17. What the status labels mean
Gorman Falls is a 70-foot spring-fed waterfall on Gorman Creek in Colorado Bend State Park (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD). The Gorman Falls Trail is 1.5 miles each way, and TPWD rates it Difficult. Entry is $5 per adult; children 12 and under get in free. Swimming, fishing and pets are not allowed in Gorman Creek. The next hunt closure runs 5 p.m. Nov 16 to 2 p.m. Nov 19, 2026.
About Gorman Falls
Gorman Falls is a waterfall on Gorman Creek in Colorado Bend State Park, San Saba County. TPWD calls it a "70-foot spring-fed waterfall" and says it rises 70 feet above the river. Wikipedia gives 65 feet; we use TPWD's figure.
TPWD describes the falls as a unique geologic formation. Mineral-rich spring water deposits layers of calcite, it says, "slowly building formations called travertine." TPWD asks visitors to help protect this sensitive ecosystem by viewing it from a distance.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) runs the park. Wikipedia gives its size as 5,328 acres and says it opened in 1987. TPWD lists about 35 miles of hike and bike trails and an elevation of 1,025 feet.
Gorman Creek is protected water. TPWD says, "Swimming, fishing and pets are not allowed in the creek to help protect one of the purest strains of our state fish, the Guadalupe bass."
Getting there and parking
The park address is 1201 Colorado Park Road, Bend, TX 76824. Call the park at (325) 628-3240.
TPWD warns, "Entrance road can flood during heavy rains." Check weather and road conditions before your visit.
Reserve before you drive out. TPWD says, "We often reach capacity and highly recommend reservations for both camping and day use." To guarantee entry, reserve online or call (512) 389-8900.
Entry is $5 a day per adult, and children 12 and under get in free. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Headquarters is open daily from 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Check the hunt dates first. TPWD's alert page closes the park to all but permitted hunters during three remaining periods this fall. The list is in the day-pass box on this page.
The map pin marks the falls, using the coordinates on TPWD's trails page. We found no trailhead coordinates or parking details on the TPWD pages we read.
Texas has other falls in TPWD parks, including Pedernales Falls and McKinney Falls. Our Texas waterfalls guide compares them with Hamilton Pool, a county preserve.
Camping at Colorado Bend State Park
TPWD lists drive-up, walk-in tent and primitive hike-in campsites. Water is available in the camping area, but there are no hookups.
Facilities include composting toilets and an open-air rinse-off shower. TPWD's alert page says water spigots are available in the campground.
Campfires are allowed only in designated rings, and none are allowed in backcountry camping areas. We found no campsite prices on the TPWD pages we read.
Reserve a site online or at (512) 389-8900, since TPWD says the park often reaches capacity. Hunt closures apply to campers too; see the day-pass box for dates.
Map and nearby falls
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The Gorman Falls Trail
The Gorman Falls Trail is 1.5 miles one way, or 3 miles round trip. TPWD rates it Difficult and lists a time of 1.5 hours.
TPWD calls it "our most popular trail". It says the trail "is very rocky, has little shade, and includes a steep and slippery descent near the falls." The overview page warns of "rough and rocky terrain."
TPWD's advice is plain: "Bring more water than you think you need, and know your own limits." Its alert page recommends one liter per person per hour of activity, no matter the temperature.
At the falls, TPWD asks you to view the travertine from a distance. Swimming, fishing and pets are not allowed in Gorman Creek.
TPWD suggests adding Dogleg Canyon to a hike to Gorman Falls. The Gorman Spring Trail is a separate 0.5-mile easy walk with creek crossings.
For a view from above, TPWD says the Rusty's Roost overlook sits "more than 200 feet above the Colorado River." From there, look for Gorman Falls to the south.
TPWD notes that trails may be closed for resource and trail management. Caves are closed except by guided tour or special permit; wild cave tours are booked through cbcaves.com.
When to visit
TPWD names no best month for the falls. It lists spring and summer as the busy season, and says the first freeze comes in late November.
TPWD calls the falls spring-fed. We found no official statement on flow through the year, so we make no claim about how much water is falling now.
Plan around the hunts. TPWD's alert page, read Nov 7, 2026, listed a closure to all but permitted hunters that ended at 2 p.m. Nov 8, 2026. Three more closures follow in November and December; see the day-pass box.
