I'll have to say this is one of my favorite parks for hiking. There are so many trails! You can spend an entire day and then some just hiking. Of course getting to view the falls is wonderful. It's a lovely, peaceful, and serene setting. The swimming areas, canyons, and rocks are great to climb, rest, nature watch, and splash around. A quick 45 min-hour drive from Austin making it a great place for a day trip. A few hours in nature does the soul good! read more

Pedernalas Falls. We hiked the short path to the falls. The view was beautiful. But guess what... no falls. Pretty dry here at the park. Well there was some water running on the other side We did hike down to the river bed and walked around the rock formations. Pretty cool! On the way out of the park we saw some Greater Kudu! Beautiful animals! read more

Pedernales Falls State Park - Parks Near Me - Johnson City, Texas

Located just west of Austin near Johnson City, Pedernales Falls State Park is one of the most scenic natural escapes in Central Texas. Spanning over 5,200 acres along the Pedernales River, the park is known for its dramatic limestone formations where the river cascades over wide, layered rock slabs--creating the iconic "falls" that give the park its name. Pedernales Falls has a rugged, peaceful Hill Country vibe. It's the kind of place where you can spend hours exploring rocky riverbeds, hiking through shaded trails, or just relaxing by the water. The mix of open river views, rolling hills, and quiet wooded areas makes it feel remote. Ideal for a day trip from Houston, definitely worth checking out. read more

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We went out of the way to come to this park and it did not disappoint. We only had time for one hour and we mainly used that time at the northern most point. We barely walked 1.2 miles only because it is mostly climbing rocks and it was 92 degrees with no shade. It was hot. This place is better in cooler weather. Be weary of bringing pets. We will come back in the future as we didn't have much time and there are 20+ miles of trails that we didn't get to. read more

PFSP is a lovely state park that is very accessible from Austin, only about an hour away. The fastest route that we took was very scenic but of note the back roads to get there were winding, and there were some big dips and even a spot with some nasty potholes that knocked the hanging carplay screen off from the perch on my dash. The back road is also VERY dark, I meant to go another way when leaving after a star party that night (around 8:15pm) but I went back the way I'd come by accident and the road was DARK. I was able to navigate it ok with my high beams on but I definitely saw several deer and there are no streetlights so you have GOT to be careful. We actually even saw a car flipped over in a ditch around a sharp curve on the way - there were several police officers there assisting but drives the point home that winding and dark road can be pretty dangerous. It's one lane each way too. All this said - the park is cute! The main part folks go to see is the falls area, which is easy to get to from the visitor center. There are miles and miles of trails; the trailheads are a little difficult to find for some of them but there's a decent bit of parking around the areas. They do quite a few events too, as mentioned I came in the evening for a star party (most are 6p-9 or 10p ish) and they're free but you do have to sign up in advance. It's nice and dark out that way and check the weather bc it does get cold too - in Feb it was like 40-50F that night so you needed layers. Entrance fee is $6, seems universal for all Texas state parks. You can get a good flavor for the park in just a couple hours, or you could stay all day since there are many long trails. It's worth a visit if you're nearby! read more

Pedernales Falls State Park - View over the falls area - Parks Near Me - Johnson City, Texas

I've been here a few times and each time was enjoyable. On my last visit, I went hiking with my dog along some of the shorter trails. The Hackenburg Loop was easy with some elevation dips and climbs. The trail was mostly sand and dirt with some large gravel poking out from the ground. We were able to find a nice spot along the river to rest before continuing our hike. The trail ends with a scenic overview of the Pedernales River. Onwards to the river, we walked down stairs to get to the big boulders below. Water could still be seen pouring from one pool to another though flash flooding is common here when it rains. My dog and I enjoyed climbing up and down the rocks to get around as we explored. The parking lot for these two trails can get crowded during busy days. There are restrooms and vending machines available. Pedernales Falls State Park is one of my dog's favorite places to hike because of the big boulders along the river. We love this place and will continue to return here to enjoy its beauty! read more

