Hiking to Gorman Falls with a Dog

When my son and his Boy Scout troop did a shakedown in Colorado Bend State Park, I decided to hike to Gorman Falls with my dog and meet them there.

Gorman Falls trail is dog friendly. While hiking to Gorman Falls was not my first time, it was for my dog Snoopy.

Before we get into my experience hiking to Gorman Falls with a dog, let’s go over the basics of the Gorman Falls trail.  

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Things to know about Gorman Falls Trail

– Gorman Falls trail is the most popular trail in the park. Expect heavy traffic.

– It is a 3-mile out-and-back trail.

– It takes approximately 1.5 hours to finish the trail, but it depends on how many breaks and how long you spend at the falls.

– Gorman Falls trail is moderate/challenging but doable for children to healthy and fit seniors.

– It is rocky and has little shade, with a steep and slippery descent near the falls. 

My Experience Hiking to Gorman Falls with a Dog

After driving for about 2,5 hours and leaving our trailer in the campground, Snoopy and I started hiking around 10 a.m. Even though the sun was up, it was still cool.

A few minutes from the trailhead, there’s a warning sign about water and a map. This trail has little to no shade, so it’s essential to bring lots of water, especially when it’s hot. A map is required because you never know if you’ll get lost. I had enough water and a map, and I got lost on the way back!

Sure enough, the terrain is rocky to the falls. Snoopy is used to rocky terrain in Cleburne State Park and Dinosaur Valley State Park, so it didn’t bother him. Besides, he loves hiking a lot. He would tackle all of the challenges.

On the other hand, I was concerned about the terrain. I didn’t want to get hurt, which would prevent me from hiking in the future. It would be disappointing, right? So, I preferred to move slower than we used to.

We took a few water breaks until we reached the start of the steep stretch. Before this point, the trail is mostly level.

The park installed a guardrail on this section, which is helpful. However, there are no photos from this section. It is too risky to shoot pictures while holding a leash and a handrail while walking down a steep path.

When we arrived at the bottom, I looked at my watch. It took us around 45 minutes to get from the trailhead to the falls.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t much water falling that day. I suppose the areas near Colorado Bend State Park didn’t get enough rain before our visit.

While waiting for my son and his friends, we rested on a deck built near the falls. A few visitors with dogs arrived not long after us. Their dogs were about the size of Snoopy. A medium-sized dog.

Next, we took a walk to the Colorado River. The water barely flowed and was filthy. However, a few visitors let their dogs play in the water.

I also saw a lady with her Chihuahua, which she put in a dog carrier. Snoopy made friends with Bella, a Shetland from Richardson, Texas.

About thirty minutes later, my son and his group arrived. They took a long way to get to the falls to prepare themselves for the Philmont trip.

Fifteen minutes later, Snoopy and I said goodbye to Bella and the boys.

I found going up wasn’t as hard as going down. Or, it’s also because we took a long rest already.

At one shaded area, I tripped myself and fell. Fortunately, I wore long pants, and later I found out I didn’t get any scratches on my knees. None around my arms either.

After I got up, Snoopy dragged me in one direction. However, when I noticed a group of people approaching from a different direction, I drew Snoopy in that direction. Not long after that, we arrived on the gravel road. It’s not the same route we took to the falls.

I guess I was unable to think clearly after the fall. I wasn’t sure whether to turn right or left. And I wasn’t sure if it was the gravel road I noticed from the parking lot. So I took a right but turned around after a few yards. I didn’t go back to where I came from because I was afraid I would take another wrong trail. And I didn’t even think to take the map out of my backpack. It’s the second mistake. Number one was not to trust Snoopy when he tried to pull me into the trail after I fell.

After a long walk, I saw Bella and her owners approaching from the opposite direction. They informed me that I had taken the incorrect route back to the parking lot. So we turned around and followed them. Bella stopped a lot, so we continued without them.

It’s already afternoon, and it’s hot. I was worried that Snoopy would pass out on the trail when he started to slow down. I wouldn’t be able to carry him because he is too heavy for me.

Then Snoopy started to stop like Bella. He didn’t even want to drink when I offered him water. I think he was exhausted!

Finally, I saw the gate in the distance. What a relief when we got to the car and rested.

Gorman Falls Trail or Gravel Road?

I believe the gravel road is longer than the Gorman Falls Trail. It’s not rocky like the trail, except for the end part before the descent near the falls. But the road is not flat like the trail, and there’s no shade.

In my opinion, Gorman Falls Trail is better than the gravel road. Unless you want to avoid the rocky terrain, follow the road behind the gate until you see a sign to Gorman Falls.

Where is Gorman Falls?

Gorman Falls is in Colorado Bend State Park.

From the park entrance, drive about .4 mile on Colorado Park Rd. Then turn left onto Gorman Rd. After about .9 miles, you will arrive at the parking. Continue with a hike for about 1.5 miles to Gorman Falls.

