10 Best Natural Wonders in Texas

The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is most famous for one thing – the massive dome of pink granite that rises over the surrounding landscape. Hike to the top to get an incredible view while also exploring this mystical landscape.

In addition to Enchanted Rock itself, you’ll find plenty of other things to do here. Over 11 miles of hiking trails offer lots of possibilities, but you can also enjoy rock climbing, birdwatching, or camping out under the stars. Note that bikes are not allowed on the trail. Access to the area does require a small fee.

Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Texas”, Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States. It features over 30 miles of trails that can be hiked, biked, or explored with a horse, and the entirety of it features staggering multicoloured sandstone formations. Each coloured band represents a different layer of sediment laid down millennia ago.

In addition to hiking, biking, and riding, there are also plenty of camping opportunities. If you prefer something more comfortable than a sleeping bag, ‘glamping’ sites here offer air conditioning and real beds inside rustic cabins.

Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve is an incredible destination, whether you love natural history or just want to swim in one of the most interesting watering holes in the world. The waters of Hamilton Creek plunge 50 ft over a limestone cliff to the pool below, before flowing out once more. The pool itself is surprisingly deep and home to many animal, fish, and bird species, too.

In addition to swimming, you can also enjoy hiking, or take a guided tour. Note that reservations are required and a small fee is necessary to access the preserve. Pets are not allowed and there are no concessions, so it’s recommended that you bring drinking water.

Caddo Lake State Park is one of Texas’ most stunning natural wonders, although it’s one of the less frequented by travellers. The jewel of the park is Caddo Lake, which covers over 26,000 acres. Much of the lake is populated by towering bald cypress trees bedecked with hanging Spanish moss, ideal for a canoe or kayaking expedition.

In addition to paddling the waters of the lake, you can also fish for over 70 different species (a license is only required if you fish from a boat, not the shore). Camping, hiking, and ranger programmes are also offered and there’s a park store for souvenirs.

Gorman Falls is one of Texas’ most impressive waterfalls. Most people don’t think of waterfalls when they picture exploring Texas, but the state has its fair share of them. Gorman Falls plummets 70 ft through lush forest to the pool below.

The 3-mile roundtrip hike to reach the falls is enjoyable, though some may find it challenging. It takes you through the Colorado Bend State Park, which also offers guided cave tours, camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and several other activities in a stunning natural setting.

At Jacob’s Well, you can take a dive into one of the deepest natural springs in the US. The mouth of the spring measures 12 ft in diameter and the well plunges 30 ft straight down before angling to the side, ultimately reaching multiple underground chambers around 120 ft deep. In addition to swimming, the deep caves attract scuba divers.

Swimming is by reservation only and those can only be made between May and September. Reservations are for 2-hour blocks. Note that a fee is required to swim, but not to hike in the Natural Area. Hiking is only available daily from 8 am to 10 am.

Dinosaur Valley State Park is located on what was, in the distant past, the shoreline of an ancient ocean that once covered much of the American Southwest. It was once a place where dinosaurs walked, and their footprints are still preserved in the rock of the riverbed. When the water is low, you can follow in their path.

In addition to exploring the tracks of ancient reptiles, you can also enjoy over 20 miles of hiking trails. Kayaks can be rented at the park store, horseback riding is allowed, and guided tours give you an expert’s insight into the area’s history. You can even camp overnight in Dinosaur Valley.

Big Thicket National Preserve is a place of abundant life. Many different ecosystems converge in this one space, including forests, wetlands, and more, giving it the nickname of the “Biological Crossroads of North America”. The preserve covers over 113,000 acres and offers innumerable opportunities for exploration and education.

Hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, and canoeing are all popular activities here. You can also take part in educational programmes to learn about the plants, animals, and fungi that make this place so unique. There are also programmes about the area’s human history and there’s are even volunteer programme so you can get involved with its preservation. From carnivorous plants to feral hogs, kids’ programmes to backcountry treks, you’ll find a wealth of things to enjoy.

Devil’s Sinkhole drops 140 ft into a cavern that measures over 320 ft wide and 350 ft deep. It’s home to over 3 million Mexican Freetail Bats, which emerge in a rush on warm evenings to search for food. You can experience that amazing sight, as well as enjoy nature walks and birding tours throughout the surrounding natural area, which covers almost 1,900 acres.

Note that reservations are required, and the only way to access the area is via guided tours that begin at the Rocksprings visitor centre. A small fee is also required. The caverns are not open to visitors, although nearby Kickapoo Cavern State Park can offer spelunking if like.

Guadalupe River State Park offers access to over 4 miles of this iconic river, where you can swim and relax in the sun and water beneath the colourful cliffs and massive ancient trees. You’ll also find canoeing and kayaking, hiking, camping, and fishing on offer here.

For hikers, the Barred Owl Trail will give you access to a wonderful scenic overlook. However, there are 13 miles of hiking trails to explore in total. Some trails are wide enough for horses, but not all will accommodate equestrian access. There’s also a discovery centre where visitors can learn about the park’s stunning natural features and history.