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My wife and I went here. We love the outdoors and this was a decent hike for us and our dog. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area. read more

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I was told that there were many paths to take, places to eat and to explore here. I was not disappointed at all. I came this past weekend when it was still cool outside and nice and sunny out. Everywhere I went it was a really beautiful walk, no trash, wasn't too overcrowded, and great place to enjoy being out. You should make reservations ahead of time online to make sure you can get into the park. The Pedernals fall trail was a great view of the water. You cannot swim in this location (there are signs that say it) but it nice to walk around and explore. You can find all kinds of fish here and the water looks cool. They do have signs all around to give history and information of the area. Definitely a nice place to chill at as they do have seats above the water. Hackenburg trail was really nice too. Plenty of trees to cover me and with the cool air/shade, made it very enjoyable. It even leads to a river where I saw rabbits, frogs, birds. No one was around at all so was able to enjoy the quiet. I also went to the swimming area where you could actually swim at. The water wasn't high and can easily cross it but just need to watch your step. It was very relaxing here as well and with the heat, the cold water felt great on my feet. Can also see cute little fish. There were more people here than other locations but if you come early enough, it's not bad at all and can find a seat. The coyote crossing was nice too but didn't go too far on it. Does seem it connects to other trail too but there are plenty of places to go it seems. This place definitely has a lot of paths but be aware the trails can be challenging with rock path and the stairs don't really have railings. Just check the map on the best ones for you. For sure though I definitely recommend this place and will be coming back! read more

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Our friend group had a great time camping here! The hikes we did were good, some a bit more challenging than others (some had more stairs/ gravel/ rocks/ sand than others). The showers and bathrooms were probably the cleanest we have ever seen at a state park and we deeply appreciated that!! Especially after a long day exploring and swimming! You can also buy ice at the front which was convenient since the closest store is about 15 mins away. The park was overall very clean, everyone was quiet and respectful (for the most part, people behind us stayed up until 1 AM when lights out were 10 PM). We would definitely come back! read more

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Great large park around 25min west of Dripping Springs. Always wear layers, good footwear, bring a small pack with water, small first aid kit, energy dense snacks and examples cell battery with cord. Came for a short hike on a nice "warm" December day. Park rangers super helpful. Decided to do an easy hike to the falls. Very reasonable park fee, they take cards. Nice groomed trails. Easy to get to the falls and explore. The winter leaves and beautiful blue waters were really pretty. Plan to bring the kids next time! Easy hike on the trail for those who can easily walk 1mile. Going down is very easy, coming back up is a steeper walk. Going on the falls is probably the best part in my opinion. You can explore up and down and there is a beach where you can sit and eat your snacks. Ponds filled with fish. Remember pack out what you pack in. Leave NO trail. Respect Mother Nature. read more

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Never seen anything like this before in my life! The geography out in TX is nothing like what I'm used to on the East coast, and it left me awestruck! This is a prime example of "the pics don't do it justice". Sitting a not any hour and a half-ish North West of Sam Antonio, this hidden gem is a sight to behold. The drive it there was an experience of Midwest beauty in itself. I only had time to see the main attraction, the dried up cascade that leaves behind beautiful pools of brilliant colored water sitting amidst painted cliffs. Must see, but if the river starts to rise, get out of there. The warning signs were rather serious. Amazing! read more

