Guide to Visiting Crockett Garden Falls- 2024

Hikers will love visiting Crockett Garden Falls for its waterfall, shade, easy to hike terrain and lake views. After part of the waterfall collapsed in the winter of 2022, visitors now return to see how nature has transformed the waterfall after its tragedy. Start planning a trip to go hiking in Texas near Austin. Use this guide to find one of most unique and popular waterfalls in Texas.

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Where is Crockett Garden Falls Located

Crockett Garden Falls is located on the edge of Lake Georgetown on one of the many trails in Georgetown, TX. With many hidden waterfalls in Texas, this one north of Austin is a beautiful Texas jewel.

Hikers must take the San Gabriel River Trail that is part of the Goodwater Loop. The Goodwater Loop is one of the longest trails in Georgetown, TX. It follows the edge of the lake and is 27 miles long. There are several different parks at Lake Georgetown near the Goodwater Loop, but the closest parking lot near the waterfall is at Cedar Break Park.

There is a barricade at the entrance of the park, however this is mostly for boaters and campers. During the spring, summer and holidays to access the parking lot near the hiking trail, the gatekeeper may require the purchase of a day pass. However, if this is the case I have parked outside of the barricade many times in a very close parking lot nearby. It may add an extra 5-to-7-minute walk to the trailhead, but it’ll be free.

There are also times when the gate stays open, and visitors can come and go. I have visited several times, and it’s always unpredictable.

Crockett Garden Falls FAQ

Prepare for a fun and scenic hike when visiting Crockett Garden Falls. Experience views of Lake Georgetown while walking on a shaded and rocky trail before you find a beautiful and unique waterfall from a natural spring. There are all types of trails to explore while hiking in Texas. Get out there and enjoy!

Address: 2100 Cedar Breaks Rd, Georgetown, TX 78633	Elevation Gain: 295 feet
Phone: (512) 930-5253	Dog-friendly: Yes
Distance of Trail: 3.7 miles or 4.3 miles (Follow this shorter trail or Good Water Trail)	Bathrooms: None

Hiking to Crockett Garden Falls

When looking for the trailhead, it is very well marked with a large sign saying, “San Gabriel River Trail, Good Water Loop.” There is a trashcan and benches at the beginning of trail but unfortunately no restrooms. While on the trails in Georgetown, TX be sure to leave no trace to maintain this beautiful area.

The Start of the Trail

Starting out very shaded, large Ashe Juniper trees create a nice arch over the wide trail. With no large hills to climb, the trail to Crockett Garden Falls is fairly easy. Most of the waterfalls in Austin, Texas are only seen by hiking. Seeing these rare waterfalls in Texas must be earned.

The path is very rocky so wearing closed toe shoes is recommended. Hikers that have an interest in geology should look for the interesting rock formations on the trail. Texas was once underwater, and much of the landscape today is evident of that. Along with limestone, look for coral like rocks on the trail.

Bikers, hikers and trail runners also use the trail very frequently, so be aware of your surroundings. Once you begin to see the lake, you’ll approach a stone column with a bench to the right of it. This area may look like a trail however you will want to follow the path to the left towards the falls.

The path now opens up with beautiful views of Lake Georgetown at its North Fork. It is at this part of the trail that the gravel track becomes narrower. There is room to step aside for others to pass but be mindful of certain areas next to a rocky hill leading down to the edge of the lake.

Jumping Into the Lake

Those who would like to take a dip in the water are more than welcome to. There will be unmarked paths leading down to the lake, but the hill is covered in loose rock. A hiking stick or trekking pole would come in handy at this point, but if you don’t have either just take your time.

If you’re struggling getting to the water, look for other paths that lead to the water that may be easier to navigate. My favorite is the last option that veers towards the lake before you begin to walk up a hill where the path gets shady again.

Severe droughts effect lake levels drastically some years. If you decide to swim, make sure you check the surrounded area and find the best way of getting out of the water. Parts of this side of the lake are undeveloped and getting out of the water is not always easy. Just take your time before jumping in. Also be mindful of strong waves from passing boats.