The park stays open over the holidays, TPWD says, but the office does not. It is closed all day Nov 26 and Dec 25, and closes at noon Dec 24.
| Height | 70 ftNote: per TPWD, which says the falls rise 70 feet above the river; Wikipedia gives 65 ft |
|---|---|
| Trail | Gorman Falls Trail: 1.5 mi one way (3 mi round trip), rated Difficult by TPWD. Very rocky with little shade and a steep, slippery descent near the falls |
| Difficulty | TPWD rates the Gorman Falls Trail Difficult: very rocky, little shade and a steep, slippery descent near the falls |
| Time needed | TPWD lists 1.5 hours |
| Entry fee | $5 per day for adults; children 12 and under free (TPWD). We found no campsite prices on the TPWD pages we read |
| Permit / reservation | Day pass reservations highly recommended: TPWD says the park often reaches capacity |
| Parking | No lot details found; reserve a day pass |
| Hours / season | Park open daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; headquarters 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (TPWD). Closed to all but permitted hunters on dates listed on the alert page |
| Dogs | TPWD says to keep pets on leashes and under control. Pets are not allowed in Gorman Creek. TPWD's statewide screwworm alert asks owners to check pets often. |
| Swimming | No: TPWD does not allow swimming in Gorman Creek and asks visitors to view the falls from a distance. For a swim, TPWD points to Spicewood Springs Creek, at your own risk |
| Wheelchair / stroller | Not confirmed: we found no accessibility details for the falls on the TPWD pages we read. TPWD describes the trail as very rocky, with a steep and slippery descent near the falls |
| Walk behind the falls | No |
| Restrooms | Composting toilets and an open-air rinse-off shower in the park (TPWD); we found no details for the falls area |
| Best time to visit | No official best month; TPWD lists spring and summer as the busy season |
| Crowds | High: TPWD says the park often reaches capacity |
| Managed by | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), Colorado Bend State Park |
Safety and swimming
TPWD says the Gorman Falls Trail is very rocky with little shade. It warns of a steep and slippery descent near the falls.
Carry plenty of water for you, your family and your pets. TPWD recommends one liter per person per hour of activity, no matter the temperature. Water spigots are in the campground.
The entrance road can flood during heavy rains, TPWD says. Check weather and road conditions before your visit.
TPWD's statewide alert says New World screwworm has been found in parts of Texas. Check your pets often. If you see unusual wounds or maggots, do not move the animal.
Call the Texas Animal Health Commission at (800) 550-8242, or a private veterinarian. For wildlife with suspicious wounds or maggots, tell park staff or call (512) 389-4505.
Our waterfall safety guide covers slick rock and heat in more depth.
Conditions change: confirm with TPWD before you go.
Where to stay near Gorman Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Bend.
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Photos
Gorman Falls FAQ
Is Gorman Falls open now?
As far as we can tell, yes. TPWD's alerts page, read Nov 7, 2026, listed a hunt closure that ended at 2 p.m. Nov 8. The next runs 5 p.m. Nov 16 to 2 p.m. Nov 19, 2026.
How long is the hike to Gorman Falls?
1.5 miles one way, or 3 miles round trip. TPWD rates the Gorman Falls Trail Difficult and lists 1.5 hours. It is very rocky, with little shade and a steep, slippery descent near the falls.
How tall is Gorman Falls?
70 feet, per TPWD, which says the falls rise 70 feet above the river. Wikipedia gives 65 feet. TPWD says mineral-rich spring water builds the falls from layers of calcite, forming travertine.
Can you swim at Gorman Falls?
No. TPWD says swimming, fishing and pets are not allowed in Gorman Creek, to protect the Guadalupe bass. It asks visitors to view the falls from a distance. For a swim, TPWD points to Spicewood Springs Creek, at your own risk.
Are dogs allowed at Gorman Falls?
In the park, yes, on a leash and under control, per TPWD. Pets are not allowed in Gorman Creek. Its statewide screwworm alert also asks owners to check pets often.
How much does it cost to visit Gorman Falls?
$5 per adult per day at Colorado Bend State Park. Children 12 and under get in free. We found no campsite prices on the TPWD pages we read.
Do you need a reservation for Gorman Falls?
TPWD highly recommends one. It says the park often reaches capacity, and a reservation guarantees entry for day use or camping. Reserve online or call (512) 389-8900.
When are the hunt closures at Colorado Bend State Park?
TPWD's alert page, read Nov 7, 2026, listed four closures. The first, 5 p.m. Nov 5 to 2 p.m. Nov 8, has ended. Still ahead: 5 p.m. Nov 16 to 2 p.m. Nov 19, 5 p.m. Dec 3 to 2 p.m. Dec 6, and 5 p.m. Dec 14 to 2 p.m. Dec 17.
Nearby waterfalls
Sources
- TPWD: Colorado Bend State Park (read Nov 3, 2026; no page date shown)
- TPWD: Colorado Bend trails information, Gorman Falls Trail and creek rules (read Nov 3, 2026)
- TPWD: Colorado Bend State Park alerts, hunt closures and holiday hours (read Nov 7, 2026)
- TPWD: Screwworm alert, statewide park notice (read Nov 7, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Colorado Bend State Park (county, size, opening year, 65-ft height)
Last verified Nov 7, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), Colorado Bend State Park before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.