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My husband and I spent a morning Pedernales Falls State Park earlier this month when we visited Texas for a little over a week. We had last visited the park years ago - maybe 10?! I have to say I enjoyed this visit more. I'm not a hot weather girl, and the first time we visited was summer. The rock canyon, canyon, and falls are amazing but to really enjoy them (and seem them up close and personal), you walk/climb up a lot of unshaded rock. So I personally don't love hiking/walking/climbing here in summer (although you'll then be super sweaty and ready for a swim)! On this past visit, it was chilly and overcast and quiet (I guess not too many people want to hike here in January?). We walked and climbed up the Pedernales Falls Trail system (it's not a real climb-y climb but you'll benefit from being able to jump or climb up big rocks). The canyon is pretty amazing - even when the water is super low. The water has an amazing color and the erosion of the limestone has created some pretty amazing formations. It definitely feels unique and a special place to spend a few hours! We brought a lunch (picked up from HEB the night before) and took it to enjoy on the rocks of the canyon. It made for a pretty awesome morning and lunch and a great first hike for 2024. There are other hikes at the park (we did the Twin Falls Nature Trail, too), but hiking at the Pedernales Falls Trail System and swimming at the swimming area (you can't swim in the falls area for safety reasons) are the highlights of this park, in my opinion. FYI Some Texans pronounce it as if it was spelled "Perdenales/Purdenales" (there's a myth about this originating with LBJ, but he probably pronounced it the same way lots of folks did in this area at that time). My uncle corrected me when I said it the way it's spelled, but lots of Texans pronounced it that way, too. (Note: there's a review that says to get a reservation for your hike here. I'm not sure why! We didn't need a reservation, just paid at the gate or headquarters when entered and went along with our day! Maybe there are special days or times when you need to make reservations but that was not true of our visit.) (Another note: the park is off 290 between Austin and Johnson, closer to Johnson City. This area and 290 all the way to and past Fredericksburg is among my favorite parts of Texas. I recommend a hike here in the morning, then wineries along 290 in the afternoon, and then dinner in Fredericksburg!) I'm one of those Texans living "abroad" (first New York, then Nashville, and now Baltimore), who stereotypically talk about Texas all the time (no doubt charming everyone near me able to hear). Pedernales Falls State Park is just one of those places that reminds me of the best things about being from and living in Texas. There are some great natural spaces and places that are just amazing. This is one of them. Put it on your list, bookmark - do whatever you need to do to remember to visit. read more

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First time I visited this park was dead in the middle of the summer; it was hot, crowded, and honestly a miserable experience. The waterline wasn't high enough. However, when I returned with my brother and Pocky, it was a better experience. We came in the spring, so the weather was perfect. A nice breeze. The waterline was high in some parts and there wasn't many people at the park. In some parts of the rocks, there were embedded watering holes. The water was lukewarm, but not in a weird way. The geological formations were super cool. There was one rock in particular that I remember getting really excited about, a baby rock in it's mother's rock. I enjoyed the trails; slopes were moderate, a bit rocky. I'd bring some trekking poles and suitable hiking shoes with grip support. You might see some waterfalls, but nothing spectacular. The waterfalls remind me of the ones from McKinney SP. If you have the TX state park pass, the admission is free. If not, you can always pay $6. This is one of the popular parks, so please if you choose to come in the summer, be sure to bring some sunscreen, lots of water to drink, a towel, and do some stretching beforehand. read more

There's a great deal of beauty that surrounds you and the plethora of walking trails and things that you can explore made it such a fun and exciting time. It's definitely worth checking out. I have plans to go back there hopefully sometime soon. read more

Beautiful. Go and experience life!! Wear the proper shoes. ALWAYS have water & a fully charged phone!! read more

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Aaaaaamazing! This is one of the most awesome state parks in Texas. We did the hiking trail down to the falls. I would call it a moderate hike. If you have balance issues do not go down on the rocks because it was slick. The views are beautiful and the added bonus was it was bluebonnet season!! Incredible. read more

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Pedernales is certainly not for the faint of heart, with some steep trails and large boulders that lie adjacent to one another. Traversing across them can be quite challenging, especially when your dog slips off the leash! Speaking of dogs, you can't allow your dog to drink from the pools of water that gather around as they are filled with algae that can make your pup sick. With all of that said, this place is so beautiful!! There is a small lake at the bottom & it's just a natural wonder. The park is clean & well managed with plenty of parking. Definitely pack in, pack out. It's a pretty popular spot, so get there early. Especially in the summer when the sun is beating down. read more

My absolute favorite state park in central Texas. Detoured here after camping in Blanco Park but wanting more challenging hikes (distance + difficulty). We drove the 30mins to Pedernales to hike the Falls and was not disappointed! Only $6/adult to get in and plenty of trails and scenic views to enjoy. Next time I'll camp here, but sites book fast so I'll plan in advance. read more

