Pedernales Falls State Park

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Pedernales Falls State Park

  • Pedernales Falls Scenic Overlook
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    Follow the Pedernales River as it cascades over steps of layered limestone to create the picturesque Pedernales Falls. This drop in elevation will definitely be the high point of your visit.
  • Swimming at Pedernales Falls State Park
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Take Me to the River

Flowing over and around huge slabs of limestone, the Pedernales River can be turbulent. But most often it is tranquil, and a great place to relax and recharge. We are just 30 miles west of Austin. Come over for an afternoon swim or hike, or load up your gear for an overnight adventure. The river awaits!

Things to Do

Here at Pedernales Falls State Park, you can camp, hike, mountain bike, picnic, geocache, bird watch and ride horses. On the river, you can swim, wade, tube or fish. Look for local wildlife and plants at the bird blind and butterfly garden.

Swimming

Access to the swimming area is a strenuous 1/4-mile (or more) hike, and includes steep rock stairs with no handrail.

If you plan to swim, read our swimming safety tips before you come.

For your safety, we do not allow swimming and wading in the Pedernales Falls area.

WARNING: The water in the river can rise from a placid stream to a raging torrent in a few minutes. If you are in the river area and notice the water rising or getting muddy, leave the river area immediately. Flash flooding is common in the Texas Hill Country. Please be alert to weather conditions.

Camping

Choose a site with water and electricity or hike to a primitive site. Bring your group to the Youth Group Camp or Equestrian Group Camp.

Hiking and biking

Our scenic Hill Country trails range from easy to challenging.

Take the .5-mile Twin Falls Nature Trail and stop at the scenic overlook over the falls. Or tackle the six-mile Wolf Mountain Trail. This challenging trail wraps around Tobacco and Wolf mountains and winds along the small canyons created by Mescal and Tobacco creeks. Along the way, cool your heels at Arrowhead Pool, where Bee Creek spills into stair-stepped pools.

For the more adventurous cyclist, test your mountain biking skills on the new Juniper Ridge Trail. This 10-mile technical, single track trail provides plenty of obstacles for more advanced riders. 

Paddling

Tube, canoe or kayak the river. Put in at the swimming area or Trammell’s Crossing Trail. For your safety, we do not allow put-ins or take-outs in the Pedernales Falls area.

Horseback riding

Ride your horse on 10 miles of rugged trail. The trail is very rocky with some steep slopes, and requires riding experience.

Horses should have shoes. You will find water troughs at the trailer parking area and at the midway point of the trail. You must present current Coggins for your horse at the office. We don’t provide horses.

Note: We sometimes close the trails due to weather; call before you visit.

Volunteer!

We need your help. Stop by headquarters or visit our Volunteer page to learn more.

Donate 

Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.

The park store sells gift items and ice.

Ranger Programs

We offer a variety of programs. Check our Events page or look for signs at the park.

Kids: Become a Junior Ranger! Borrow an Explorer Pack, with tools for exploring nature. Complete a certain number of activities from our free Activity Journal to earn a badge.

Teachers: This is a Texas Aquatic Science Certified Field Site.

Area Attractions

Johnson City, just 10 miles west of the park, is home to parks, art galleries and museums. Visit the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and the Lyndon B. John State Park & Historic Site.

Dripping Springs, 13 miles southeast, offers art galleries, wineries and breweries, and more.

First Day Hikes logo

 

Take a First Day Hike here!


Burn Ban in Effect

2585 Park Road 6026
Johnson City, TX 78636

Latitude: 30.308054

Longitude: -98.257649

(830) 868-7304

For iPhone Maps:
2585 Park Road 6026
Cypress Mill, TX 78636

Entrance Fees
  • 13 years and older : $6 Daily
  • Child 12 Years and Under: Free
Hours

Open daily

Office open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily


Park gates are closed from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Campers with reservations who may arrive after 10 p.m. must call the park before 4:30 p.m. to get the gate code.

 

We often reach capacity and close to those without permits. To guarantee entry for day visits or camping, make reservations online or by calling the customer service center before you visit.

Busy Season

Spring, summer and fall.

Climate

January average low is 32 degrees. July average high is 94 degrees. Wettest months are May, August and September. First freeze occurs early November. Last freeze occurs early April.

National Weather Service forecast for this area
Elevation

1,197 feet