gorman falls

Beautiful waterfall, with interesting science behind it: instead of eroding the earth beneath it, the spring-sourced water arriving via limestone leaves deposits that create growing stalactite-like formations to make it a growing waterfall.

Gorman Falls barely earns itself the name "waterfall." Yes, there is water and yes, it is falling. But let's not kid ourselves here. Granted, central Texas is pretty dry and there isn't much in the way of elevation change, so it's not bad considering where you are. All that being said, it's a nice hike out there, kinda rocky, and the last bit gets steep (if you're a novice or your idea of hiking is walking on grass, be careful). The best part of the Gorman Falls hike is the area of the river near there where you can hang out, scramble on rocks and play in the Colorado river if you like.

Great hike down and wonderful view and sitting area. Listen to the falls and watch the birds fly around. Steep walk and hiking trails up and down but worth the time.

The entrance to Colorado Bend State Park is not manned. You put your money ($5 per person at this writing) in the envelope and keep the tag for your car. So consider bringing exact change, or make a donation with the extra.The hike to the falls is 1.3 miles and they suggest 3 hours for the round trip hike. We did it in 2 hours. The hike's not really that difficult (though you do have to watch where you're walking) - until you get close to the falls. Then, you really do need to use the cable/railing to get down and back up - especially if you have short legs like I do. It was an adventure! Right now, the falls are a little low because this area has been in a drought, but still pretty. I can only imagine how amazing they are in a normal-rainfall year. When you get to the falls, there are two views - the platform gives you one view. But the best view, at least right now, is from the side - take the short path to the right when you get to the bottom of the steep part of the trail. After our hike, we checked out the rest of the park and the cliffs by the river at the campground are nice, too. Be aware that the amenities are very basic - no flush toilets.Watch for deer near the road - we saw 3 or 4. And we saw 2 road runners zipping across the road.

Ok. So we went based on the pictures of others and reviews. I will say this it is a beauty a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere. The park itself is a little hard to find. Don't. I repeat don't go by your GPS. You have to park and hike to the falls. No big deal. It is farther than you may realize. So if you aren't physically capable of walking long distances especially over rocky terrain then dont go. We took our young children and they were able to do it. They were getting tired on the way back. Allow at least 3 hours for the whole attraction. But!! I will say this. The view is more obstructed than anyone led us to believe. We got there and could barley see the falls from the viewing deck. The best view was from far right side and that was standing on a landslide hill. I will post the views I had. But I think it would go a long way if the park staff would just clean out some of the overgrown brush. I understand wanting to keep everything natural and untouched but seriously we couldn't even see the falls very well. That didn't make it worth the hike. All in all if you have the time, and the energy, go for it! But if it isn't something that sparks your interest, you might as well pass it by.

This is so far the best fall I've seen in Texas. It is in Colorado Bend State Park. If you live around here and seek for a hike, it worths you a visit. To get there, turn the first left to a unpaved road after you get into the state park, and park there. From parking lot, it takes 1.3 miles to hike to Gorman falls. The hike itself is easy to moderate, and almost no elevation gain or drop, but as Texas weather can be deadly hot, prepare enough water and sun protection! Some of the signs on the trail are not clear, and trail is not very well maintained, so be cautious on direction. You might doubt yourself while hiking cause on the hike it looks like just another dessert in Texas, but please keep going. Once you get to there, you will see a very different scenery. The water fall is not large, but beautiful with extra-ordinarily serene atmosphere. You can't find too many such scenery in Texas. I feel like it is one of the best state park in Texas and this fall might be the best falls in Texas as far as I am concerned. A recommend place to go if you are near Austin/Dallas area and seek a close natural place.

The hike to the falls was not really that long in miles but it felt like it because of all the rocks and small hills. I spent most of my time looking down to make sure I wouldn't trip over the rocky path. I would also recommend not bringing small children (unless they are in some kind of backpack carrier), dogs that are not in optimum health, or older people that aren't in shape. BRING PLENTY OF WATER in the warm months. Once you get close to the falls it's a pretty steep decent to the falls. Luckily there is a metal "rope" you can hang on to as you decend down into the "rain forest of Texas". It was totally worth every step there. Like going into a different world. I also would recommend making sure there has been recent sufficient rainfall so the falls are falling. It would suck to walk that far and not actually see the water flowing.

