Pedernales Falls State Park

Too many juniper trees and yuppies.
Trammel Crossing trail is cool. You will have to cross a river. It scares away the yuppies.

Excellent State Park, cozy spots not too close together. Awesome staff, super friendly and informative. Zero cell signal, so just turn it off and enjoy nature. Lots of hiking and bike trails. Lots of critters, I got visited by some overly friendly deer, and an armadillo that decided to root around the campsite. Be careful not to leave food out, the deer are not afraid to run up and snatch things out of your hand. If you leave anything on the table and walk away, it’s fair game, and you will lose! Hahaha nature! Coolers are not a challenge for raccoons, they will open it and steal all your food, so put a strap on it or wedge it under the table. You’ve been warned. =) The trash panda is wise, do not underestimate.

This place was pretty cool!
They have tables n grills, ok parking, but getting down to the «beach area» well getting up from it is a pain, pretty rocky in the water, make sure u hold on to your kids. Good shading in the water, didn’t get to explor much but will go back.

This park gets five stars because of the amazing scenery and abundance of trails and ethereal nature. I especially enjoyed the swimming area and hike to get there. Words are just not enough. The last time I went swimming in a river this tranquil was in Yellow Stone, and I can’t believe I just compared Pedernales to Yellowstone!!! It’s true though, probably the closest I can get in Central Texas.

I’m not sure quite why I give five stars to every Texas state park that I visit and to almost nothing else. Apparently, Texas state parks and I just get along.
In any case, Pedernales Falls is spitting distance from Austin (mostly along a winding, scenic country road), offers cheap ($ 20) car-​camping spots, even cheaper ($ 10) primitive spots, and halves your day-​entry fee from six to three bucks if you overnight.
The park features a six-​mile walking trail through some serious Hill Country views, all sorts of swimming and wading stops along the river, great wildlife interaction (you will have the first non-​roadkill armadillo that you’ve ever encountered visit your campsite), and a generally wonderful vibe. I’m convinced that camping is the only thing in America that shotgun-​toting rednecks and guitar-​toting hippies like equally, so Pedernales Falls really is for everyone. It’s also better maintained than some of the busier ones, super clean and with no trash to speak of.
Same rules as elsewhere in Texas parks: BYO firewood (although gathering starter twigs is apparently okay) or else hugely overpay when you get there, knock off the bulk of the noise after ten, and KEEP YOUR DRINKS IN A PLASTIC CUP. Running afoul of this short list will get you scolded or fined, and nobody wants that. Otherwise, happy camping. I love it and you should too.

Check water levels before visiting. The time we came the water was very low. It costs 6 per person to enter. Once you come in the place to see is all the way at the bottom of the hill. From there you will get to hike around and see the carvings that the water has completed over the years.
The swimming area is fun for small children.
Overall, I enjoyed it but there are just so many other options in and around the area.

Whether you’re up for a weekend camping trip or just a day’s worth of butt soaking, Pedernales State Park is the perfect choice. It’s accessible for most fitness levels and ages, they have some amenities (like restrooms and showers), but most importantly — the view. Ah, the please is gorgeous. And I’ve only seen a smidgen of it.
There swimming, hiking, camping; the perfect surf and turf retreat.
Quick tip about alcohol: Since it’s a State Park, «public consumption of alcohol is illegal,» as a park guide told us. He did’t make us return the booze to the car or pour it out, just clearly stated again, «public consumption of alcohol is illegal.» You can interpret that as you’d like.

Bring your sunscreen, shades, bottles of water, and insect repellent. Enjoy the ride.
The word of the day is «scenic».
Scenic views of the different small towns you pass through to get there.
Scenic drive up and down the terrain on the way to parking.
Scenic trails to the Falls and everywhere else.
«Take the path on the left to the Falls. Take the path on the right to the unknown.» Having a horrible sense of direction, of course I take the path to the right. We got lost, but still had a great time navigating through half-​paved trails and squeezing between rocks and vegetation. We made our way down to the stream, took pictures, rock-​hopped, and gaped at the small wildlife living in and around the waters. Deer, frogs, fish, lizards, dragonflies, and butterflies were seen. Animal lovers rejoice! In the end, we found ourselves almost 30 minutes off the intended trails, not that I’m complaining.
When you’re in the midst of the wilderness, you make your own path.
On the way back, we finally reached the Falls. It’s been a dry summer, so there were only small, yet fast-​moving streams and many isolated large bodies of water. We dipped our feet in, got tickled by the nibbling of the many small fish that lived there, and ate a small snack. The water felt so perfect on such a hot afternoon.
A lot of great views and slightly challenging terrain to keep even the most active person interested. Pedernales Falls is a fantastic place to spend your day, no matter which season it is.

