Gorman Falls is a 78-foot spring-fed waterfall on Gorman Creek in Colorado Bend State Park, San Saba County, Texas, where the creek veils over a broad terrace of travertine above the Colorado River. It is a distinctive geologic formation, and its trail is a popular route in the park.
The falls
The World Waterfall Database describes a broad, segmented fall spreading over a large travertine terrace and lists it at 78 feet; earlier surveys listed 100 feet. Other state publications give 70 to 75 feet. Mineral-rich spring water deposits layers of calcite, and these travertine deposits have built the falls over time, with ferns and mosses growing on the rocks below. Although partly spring fed, the flow is highly seasonal.
Getting there
The Gorman Falls Trail is 1.5 miles each way, 3 miles round trip, and is rated difficult: very rocky, with little shade and a steep, slippery descent near the falls. The hike takes about an hour and a half, and carrying extra water is advised. Guided visits to the falls are also offered.
Entrance is $5 per person aged 13 and older; children 12 and under are free, and the Texas State Parks Pass is accepted. Reserving a day pass before visiting is strongly recommended to guarantee entry. The park is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. As of September 2026, the Gorman Springs Trail and part of the Old Gorman Road Trail are closed for tree work, and the whole park closes for permitted hunts: October 19–22, November 5–8 and 16–19, and December 3–6 and 14–17, from 5 p.m. on the first day to 2 p.m. on the last.
When to go
The volume of the falls changes sharply from season to season. Check conditions before driving in after heavy rain, when the entrance road can flood.
On site
The travertine is fragile, so visitors should view the falls from a distance. Swimming and fishing are prohibited in Gorman Creek, which holds one of the purest strains of Guadalupe bass, the state fish, and pets are not allowed at the falls or in the creek. Composting toilets stand near the main camping area and at one trailhead.
History and name
The type section of the Gorman Formation is located near Gorman Falls, along the Colorado River gorge. The origin of the waterfall's name isn't documented.
Nearby
Tie Slide Falls is about 0.9 mile away, Spicewood Falls about 3.2 miles and Post Oak Falls about 3.9 miles. Elsewhere in the park, visitors can dip their toes in cool Spicewood Springs or join a cave tour, which requires a reservation.
Distances are straight-line.