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I love exploring national parks but definitely May is not a good month to visit. It's way too hot in Texas. The best time to visit is early spring and fall. My favorite place from this park was the creek. The water was crystal clear, and the water was at the right temperature. I just wanted to stay there all afternoon. So take your towel and your best swimsuit, because this is also the best spot to take pictures. Don't forget go take your water shoes. The creek is very rocky and some of the stones are quite slippery. Important... if you get a day pass, the park will open at 8am. They won't let you in before that. Wich is better cuz you don't have to rush. Have fun at this amazing park. I loved it, and I know you will too. read more

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Check the hours before! Only there few days and didn't check prior, was the 3 days park was closed for hunting. I'm sure it's gorgeous but unfortunately they close for hunting each season almost. Hope to be back one day. Other reviews look amazing. We were geared up and everything, drove straight up to gate to see closed sign Jan 7-9th. Our fault. read more

Booking: Easy and fast. We booked our spot 3/4days advance before we went here. We payed 6$/person total of 12$. We just printed out our paper. Service: So we got in the park around 8am and the entrance was already open. We gave the printed paper and she gave us a receipt to put on our dashboard. We drove to our destination. Place: We hit the Pedernales Falls trail first where it's like 5 minutes walk or less from the parking lot. Since it's our first time, everything was new and all we saw were quite pretty interesting. The rocks formation and texture were pretty cool. We even saw fox and different kind of lizards. And then from the Pedernales Falls there's another trail across to it which will allow you to have an almost bird's eye view. You cannot swim in the Pedernales Falls but you can go to their respective swimming area. We went in the swimming area, it's a little bit of walk. We saw some have tubes and boat but we are not sure if you have to walk back after tubing or there's someone will pick you up. We swim for a couple minutes and then just showered and called it a day. Overall the place was nice and if you are into river swimming, it's good for you and your friends/family. For other places we visited you can follow us on our Instagram @roadtwoadventure read more

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First off, make sure you get reservations for your hike in advance. For a Sunday hike, I went online on Friday to score a 2-5 pm time slot for Sunday. It was Easter weekend so it may have been more or less of an issue. Not sure what regular people do for Easter. As my husband and I were driving to the park, the sky was getting darker with a thunderstorm watch. We made it to the park and opted to check out the falls. As we were going to do more of a hike, there was thunder in the distance. We opted to get out of here, so we didn't get poured on. We will be back in the future. If you are a veteran, you can get a state park pass for free. Be sure to check out the exact criteria online. Overall I was sad the trip was shortened due to the weather, but overall it was a nice park. read more

must!!! great spot for camping. really beautiful water in the swimming area pretty annoying that there's no swimming allowed in the top part of the park tho even when it's basically all dried up.also some of the nicest camping bathrooms equipped w dyson fans and very clean. read more

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The family hiked two days in this beautiful state park located about an hour from Austin. Day pass, primitive camp site, and RV camp sites could be reserved and paid on line. We paid $6 per person for the daily pass. All the trails with the exception of one were listed as moderate. The Pedernales river was low, so we didn't get the full glory at the falls. The park was not crowded during this time of the year. We barely encountered anyone on the trails. So we got to soak in the peacefulness, quite scenery, natural sounds, and vista of the park without any human distraction. Definitely woth a return visit. read more

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On my list of favorite parks. BEST bird blind I've ever seen! Even if you aren't a birder (I'm not) don't miss it!!! Super cool set up. Luckily, some excited birders were in there and told us about all the birds we saw. Good trails in varying length. Counter clockwise portion of Wolf Mountain to Jones Spring was scenic but the rest of Wolf Mountain was disappointing. Pretty dull, road hike. Twin Falls, Pedernales Falls, and the swimming area are must dos. Hike-in spots were a bit close together but if you go further you can find some private areas. Surprisingly, the bathrooms were somewhat limited. read more

