“there's quite a hike...”
Cattail Falls is an elusive waterfall in the canyon-filled desert of West Texas. In order to hike it, you definitely need to follow a few guidelines. The falls are a hike in from the road to Castalon. You must walk down the winding terrain of the dry land that slopes up from the base of the mountains around which the Cattail Falls are located in Big Bend National Park. [Because this is in arid desert country, be aware that the Cattail Falls and its adjacent pool of water are attractive to bears, snakes, local cats, and other dangerous wildlife.]
If you are travelling towards the Big Bend Natural Park or the Chisos Mountains in Texas and you are looking for some interesting hiking experiences, then you should definitely include in your route the Cattail Falls, which is actually an elusive waterfall located in this harsh desert environment of West Texas.
The area where the waterfall is, reminds me of the oasis in the African desert. A great wet contrast to the harsh and dry desert environment surrounding it. For the exact location of the Cattail Falls you should better ask the park rangers, because finding the location is kinda tricky. But when you will get there, you will feel extremely privileged and blessed !!!
Are you the kind of a traveler who is experienced in harsh situations and looks for wild isolated natural places ? Yes, there are still such places where the nature is pure and the presence of humans is just minimal.
If you are looking for the experience of staring at dark as coal skies, enjoying the singing of various bird singing and generally come closer to 'mother' nature, then if you are in West Texas you should definitely visit the Big Bend Natural Park. There you will have the privilege for being one of the very few people to see from close spectacular landscapes, such as limestone temple-like canyons curved for thousands of years by rivers which in many places form magical spots. One of these spots are the Cattail Falls. Be aware that you will need to be experienced hiker to get there and since the Cattail Falls are located in a desert environment you must be very careful of wild animals, such as bears and snakes that may be found there. But above that, it is a place that you will feel amazing for visiting it!
This is NOT a place that you are allowed to hike to. It is a water source for NPS as well as the Chisos Mountains Lodge and all who visit the park. NO swimming allowed if you do take this journey. Respect the cleanliness of our water sources.
Wonderful 3+ mile round trip hike. A hidden micro oasis in the desert mountains. Not too secret though. During 1.5 hour trip I passed 4 couples and one large group of 25+ being guided by Big Bend River Tours
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Cattail Falls
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