If you’d prefer to swim in the lake from a sandy beach, look into these other parks at Lake Georgetown for easier access.

For other popular swimming locations near Austin and surrounding towns, check out this list of popular swimming holes and pools.

The Last Stretch Before Reaching the Waterfall

The trail will slowly start to incline moving you further away from easily reaching the shore of the lake. The trail will begin to get shady again and often offering amazing overlooks of Lake Georgetown. These cliffside views make an excellent spot to watch the sunset with the lake in the foreground.

This stretch of the trail progressively will have rockier parts but remains predominately level. High above the lake, at some points you are not able to see the water through the forest. Over time, you’ll notice that slowly you’re declining in elevation. Eventually you’ll almost be at same level as the lake.

It is at this point you’ll look for the fork in the road. The right takes you to the waterfall, while the left is still the Goodwater Loop that continues around the edge of the entire lake. Each path will take you to the waterfall, but if you go towards the right, it will save you lots of time and goes directly to the waterfall. Those who want to continue on the Goodwater Loop but want to see the falls will look for a clear sign that shows a side path to the waterfall.

Those who are heading directly towards the waterfall, after going right at the fork, will navigate a narrow section that curves down a hill and next to a tree. Using this part of the path will be almost impossible for bikers, so I would suggest reaching the falls by staying on the Goodwater Loop.

Once you have made it around the sharp curve that leads down the hill, it opens up with fields of cactus and views of the lake. Before you know it, you’ve reached one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Texas.

What to Expect from the Waterfall

Those who haven’t seen the Crockett Garden Falls since the early winter of 2022, may not recognize it now. Visitors used to be able to sit under a dome-like rock formation covered in ferns. Water would flow through the ferns and created a veil of water. Water would also drip in various places underneath the overhanging rock.

The rock that was attached to the cliff collapsed after the temperature dropped extremely quickly one day in December of 2022. Water inside the rock expanded rapidly and soon the overhanging rock detached from the cliff.

A little over a year after this occurrence, this unique waterfall has transformed and is still a beautiful sight to see. A continuous flow of water from the spring falls from above over a small hill hitting the rocks below. Bright and lush greenery of mostly ferns drapes over the cliffside where water flows over mini hidden caves. The light tan rock from below contrasts against the bright greenery above the cliff. It is this unusual appearance that makes it and stunning and one of the best waterfalls in Texas to see. The water flows in many directions all leading towards the lake.

It would be very hard to swim or cool off at this waterfall due to the large boulder blocking the main parts of where the water flows. You can explore close to the waterfall but be careful while walking on the slippery built-up algae.

My Review of the Hike: Is It Worth It?

I will say that the original structure of the falls drew in a larger crowd of people. In its former glory it was one of the most special waterfalls that I’ve seen. If you’re able to accept that it will no longer look the same, you can still appreciate the beauty of this location.

I was lucky enough to have the waterfall to myself on a Sunday afternoon and I took so many photographs that came out so well. Even after the separation of the rock, it is still extremely picturesque.

One of the biggest downfalls is that it doesn’t offer the refreshing shower it once did. However, between the enjoyable and scenic trail and having the pleasure of seeing the waterfall, it is still one of the best trails in Georgetown, TX to explore. I’ve seen several waterfalls in Austin, Texas and Crockett Garden Falls north of the city is still a special place to visit.

My Recommendations on Where to Stay Near the Trail

• Sheraton: Dog-Friendly Hotel, Clean, Pool, Restaurant inside and near other restaurants
• Best Western: Dog-Friendly, Breakfast Included, Pool, Close to Downtown Georgetown
• Cottage: Dog-Friendly, 2 Beds & 1 Bath, Grill, Close to Town
• Home: Dog-Friendly, 2 Beds & 1 Bath, Next to River Trails, Near Downtown

More Things to Do Near Crockett Garden Falls

Cedar Breaks Park also overs camping sites and has a designated swimming area. Out of all the lakes near Austin, Texas Lake Georgetown is my favorite. If you’d like to explore more waterfalls near Austin, Texas checkout this list of local waterfalls. If you are looking for places to shop or eat, head to the Georgetown square.

Preparing for a Hike