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Absolutely breathtaking place to hike, camp, or swim. We visited on a Thursday in July and paid $6 per person for the day's visit. After driving around the office building and following the cones, we got to parking lot, parked our car and walked to the swimming area. It was about a 10-minute walk into the woods and down some steps, but the scenery was beautiful. Following the worn pathway, we finally go to the creek, found an area to spread our blanket, and quickly got into the water. The water was clean, clear and warm. The flow of downstream currents can be strong, so weak swimmers beware. There were also tons of rocks of all sizes in the water, some you can see, some hidden by the water. Most areas were shallow, with lots of swimming holes. It's a great natural, fresh water swimming area for the entire family and people of all ages! We had a wonderful time and would definitely recommend!! read more

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Went here with a few girl friends to go hiking and it was a great time. The water was nice and cool and made our Tired feet feel better. The views were outstanding. If you haven't been here make sure you go. read more

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Take a walk in a prehistoric time! I've been coming here for years for day hikes. The exposed formations are between 105 to 320 million years old. I'm not a geologist, but it's interesting to try to imagine when and how these layers were formed. (I'm dating myself here, but remember when the Flintstones go on vacation to the Grand Canyon and it's just a tiny stream in the rocks? That's what I think of when I wonder how this all started). Adventurous adults and kids alike enjoy walking, hiking, and jumping around at Pedernales. Some trails close depending on recent rainfalls, so I recommend bringing a towel and water shoes so you can cross water where it is allowed. Also, as always, wear sunblock, a hat, and have drinking water. Dogs are allowed on leash, so bring your furry friends along for the fun. Fresh air, hiking, swimming, camping, picnicking- they have it all just a stone's throw away from Austin. Make a reservation to get outside and have some fun! Let me know if you do, and tell me what you think. read more

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Everyone comes here to see the falls, and I can honestly say I don't blame them. BUT, after you check out the falls, check out some of the other areas of the park. The Wolf Mountain trail is a good hike. It's about a 6 mile loop. The first half of it seems pretty boring. It's a very wide gravel trail, not rugged at all, but after you get to the Jones Spring, it gets a little more interesting - a bit more rocky, but not terribly crazy. The scenery really changes at this point. Once you have found the Jones Spring, look for the remnants of the Jones rock house. Not much left, but still something cool to check out. There are some steel nails, pottery and glass pieces that look like they are from that era, but I'm not 100% sure. Just don't mess with them! Give other visitors a chance to see them. Swimming area - if you find yourself all alone in a parking lot on an awesome summer day wondering why you're the only one going to the swimming hole, it's because you're in the wrong parking lot (I'm so dumb sometimes). Drive a little further to the next lot then walk about a quarter mile to the swimming hole. It's deep sand, like at the beach, so bring flip flops. Water isn't deep at all. Very hard to swim in, if you're lucky you'll find a spot about 3.5 feet deep. It's more like one of those places where you sit your butt down, put a big rock on your lap so you don't float away and drink a few beers. There's also a swimming area at Trammel's Crossing that is similar. Trammel's Crossing Trail and Twin Falls can be accessed by parking in the lot right before the camping area - the parking lot is not marked on the map. There are a few spots within the camping area, but signs say to park outside of the camping area. Twin Falls was short but probably the *most fun* of all the trails I did. 98% of it is shaded. Pedernales trail system near the falls is confusing AF - make note of the spot where you entered onto the big rocks so you can find your way back, or you will be rock hopping and climbing to get out - seriously. Lot's of RV and tent camping spots with electric and water, but most of them were "closed for construction" in July 2018. The trails at this park offer everything you can imagine. Limestone rocks, sand, dirt, gravel, and hopping from rock to rock at the falls area. Bring shoes with a decent grip, and probably a pair of flip flops or old river shoes. Duck Pond is bone dry as of July 2018 - avoid that trail, nothing to see currently. read more

