The Falls is a waterfall in Falls County, Texas, about 4.3 miles south of Marlin. This guide covers what to check, bring and expect before you go, using visitor ratings, official USGS records and live conditions for this exact location.
At a glance
- Location
- Falls County, TX
- Nearest town
- Marlin (4.3 mi)
- Visitor rating
- 4.5 from 50 reviews
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Coordinates
- 31.24657, -96.91916
- USGS topo
- Cedar Springs quad
Weather at The Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at The Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
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- Sunset
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- Daylight
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- Golden hour
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Times in Chicago time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Getting there
The Falls sits about 4.3 miles south of Marlin in Falls County. Navigate to the coordinates 31.24657, -96.91916, which mark the waterfall itself; the trailhead or parking area may be some distance away.
Open directions in Google Maps or Apple Maps, or view the map on the The Falls listing. Navigation apps sometimes route onto seasonal forest roads, so check road status if you are heading into the mountains.
Texas is overwhelmingly private land, so access is the main planning challenge. Many falls are on ranches or private property and are not open to the public. The best-known sites are in Texas State Parks, such as Colorado Bend, McKinney Falls, Palo Duro Canyon and Caprock Canyons, which charge entry fees and can sell out of day passes on busy weekends, so reservations are wise. Cattail Falls is in Big Bend National Park, and Dolan Falls lies within a Nature Conservancy preserve with restricted access. The Hill Country is known as Flash Flood Alley, and rivers there can rise with startling speed; never cross flooded low-water crossings. Heat, sun and scarce water are serious hazards in summer, particularly in West Texas.
What to bring
This checklist is tailored to The Falls based on what visitors report and the conditions typical of Texas. For the complete list, see our waterfall hike packing guide.
- Offline map and coordinates. Save 31.24657, -96.91916 and download offline maps; cell service is often weak near waterfalls.
- Shoes with real grip. Rock near falling water stays wet and slick even in dry weather.
- Water and a snack. More than you think you need, even for a short walk.
- A light rain layer. Spray from the falls and quick-moving showers can soak you.
- Headlamp. In case your visit runs later than planned; check sunset time in the conditions panel above.
How to prepare
Timing
Spring is the prime season across most of Texas. From March through early June, frequent storms and active springs keep Hill Country falls running, and wildflowers carpet the roadsides. Summer brings intense heat statewide; spring-fed falls such as Gorman Falls continue to flow, but many rain-fed falls dry up, and swimming holes become crowded. Autumn can bring heavy rains, especially in September and October, which revive falls but also bring dangerous flash floods. In the Trans-Pecos, the most reliable flow follows the summer monsoon, roughly July through September, while winter is the most comfortable season for hiking in Big Bend. Panhandle canyons see spring and summer thunderstorms, with occasional winter ice. Winter in the Hill Country is mild and flow is variable. 50 Google reviews suggest steady but manageable traffic outside peak weekends.
Safety
Stay behind railings and off wet rock, never climb on the falls, and keep children within arm's reach near the water. Check the weather panel above for flood or storm alerts before you set out; water levels can rise fast after upstream rain. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
Respect the place
Pack out everything you bring, stay on established paths to limit erosion, and leave rocks and plants where they are. See Leave No Trace at waterfalls.
What visitors say
The Falls holds a 4.5-star average across 50 Google reviews, and 64% of reviewers give it five stars. That makes it the most reviewed waterfall in Falls County. Visitors have shared 51 photos.
See the rating breakdown or read reviews on Google.
History of the area
The Falls was entered in the Geographic Names Information System on November 30, 1979, and it appears on the USGS Cedar Springs 7.5-minute topographic map.
Its neighbors on the map tell the story of the surrounding land: Perry Creek (stream, 1.4 mi).
Nearby waterfalls to add to your trip
More around here: waterfalls near Marlin · Falls County waterfalls · all Texas waterfalls · 9 Best Waterfalls Near Me In Austin Texas · 15 Best Waterfalls in Texas · 10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Texas · 5 Must-See Waterfalls in Texas · 5 Most Visited Waterfalls in Texas
Frequently asked questions
Where is The Falls?
The Falls is in Falls County, Texas, about 4.3 miles south of Marlin. Its coordinates are 31.24657, -96.91916.
Is The Falls crowded?
50 Google reviews suggest steady but manageable traffic outside peak weekends.
What should I bring to The Falls?
At minimum: offline map and coordinates, shoes with real grip, water and a snack, and a light rain layer. See the full checklist above, which is tailored to what visitors report about this waterfall.
When is the best time to visit The Falls?
Spring is the prime season across most of Texas. From March through early June, frequent storms and active springs keep Hill Country falls running, and wildflowers carpet the roadsides.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to visit The Falls?
Fees and permits depend on who manages the land. Check with the managing agency before you go. Our Texas waterfalls page covers access in the state.
Summary
The Falls about 4.3 miles south of Marlin is rated 4.5 out of 5 by 50 visitors. Check the live forecast and stream gauge above, save the coordinates for offline use, and pack for wet, uneven ground. Ratings, hours and access can change, so confirm conditions with the land manager before you drive out.
See the full The Falls listing for the map, photos and nearby landmarks.