Absolutely gorgeous and well maintained park! And just an hour outside of Austin. Can only make reservations online (not at park headquarters) but the staff working there were very helpful otherwise.
Headquarters is equipped with bathrooms, vending machines and a scenic overlook that gives a great view of the sunrise on clear mornings.
We chose to camp at a site with hookups (park does have «primitive camping» without electrical, etc that is a couple miles hike from headquarters) and had a ball. Its obvious campers feed the local deer population as there are plenty milling around the campsite which was great for pics. (Also saw wild pig, and jackrabbits around camp).
There are a number of trails of varying difficulty (didnt see any mile markers though, which would have been helpful to gauge distance) so great for every activity level. While I enjoyed the trails, my biggest issue with the park is how they were marked – on Twin Falls, its just palm-​sized medallions on the trees (which I missed half the time). And there are NO mile markers, so it was hard to gauge distance travelled unless you have a FitBit or some other personal tracker. That said, there are a number of small falls along the river, which was good for swimming and tubing (in the areas designated for swimming). Went on the weekend and campsites and hiking trails were not crowded at all, but the river was crowded so be warned lots of waders and people tubing (might be difficult to actually «swim» as a lot of the water is pretty shallow).
Of the parks I’ve visited in Texas, Pedernales has the BEST showers, but remember to bring your own hand soap as Ive yet to visit a park that provides this in the bathrooms. Also, bring more water than you think you need (we cleaned out the vending machines because we ran out), plenty of sunscreen (some of the best areas didnt have much tree cover) and swimming shoes because those underwater rocks are slippery. Also, don’t bank on having cell phone reception – only consistent place was around headquarters which also had wifi.
If you forget anything, Johnson City is a 12mile drive from the park and has a fairly well stocked Dollar General. Love this gem of a park in Texas Hill Country, we are definitely going back again!

Gorgeous! Went here with my dog to do some joking and this place does not disappoint! There are also places you can swim, which is a plus during summer.

Pedernales Falls State Park is located just outside Johnson City in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. The park sits along the Pedernales River and offers some incredible views, hiking, and wildlife. You’re likely to see deer, racoons, rabbits, feral hogs or javelinas. Honestly, I couldn’t really tell you which is which.
If you’re into bird watching the park offers several areas off the path so not too disturb you or the birds.

Confession:
1) The reason I was here is because I want to take some pictures of the waterfalls to show my CA friends (they are in a drought) what water looks like and get some «cheap» FB likes
2) I’m not a big river person, I get bored, I prefer mountains and rock formations
3) It was a last minute trip, I wasn’t well prepared
Conclusion:
1) I got some «cheap» FB likes
2) I loved the funky rock formations in this park, the waterfall made it looks even cooler
3) I ran out of bottled water, so I brought two beers with me. After a long hike, beer makes you sleepy
4) I read, from their map, the Scenic Overhead Trail is the best part of the park, it is about 4 miles round trip, do this trail first if you aren’t in the best shape, even though the trail itself isn’t challenging, few up hills and not too much shades, but if you did the Pedernales Fall Trail and Twin Falls trails first, like I did, and it is hot in the summer afternoon, you might not have the energy to do it. I had to turn back because I was worn out
5) Careful at the Trammell’s Crossing Trail after rain, the water is above your ankles. It was super fun though

Beautiful park with great panoramic views, lots of hiking/​biking trails. And beautiful clear water running in the river. The facilities are kept very clean, and there is enough space between camp sights so that you are not right on top of your fellow campers.

I know it costs money to keep parks open, but $ 12 for a couple to drive in at 5 pm, take a look at the waterfall, and leave, was more than we were willing to pay. We enjoyed the drive there and out, but missed the sight we came to see. Couldn’t they have a «late afternoon half price special?»

Beautiful trails and real, live WATER! It’s such a serene place so close to the city but you really feel like you are in a different world. Great place to disconnect.