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Who doesn't love a state park?! I was very surprised by Pedernales; the scenery is gorgeous with stark rock lining the river bed and deep pools strung along the canyon. We planned our trip a bit last minute so we were only able to snag an evening entry reservation but this still afforded us enough opportunity to hit up the main trails along the hills and river bed in the golden hour. With that said - make sure you plan in advance and book an entry reservation if they are required (they were for us due to COVID). Pack plenty of water, regardless of the outside temp, because this is a dry place and you will get thirsty! read more

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This place is pretty awesome! We had tried to come here a few times before but things didn't work out...ie rain. You don't want to be on the falls in the rain because of flash flood possibility. Either way, we were able to come out here yesterday and I was glad we did. You pay at the gate or online for parking and it lasts all day. You can park in various areas near the trailheads you want to hike at, which is convenient. We only did two of the areas because they are pretty intensive and we didn't even do the hardest ones. We chose to see the falls because this is what the park is best known for. They were amazing. You can crawl over the entire thing but be sure to realize the opposite side of the river is private property and is off-limits. There are amazing photography opportunities here. Though that said if stairs are your downfall you will have a hard time doing this and other trails. We also did the swimming location one and man that was intense. The signs are right about the ascent being harder than the descent. That said though the river is beautiful and we saw some amazing flowers. I wanted to do more but I was pretty beat after 2 trails. We hiked for about 3 hours. Be sure to bring plenty of water. You will need it. Also, bring some snacks to keep your energy. read more

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One of my biggest complaints is the limited space for day passes. They make you book in advance and you typically have to think a month in advance to get the day you want, especially if it's on the weekend. We like this SP since it's got a few hikes that you can do and are somewhat tree covered. It's also fun to walk along the river and play in the sand on a sunny day. The blue bonnets are out now as well. read more

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Another favorite destination for summer-time swimming just an hour outside of Austin. It's a State Park though, so an entry fee is required. It was $6 per person which we paid for inside the main office/ ranger station. Do make sure to stop there before heading out on the many roads to various destinations. Most people head towards the Pedernales Falls trail head as the most popular destination. The parking lot there was rather large; it even includes over flow parking on the dirt. The trek down is only 0.3 miles where it eventually opens up to reveal the meandering Pedernales River. The "falls" are basically strings of downstream water spilling over different levels of rock and creating small pools at each. The turquoise waters just glistened in the sunlight and even though the "falls" were somewhat dried up, the pretty blue pools made up for it some. Apparently, swimming isn't allowed in this specific section of the river and some areas are even off limits -- as clearly made apparent by various warning signs -- but I don't think many people care to follow the rules. I did like the FREE trail map they offered as a hand out at the ranger's office. It was easy to follow and provided points of interest so that you are better able to plan your outing. Some popular "points" do include an overlook along the 5.5 Mile Loop Trail and the Twin Falls Overlook. The latter was a spontaneous short jaunt during our pursuit to find Trammel's Crossing along the 5.5 Mile Loop. The falls were very dried up and didn't really offer much of a picturesque view. We soon found this out, but the twin falls trail cannot connect to the 5.5 mile loop trail (don't follow Alltrails). If you want more of a "challenge" the Wolf Mountain trail does appear to be one of the harder routes in the park. As for us, we enjoyed ourselves at a leisurely pace and took a bunch of pictures as the backdrops were still rather decent. At least for what a flat Texas country side could offer. read more

One of the best state parks in Texas that I've been to. The scenery by the water and rock features are gorgeous and there are plenty of hiking trails (more than 10 miles) and there is also pristine water features easily accessible by foot. It is about a hour outside Austin and is definitely worth going to. It is family and pet friendly as well and you can walk as much or as little as you want to still get in a good day trip. read more

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I wish this place was closer because I would visit more often. Beautiful scenery, great hiking trails, nice campsites and very quiet. The falls will take your breath away. The pics I'm posting don't do it justice. Go see for yourself. read more

Pedernales Falls State Park - Across the falls . - Parks Near Me - Johnson City, Texas

