These top destinations for nature travel in Texas will astonish you!
Uncover 15 Texas nature gems and get your nature fix without even having to leave the Lone Star State.
Looking for inspiration to spice up your year? For the best places around to enjoy the outdoors? Travel destinations to social distance in style?
No need to leave Texas – I mean, you can, but you don’t NEED to, lol. The Lone Star State is home to enough amazing natural attractions to keep your jaw dropped for a long time.
White sand beaches? We got it (yep, stay with me).
Dunes for sandboarding? Check.
Canyons? Only the second largest one in the whole country.
Caves? Many, including an underwater cave system forming an insane swimming hole where people do cliff jumping (beat this!).
Waterfalls? You bet, and the largest one is only 3h30 from Dallas.
Swamps? Yes, and it happens to be the largest bald cypress tree forest in the world too.
Top-notch National Park? Of course, and crowd-free.
The list goes on and on! Texas is a huge State with diverse and breathtaking landscapes. Peek into the Texas nature photos below, read our recommendations, and hit the road to visit Texas’ best nature spots.
For other travel destinations within a driving distance from Dallas, check our TRIPS FROM DALLAS page.
Prepare for your Texas Nature adventure!
In this post, you will find links to make reservations in advance (highly recommended) in each of the 15 Texas nature wonders featured below.
Prep your hiking gear – and camping if you are as fond as I am of spending the night under the stars – and hit the road!
Visit our Amazon store for recommendations on what to take and best deals:
1. Caddo Lake
The only natural lake in Texas, home to the largest bald cypress tree forest in the world.
Distance: 170 miles/ 2 h 30 min from Dallas
Caddo Lake is gorgeous and unique. It looks like a fairytale landscape, truly jaw-dropping. East Texas nature at its best!
Only 2h30 from Dallas and right by historic Jefferson, Caddo Lake is one of the most amazing Texas nature attractions and a perfect weekend travel destination from Dallas. Check this post for a detailed itinerary.
The best ways to explore Caddo Lake are boat tours, kayak tours, or renting a canoe to paddle Saw Mill Pond at Caddo Lake State Park.
Plan to see the sunset or sunrise at Saw Mill Pond too. The cypress trees sight in the pond at the golden hour are phenomenal.
Caddo Lake State Park is also a superb place for hiking, home to great North Texas nature trails.
2. Longhorn Caverns
Unique formations and one of the only places in the world where you can experience complete darkness.
Distance: 215 miles/ 3 h 15 min from Dallas
Looking for a Texas nature challenge? Look underneath: if you like exploring caves, you are in the right state.
With tons of cavern systems – at least 3000 known – the Texas undergrounds are a truly caving enthusiast’s playground.
You can find amazing caves to explore virtually in every corner of the State, and cave tours play a big role in Texas nature tourism.
There are tons of options to explore, but Longhorn Caverns is one of my favorites.
The formations are magnificent and distinctive, and the chambers sometimes small enough to make you crouch – what gives it an extra touch of adventure.
In one of the chambers, you can experience complete darkness. The only places in the world where you can experience it are in an abyss at the bottom of the ocean or in a fathomless cave – and Longhorn Caverns happens to be one of those.
Longhorn Caverns are also a historic site. Back in time, The Comanches and the Confederate Army used this cave as a refuge.
3. Devil's Waterhole
Texas most exciting swimming hole and amazing cliff jumping location
Distance: 216 miles/ 3 h 25 min from Dallas
Adrenaline-seekers and nature lovers will fall in love with Devil’s Waterhole, one of Texas’ most iconic swimming holes.
Devil’s Waterhole is known for cliff-jump, featuring one giant rock with two natural platforms – one higher and the other for the chicken-hearted like me, lol.
Jumping from them at the refreshing Inks Lake Waters in the summer is a feeling out of this world and an unforgettable experience (jump at your own risk!)