Dear Nature,
Is there a drought? I guess I was wrong, as there was enough water to make me think this is how it will always be. My first time visiting Pedernales Falls as an adult, but having visited as a child with my outdoorsy, adventurous grandma, this time was much different.
From central Austin, experiencing noon rush hour traffic on a Saturday to this park it was about an hour and 20 minute drive. It proved to be only an hour trip back. The park office is tiny, and there is only one non gender specific restroom at the office. There are more bathrooms near the real parking area. Once we drove down to the main attraction with our day passes, we retrieved one of the last sort of spots (in the grass «lot»). The main attraction is the «falls» and the beachy area. There were a lot of people who had the same idea as us, so just about every picture we took had other people in it. I was hoping for 100% serenity, and I found a small city had arrived to this middle of nowhere park. I was surprised how many people brought their dogs, as it is not easy maneuvering through all the boulders, making your own way to get where you want to be. I admired couples who were wearing their tiny babies and carrying their toddles throughout the ever changing «paths» of limestone. I get lazy about even carrying a backpack, much less a human being on the back.
This is a nice day trip or a weekend getaway for camping, hiking, mountain biking, swimming (where it is allowed), and for equestrian trails believe it or not. Needless to say, this was a good day. I suspect many people arrive sometime in the late afternoon to see the sunset, as it was more crowded when we were leaving.

Soooo beautiful. Wonderful hiking trails. No phone reception prefect for a day to relax with the family. Just outside of San Antonio and austin. This was my second visit and my husband’s first visit. My kids love this place. The river water is cleat and swimming will be great when it warms up. The smell of nature is present and the beauty is surreal. I’m glad we had the opportunity to go on valentine day. I was surprised that it was busy. I thought people would be going out to lunch and dinner. I saw many couples bring a picnic basket and enjoyed a day in the great out doors.
It is about 70 miles outside of San antonio. I say it’s worth every mile. My kids are looking forward for a other day and another hike in this vast beauty hidden in the hill country. Bring a picnic and enjoy a day with friends and family.

Gorgeous park, Lots of different well marked trails for any difficulty level and length you would like to trek. Particularly lovely after a rainfall so that the falls are running strong, but even when it’s still, the waters are gorgeous and it’s a perfect place to just laze about on a rock and enjoy the nature. Just outside of Austin a bit, it’s still close enough to head out any time (then come back through Dripping Springs and have Pieous for dinner).
Bathrooms are available at the main parking lots and there are vending machines for beverages too. I’ve never had an issue finding parking.

I never thought to check in here before. I am a regular visitor to this park and I have been for a while. I come here for the fly fishing.
The park is the only reason I have a State Parks Pass, and I love seeing the updates that have been done to the facilities recently.
Wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water; you have to put some miles down to avoid the crowds. It is worth it though, some of the prettiest views in the Texas Hill Country.

This is an expansive state park just outside Austin. The park offers numerous activities for a weekend getaway — camping, swimming area w/​sandy beach area, equestrian trails, fishing, mountain biking, and numerous hiking trails (even longer than 1 mile). Everything is located in different sections throughout the park, so we drove and parked several different times. The park is pet friendly, as long as they remain on a leash, even while in the water. There is a fee for entering the park, but if you have the Texas state park pass, you are good to go. You have to pay at the entrance and get a parking permit for the car.
The actual namesake of the park is located at the very end of the road, there is a overlook, but you can also hike down. Here the river drops about 50 feet over a distance of 3,000 feet, resulting in a series of falls cascading (or trickling depending on the day) down over the layered limestone, step like, from one pool to the next. No swimming is allowed here, but you can walk down to the limestone area and walk around the limestone pools. There isn’t a clear trail after the overlook, you have to find your own way through the brush and let your self down over the boulders. Be careful and watch your footing. There are some steep areas. It was interesting to find shells amongst the sides of the pools, and many people had fishing pools.
The swimming beach area is a hike down from the parking lot. The river here is slow and lazy moving downstream, shaded in most areas by numerous tree branches hanging over the water’s edge. Some areas are shallower and ideal for wadding. They mentioned tubing down the river but I didn’t happen to see anyone doing that when I was there. There is a sandy beach like shore.
I look forward to coming back and checking out the wolf Mountain trail area next time.