Gorman Rd. is continued past the parking lot and behind the gate. If you hike on this gravel road, it will eventually take you to Gorman Falls. I think it’s longer and has fewer shades than the official Gorman Falls trail.

Colorado Bend State Park is situated in Central Texas between Lampasas to the east and San Saba to the northwest. From the intersection of U.S. Highways 281 and 183 in Lampasas, take FM 580 west 24 miles to Bend and then four miles to the park entrance. Take U.S. Highway 190, about four miles from San Saba to FM 580 and follow the signs 13 miles to Bend; follow the signs four miles to the park gate.

At the park’s entrance, there will be a post. If you don’t see a ranger on duty, you must drive an additional six miles to the Headquarters on Colorado Park Rd. to get your passes. The Headquarters is at the end of the road near the Colorado River.      

Park Address: 2236 Park Hill Dr., Bend, TX 76824. 

When to Hike the Gorman Falls Trail

My first time hiking to Gorman Falls was in the Spring, during Spring Break. The second time was in mid-October.  

At both times, the weather was cool and pleasant in the beginning. Then the temperature crept up on the way back. It was warm, and the sun was killing my dog and me.

Spring is one of the park’s busy seasons, while Fall is not. (Summer is the other busy season.) 

I suggest visiting in the Spring or Fall and starting early in the morning. That way, your dog won’t be overheated on the way back to the car.

Remember! Not too many shades on the Gorman Falls trail.

What to Bring on the Gorman Falls Trail

– Plenty of water for you and your dog.

There is no drinking water on the trail. Even when you get to Gorman Falls, there is no guarantee that the Colorado River is clear and flowing. You will see a warning sign not too far from the trailhead. It says your body requires at least 1 liter of water per hour.

Snoopy carried his water and snacks in a backpack when we were hiking. He drinks a lot of water when trekking, so I brought extra. And if it’s hot, he drinks more. He’s been using Tailup backpack since November 2017. It came with a water bottle, but I think the latest model is not.

I’ve been using this new daypack that is light and folded to a size of a small purse since last summer. My shoulders didn’t hurt from carrying extra water and snacks in them.

– Snacks for you and treats for your dog.

I like bringing savory snacks, like beef jerky, peanuts, or crackers. 

Snoopy, my dog, also likes his jerky or grillers. Usually, he didn’t eat a lot of treats as he drank water.

– Waste bag for your dog.

If your dog does his thing during the hike, don’t forget to bag and carry them back to the trailhead with you. There’s no trash can along and at the end of the trail. I like Vibrant Life brand because its durability.

– A towel.

Bring a towel if you let your dog swim in the Colorado River and you don’t like your dog walking with wet coats. Don’t let your dog swim under the falls because it is prohibited. 

– First aid kit.

You never know when you will need it, but it’s good to be ready. The trail is very rocky anyways. I tripped and fell on the way back. Fortunately, I didn’t get a scratch.  

– Hat, sunscreen, or body cream/hand cream.

Check on the weather when you plan a hike to Gorman Falls with your dog. When it’s cold and dry, I like to apply body cream and hand cream before I go outside because my skin is sensitive to dry air.

– Appropriate clothing.

Shirts and shorts/long pants with dry-fast materials are always good to wear when it’s hot. You may need a light jacket or a hoodie when it’s cold.

– Hiking shoes.

I love my Merrell Moab hiking shoes with a wide width. If you don’t have hiking shoes, make sure you are wearing closed toes. You will walk on rocky surfaces, so you want to keep your toes safe. Some people wear their hiking sandals but don’t wear a flip-flop. I could only shake my head when I saw a few people in their flip-flops during our visit in the spring.   

Colorado Bend State Park Stats

Entrance Fees: Adults: $5 daily Child 12 years and under Free.

Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Busy Season: Spring and Summer.

Climate: January average is 46 degrees. July average is 86 degrees. The first freeze occurs in late November, the last freeze occurs in early March. 

Elevation: 1,025 feet.

Nearby State Parks, Historic Sites, and State Natural Areas: Inks Lake State Park and Longhorn Cavern State Park. 

Additional Info on Colorado Bend State Park Gorman Falls

Gorman Falls is the most popular hike in the park, and Colorado Bend State Park is one of the most-visited Texas State Parks. Therefore, the park often reaches capacity. I highly recommend reserving day passes or camping sites in advance.

Keep in mind that the entrance road can flood following heavy storms. Before your visit, check the weather and road conditions.

You can call the park or check its Facebook page or Twitter feed for closure updates.

Driving Distance From Major Cities

– Fredericksburg: 1 hour 20 minutes.

– Austin: 2 hours.

– Waco: 2 hours.

– San Antonio: 2 hours 30 minutes.

– Fort Worth: 3 hours.

– Dallas: 3 hours 20 minutes.

– Houston: 4 hours.