Embedded limestone and loose rocks form the Gorman Falls Trail as it winds past ashe junipers, prickly pear cacti and native grasses. More than a mile later, the mostly flat, scrubby terrain begins to slope down into thick woods. Then a distant sound of rushing water breaks the silence.
Those who navigate the trail’s final descent into a deep canyon are rewarded with spectacular views of Gorman Falls. Hailed as Colorado Bend State Park’s crown jewel, the waterfalls — fed by Gorman Creek and its many springs — cascade down a curved cliff, spilling over maidenhair ferns, green moss and other vegetation.
Ten years ago, the falls reached 65 feet high. Now they’re at 70 feet. That’s because, unlike most waterfalls that erode their substrates, Gorman Falls — the only one of its kind in Texas — constantly grows as minerals from the springs wash downstream. Gradually, those deposits of calcium carbonate build up, creating the falls’ travertine formations that resemble moss-covered stalagmites. Their rock-solid appearance can be deceptive, though.
“Stepping on travertine can be like stepping on a potato chip,” says park interpreter Debbie Hicks. “So this is a very fragile ecosystem, which is why the falls are roped off. We want to preserve this treasure for future generations.”
Visitors who plan to hike the 1.5-mile Gorman Falls Trail to the waterfalls and back should be in fairly good shape. Most challenging is the trail’s final steep descent, which traverses over slippery rocks and is flanked by cable handrails.
“We advise people to know their limits,” Hicks says. “Start early, wear good footwear, and take plenty of snacks and lots of water.”
Spring and fall months offer prime times to see Gorman Falls, which ebbs and flows depending on rainfall. When at their peak, the waterfalls spray a fine mist into the air as they tumble over the travertine.
“On a 100-degree day, it’s 20 degrees cooler at the falls,” Hicks notes. “We’ve had many visitors return from Gorman Falls and tell us that they feel like they’ve gone to Hawaii.”
Lush tropics in the heart of Texas? Now that’s a true wonder.
