Gorman Spring, Bend, Texas

## Overview Gorman Spring is the natural headwater source of Gorman Falls, one of the most celebrated waterfalls in the Texas Hill Country. Located within **Colorado Bend State Park** near the small community of Bend in San Saba County, this spring rises directly from the ground and forms a spring-fed creek that flows downstream to create the stunning 70-foot Gorman Falls before ultimately joining the Colorado River. Gorman Falls is renowned for its travertine deposits — a type of limestone formed by mineral-rich spring water that precipitates calcium carbonate as it flows over the cliff edge. The lush, moss-covered travertine formations at Gorman Falls are actively growing, making the waterfall a living geological feature. Gorman Spring is the engine behind this process, delivering mineral-laden water from underground aquifers to the surface year-round. Colorado Bend State Park encompasses over 5,300 acres of rugged Hill Country terrain along the Colorado River, and Gorman Spring and its associated waterfall are among the park's most popular natural attractions. The park is open seven days a week, year-round, though a Texas State Parks day-use or entrance fee applies. Visitors should check the [Texas Parks & Wildlife website](http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/colorado_bend) for current hours, fees, and any trail closures. ## Directions 1. Navigate to **Colorado Bend State Park**, located near Bend, Texas 76824. The park is roughly 28 miles west of Lampasas via FM 580. 2. After entering the park and passing through the entrance station, proceed to the **Gorman Falls Trailhead**. 3. Follow the **Gorman Falls Trail** (approximately 1.5 miles one way) as it winds through juniper and oak woodlands toward the falls. 4. To reach the spring itself, continue along the **Gorman Spring Trail**, which follows the spring-fed creek upstream to its source where the water emerges from the ground. 5. GPS coordinates for the spring: **31.052114, -98.48587**. *Note: The trail to Gorman Falls involves some rocky, uneven terrain and a steep descent near the falls. Sturdy footwear is recommended. The trail is not wheelchair accessible.* ## What to Expect At the spring source, visitors will find water rising from the ground and forming a clear, spring-fed creek. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of the Texas Hill Country — limestone outcrops, native grasses, and scattered juniper and live oak trees. The creek created by Gorman Spring flows through a lush riparian corridor before cascading over the travertine cliff face at Gorman Falls. The spring flows year-round, though flow rates may vary seasonally depending on rainfall and aquifer levels. The water is notably mineral-rich, as evidenced by the active travertine formations it creates downstream. Visitors have historically noted the water's clarity and freshness, though water quality has not been independently verified for drinking purposes. The hike to the spring and falls is moderate in difficulty and typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour each way. The area around Gorman Falls is fragile — the park asks visitors to stay on designated trails and avoid touching or walking on the travertine formations, as they are delicate and actively forming. Swimming and wading at the falls are not permitted in order to protect the geological formations. Colorado Bend State Park also offers camping, fishing, caving tours, and additional hiking trails for those looking to extend their visit. The park can be busy on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is advisable, especially during spring and fall when temperatures are most comfortable for hiking.