Devil’s Waterhole is inside gorgeous Inks Lake State Park, an amazing place for camping, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.
The Inks Lake State Park surroundings are stunning as well.
It is a unique part of the Texas Hill Country, with a characteristic rocky landscape. And home to two other Texas nature wonders featured in this post: Enchanted Rock and Longhorn Caverns.
Combine the three locations in a single trip for the ultimate outdoor adventure and get wowed by the amazing natural treasures you can find in the Lone Star State!
4. Gorman Falls
An impressive 70-feet waterfall surrounded by nature.
Distance: 188 miles/ 3 h 20 min from Dallas
Gorman Falls is the largest waterfall in Texas by height and volume.
A gorgeous 70-feet cascading waterfall running over exquisite travertine formations, covered by lush vegetation.
It’s located in Colorado Bend State Park and can be accessed year-round through a 3-mile out and back beautiful and serene trail.
The best time to visit is after the rainy season. That’s when the waterfall is more likely to be running strong.
Swimming is not allowed at Gorman Falls to protect the travertine formations, which have been shaped for millions of years by mineral deposits.
Still, hiking the Gorman Falls trail and contemplating the waterfalls are worth the trip. It is a sure way to reconnect with nature in Texas.
Colorado Bend State Park also offers wild cave-tours.
5. Westcave Preserve
A magic grotto nestled in a canyon in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.
Distance: 224 miles/ 3 h 30 min from Dallas
Right by Hamilton Pool – a short 5-minute drive – you will find one of the most stunning Texas hidden gems, Westcave Preserve.
A protected area nestled in a canyon, Westcave Preserve features a fairy-tale look grotto that you can reach through a short walk surrounded by beautiful nature and canyon walls.
The preserve is open to the public and can be explored through informative and fun guided-tours – reservations required.
It is a unique experience and a Texas nature gem not to be missed.
6. Hamilton Pool
Texas' most stunning swimming hole.
Distance: 218 miles/ 3 h 30 min from Dallas
Hamilton Pool is simply amazing!
A Texas natural pool formed by a small cascade nestled in the gorgeous Texas Hill Country, not far from Austin.
Hamilton Pool is the most beautiful swimming hole in Texas. And one of the most breathtaking Texas nature preserves, a place anyone living in or visiting the Lone Star State should visit.
Hamilton Pool is accessible year-round. To get there, you’ll have to hike through a small and steep trail (not too difficult; I did it with little kids and a senior).
Swimming is allowed or not depending on the bacteria levels – usually higher after the rain season.
But this place is amazing anyway, either as a swimming hole or a hiking spot for nature contemplation.
Online reservations are almost mandatory – especially during summer and holidays.
If you attempt to visit Hamilton Pool without one, you’re likely to be turned away as there is a daily limit of visitors allowed for preservation purposes.
Reservations are usually available from mid-spring and fill up quickly, so act fast to ensure your spot in the sun. 
7. Jacobs Well
An underwater cave and stunning swimming hole for cliff jumping.
Distance: 218 miles/ 3 h 30 min from Dallas
Jacobs Well is the perfect spot for nature lovers and the ultimate cliff jumping destination for the braves of heart.
This unique Texas swimming hole is and a superb destination year-round.
Summer brings the opportunity of actually swimming in Jacobs Well.
But it is also high season, busier than usual and getting a pass to jump into it is a privilege reserved for those good at planning – their reservation system usually opens in April and sells out really fast.
The rest of the year, the place becomes an oasis of peace and solitude, perfect for nature walks and contemplation.
Jacobs Well is right by Wimberley, one of Texas’s most charming small towns and an outstanding weekend getaway from Dallas.
Find in this post the best things to do in Wimberley and surroundings (destination #9).
8. Enchanted Rock
A giant pink granite dome in the heart of the Texas Hill Country
Distance: 240 miles/ 4 h 00 min from Dallas
A giant pink granite dome emerging from the grounds in the middle of nowhere, with astonishing panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country.