It is remote, so bring everything you need with you. You will need a backpack with plenty of water, and a couple of energy bars wouldn't be a bad idea. The temp was only 80 degrees the day we went but still worked up a good sweat. I agree with the other reviews about the rough, rocky trail. You need good shoes/boots with ankle support and you MUST pay attention or you will snap an ankle in a hurry. Your only help would be other hikers who wander by because you're not calling for help-no cell service. There is a bathroom at the trailhead but on the trail you are on your own. For me personally the climb down the last several yards to the falls was harder than the climb back up.But when you get to the falls it's totally worth it. Just beautiful, quiet and peaceful. On the Sunday afternoon we were there we saw maybe 6 others on the trail and none at the falls. There had been rain recently so the falls were really rolling.I have to admit it was a tough 3 mile round trip for us oldsters but it was worth it.

This is my second trip out to Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park. The last time I went was 4 years ago before we started the long drought here in Texas, The trail is pretty well marked, and I brought my dog both times. It was 100 degrees today and we got started about 9 AM. It takes about 45 minutes to hike from where you park your car out to the falls. It is very rough terrain, and you must look down most of the time to make sure you don't trip over all of the rocks. The cacti along the route are just beautiful! Once you get close to the falls, the last section is rocky and steep, and there are cables to hang on to as you make your way down. It truly is like a rain forrest once you reach the falls. Unfortunately because of the severe drought, the falls are not as strong and powerful as I remember them back in October of 2009. It is still very much worth the trip. The Colorado River is below the falls, and I made my way down to the river so my dog could get a drink and lie in the water to cool off. On the hike back up from the falls, which is tougher than the hike down, we met many groups of people with very small children hiking down to the falls. (I would not bring small children because of the rough terrain and the heat.) By the time we got closer to where my truck was parked, my 94 pound dog was panting like a steam locomotive. Two people along the trail offered her water which I thought was very nice. My friend and I were both tired from the hike out and back. The heat and the rocky terrain make for an energy expending effort. This is a primitive but beautiful area. It is a good idea to bring a backpack with sunscreen and water. There truly is NOTHING out there. There is an honor system for paying with a drop box asking for 5 dollars per adult. I am not sure how effective this is. Unless you specifically stop to read the informational sign, you wouldn't know there was a fee.Very beautiful place which is even more beautiful when there is sufficient rain.

The videos on the Internet don't do it justice. After a long hike through some very rough country, you descend into a veritable oasis. The change in scenery is sudden and extreme. The falls are simply beautiful. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes because the ground is very rocky. Also take plenty of water. The trip out is harder because it is mostly uphill, so save some energy.

I'm surprised Gorman Falls is rated separately from Colorado Bend State Park... anyway...My husband, friend and I caught this trail a bit late in the day, and had to hustle to get down to the main attraction. Give yourself ample time! The trail is rocky and as you descend to the falls, the stairs are REALLY, REALLY steep. This coupled with the moisture from the falls can send you down a slippery slope... literally. Wander over to the conference center which is around the same trail... the water lilies are delightful, and are such a welcomed surprise from the cactus-laden rocky trail. Really beautiful.

I wasnt feeling great, so the hike to the falls seemed to take forever ... but we enjoying seeing the many species of butterflies and late season wildflowers along the way. When we made it past the last steep and slippery bit, it was as if we had stepped back to some primeval place and time - it was totally unexpected given the ground we had just traversed. The spring-fed falls are worth the hike ... just take your time and sit and enjoy them once you get to them.

The scenery going to the fall changed three times: from wildflower valley, to rocks to the fall. Bring plenty of water. No easy hiking.

Probably the prettiest waterfall I have seen in Texas, but no swimming here - so go on up to Spicewood Springs Trail in the same park for some less spectacular falls with swimming.

Highly recommend after a heavy rainfall so your notice the falls with waterfalls...Lushy creek hikes very beautiful. Well maintained but to mention week ends in summer can be too much crowded --> Nature lovers find the right time for human crowd at times will certainly disrupt the whole experience.....Immediately after a heavy shower (may showers hint and early visit are the key)