This is the best way of describing the uniqueness of Enchanted Rock and the reason why it’s on our select list of the best Texas nature destinations.
The hike to the Enchanted Rock’s top is one-of-a-kind and one of the most exciting Texas nature activities.
Summit trail is only about 0.6-mile long, but it’s uphill and completely shadow-less. It’s harsh yet not extreme – I did it with a 2-year old in a baby carrier!
But avoid doing it on hot days like the plague, lol. Bring water, choose a beautiful spring or fall day, and go – the views from the top are rewarding.
And don’t forget to make reservations in advance to the Enchanted Rock Natural Area. Like most Texas nature parks, Enchanted Rock limits the number of visitors, and you might not be able to access it without reservations.
Enchanted Rock is a Texas nature preserve only 20 minutes from charming and popular Fredericksburg.
Find a complete itinerary to both destinations in this post (destination # 14).
9. Pedernales Falls
One of the most unique landscapes in the Texas Hill Country, with cascades and natural pools.
Distance: 240 miles/ 4 h 10 min from Dallas
Pedernales Falls State Park stole my heart! It was love at first sight. This place is GORGEOUS, one of the most beautiful Texas nature reserves.
It doesn’t matter if the cascades are running high or low, really.
After raining season, the flowing cascades are breathtaking.
When the water level is low, water-shaped craters form natural pools and an almost lunar landscape hard to beat.
Pedernales Falls also features a beach area along the crystal-clear Pedernales River.
It’s overall a superb place year-round, for simply hiking and breathing in nature or cooling off during summer.
You can camp inside Pedernales Falls and spend a whole weekend there.
Or combine it with other nearby Texas nature reserves at the Hamilton Pool area.
10. Lost Maples
The best place in Texas for fall foliage.
Distance: 350 miles/ 5 h 30 min from Dallas
Lost Maples State Natural Area is beautiful.
It is an amazing Texas nature destination for camping, hiking and one of the best places to admire Texas’s fall colors.
Plan to go there in mid-November, when the fall foliage tends to be at its peak in Texas.
And make reservations way in advance – this is one of the most sought-after nature travel destinations in Texas during fall.
Garner State Park is not far from Lost Maples – and gorgeous as well. You can visit both on a single trip.
11. Monahans Sandhills State Park
Texas's Little Sahara
Distance: 380 miles/ 5 h 15 min from Dallas
Monahans Sandhills State Park is the living-proof of Texas nature diversity.
An almost 4,000-acre portion of West Texas covered by dunes up to 70-feet high, constantly being shaped and sculpted by the winds.
It’s one of the most unique Texas nature parks.
Stop there on your way to Marfa or to the Big Bend State Park to surf the dunes (you can rent disks at the park headquarters).
You can also camp at Monahans Sandhills, have a picnic at one of the several picnic areas, and even bring your horse to explore this unique desert environment.
12. Palo Duro Canyon
The second-largest Canyon in the U.S., only behind the Grand Canyon itself.
Distance: 380 miles/ 5 h 40 min from Dallas
Palo Duro Canyon’s first impression is mind-blowing: a huge crater opening out of nowhere in the middle of the otherwise flat Texas Panhandle.
The best way to explore this Texas nature wonder is sleeping inside Palo Duro Canyon, either in a rustic cabin overlooking the canyon or camping at its bottom.
Getting reservations to do that can be tricky – they need to be done months (sometimes a year) in advance-, but the experience and the views are rewarding.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, aka the Grand Canyon of Texas, is a place for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and stargazing.
You can also zipline over the canyon! And it’s an amazing place for Texas nature photography as well, especially during sunrise and sunset.
The most famous and iconic trail there is the Lighthouse Trail. But there are several options to keep you entertained. Check the trail map here.
The Palo Duro Canyon backroads are said to hold hidden treasures, such as slot canyons – those precious narrow formations you can find in places like Arizona and Utah – and caves.
But no marked trails or guided tours are available to reach these remote areas. Please find more info in this article and explore it at your own risk.
Palo Duro is near Amarillo, known for a few iconic Route 66 attractions, such as Cadillac Ranch.
13. Padre Island National Seashore
Stunning Malaquite Beach and one of the last undeveloped seashores in the world.
Distance: 440 miles/ 6 h 30 min from Dallas
This place will change your heart on the Texas coast.
Yes, Texas has outstanding white sand, blue water beaches. And they are much closer to Dallas than you think.
The Padre Island National Seashore (don’t mistake it by South Padre, much further away from Dallas) is a nature preserve and bird sanctuary off Corpus Christi, about 6 hours driving from Dallas.
It’s a 70-mile stretch of untouched beaches and natural habitats, with Laguna Madre on one side and the Gulf Coast on the other.
There you can lay on the beach at 5-mile long Malaquite Beach (the stretch closed for driving and accessible with a 2-wheel drive) and soak in nature – I swam side by side with a sea turtle and saw a huge colony of pelicans there. 
Engage in water sports at Laguna Madre. Drive up to 65 miles through desert beaches (4-wheel drive required).
And even witness sea turtle hatchling releases from mid-June through August.
You can camp inside the Padre Island National Seashore or stay in one of the nearby towns.
14. Devils River State Natural Area
Texas most pristine and remote river and an awe-inspiring paddling destination.
Distance: 378 miles/ 6 h 40 min from Dallas
Get prepared for a wild adventure at one of Texas’s most jaw-dropping postcards.
Devils River Natural Area is mind-blowing and an awesome outdoor destination for hikers, bikers, and experienced paddlers.
The 37,000 acres natural area is within three different ecosystems. And home to beautiful Dolan Falls, the highest volume waterfall in Texas.
It offers primitive camping, and spending the night under the stars is the best way to explore this gorgeous Texas nature gem.
On your way to Devils River Natural Area, take a short – and worthwhile – detour to explore the majestic Caverns of Sonora.
15. Big Bend National Park
One of the most isolated and serene National Parks in the U.S.
Distance: 530 miles/ 7 h 30 min from Dallas
The Big Bend National Park is humongous, with over 800,000 acres covered by mountains, canyons, desert, river, falls, hot springs, and even pictographs.
It’s one of the most remote and least visited National Parks in the US. A gem off the beaten path where you can soak into nature, solitude, and dazzle.
The Big Bend is beautiful, unique, and a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Activities there include hiking, rafting, biking, and stargazing – the Big Bend darkness makes it a perfect place to admire the star-filled skies.
Camping and lodges are available inside the park and the best places to stay on a trip to the Big Bend – the closest town is one hour away from there.
Summing Up
Let Texas amaze you!
Hit the road to explore Caddo Lake, Longhorn Caverns, Gorman Falls, Hamilton Pool, Jacob’s Well, Enchanted Rock, Pedernales Falls, Lost Maples, Monahans Sandhills, Palo Duro Canyon, Padre Island National Seashore, and Big Bend National Park.
This post covered 12 of the most amazing nature spots you can reach driving from Dallas.
See them with your own eyes and bury once for all the misconception that Texas has nothing to offer – it’s an amazing State, with unbelievable hidden-gems just waiting to be discovered by you!
Do you know of any Texas nature hidden gem that deserves to be on this list? What is your favorite nature travel destination in Texas of all times? Leave a comment below!
And for more trip ideas, check our TRIPS FROM DALLAS page. Discover over 50 travel destinations within a driving distance from Dallas, in both Texas and the surrounding States.
This sounds absolutely stunning. I will need to see how close RedCoach will get to these stops.
That bit of the country is so unfamiliar to me. I will have to look into it when we plan our Red Coach vacation.
I know! Texas is an underrated destination with tons of hidden gems. I hope this content helps you to enjoy your time here to the fullest!
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