Even though it's spelled "PeDernales," LBJ pronounced it "PeRdenales" so Texans do too. This is a large park. There's lots of trails throughout the park, many of which are designed for equestrian activity. Distances are far between the stuff to see and do, but you're going through the beautiful park. Camping areas are far away from the water. The river is in a deep valley, so any which way you approach the water, you gotta go down a steep, long trail. Some are better maintained than others, with stairs by the official swimming area, and muddy, slick trails of river rocks take you other ways to the river. The river is wide, and somewhat fast flowing. Most of the river areas I went to were at least knee deep, deep enough to tube, if you wanted to, but I didn't see too many tubers, since there's not many drop in/drop off points along the river, and tubers, swimmers, and waders aren't allowed on the northern end of the river. The official swimming area offered superior swimming- it offered a bunch of chest deep pools of water with a nice beach with giant boulders between the pools which offer deep and shallow areas to hang out in, with some privacy between the pools with boulders separating them. The other area, the Trammel Crossing was faster flowing water, that was mostly much more shallow, but with a lot more trees and shade available than the official swimming area. It was a lot more difficult to get to the Trammel Crossing, due to poor trail conditions. I am bummed that you can't swim in the falls. In fact, there's a bunch of falls throughout this park, and it seems you can't swim in any of them, as far as I know. They're trying to regrow the endangered wildlife. It seems it's always been that way. They have little decks that you can stand around on and look at the falls. The restrooms were clean, but one of the showers were out of order, and there was a much nicer, newer restroom within 100 yards of the first one. If you're camping in the loop, be sure to check out the newer restrooms. The campsites were far apart, which offered a greater degree of privacy, but one of my camping neighbors reported that there had been a theft reported the previous night- someone had come in during the day, and stolen speakers from an RV. Watch your stuff. read more

Pedernales Falls State Park, in Johnson City, is a great retreat just outside Austin. There are some great hikes, some full day trails if you are up for it. I got 10 miles in when I went. I'd definitely recommend hitting up the rocks and the waterfalls area around sunset. Lots of camping spots but you need to make reservations as it fills up quickly, even for day trips. I'd love to go for a swim here in the summer. read more

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For Review #300, I wanted to go back to something that's been on my to-do list for a while now: one of my very favorite state parks, places in Texas, and happy places in general. I've been coming to Pedernales Falls since I was a kid, and every time I come back it's just as great as I remember it being. The park is beautiful, unique, and offers a variety of outdoor activities for the outdoor enthusiast. While I enjoyed mountain biking Wolf Mountain (not really a mountain) on multiple occasions years ago, the star of the show for me is hiking the falls area. The trailhead is basically at "the end of the road" in the park. Grab a park map when you enter and you'll see what I mean. There's a little loop at the end and there's typically plenty of parking available - but not much shaded parking, fyi. After hiking down a gravelly path, you come to a nice overlook of the falls. Nice photo op. Then you continue down the path to the bottom. There's not an actual trail at the bottom, which is cool. You pick your own path, navigating and meandering along the water. Go left at the bottom of the trail. (Trust me - everything good is to your left, upstream.) You can spend hours along this stretch of the river, and it's just awesome. So much fun. So beautiful. This is one of the crown jewels of the Texas Hill Country, hands down. Enchanted Rock may get more publicity and visitors - and I love Enchanted Rock - but Pedernales Falls wins hands down for me. Bring sunscreen and maybe a wide-brim hat. Bring water, preferably a CamelBak (or something similar). There's very little shade along the falls, and one of the fun challenges is to find a nice shady spot to picnic or just relax. (See my pics.) Take a break to let your feet breathe and stick your feet in the water. Watch our for lizards and the occasional snake. And have fun!! Campsites are also good here. I can't wait to take the kids. We camped here several times growing up and in college, and I looooove it. (Tent camping, btw... not that other "camping." :D ) There's also an area of the river where you can swim, which is nice to cool off but nothing too exciting. A must-do in Texas for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and the natural, rugged beauty of the Texas Hill Country! read more

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This was me and my wife's first camping trip and we were super impressed at the facilities at the campground at Pedernales. The staff here were friendly, the camp sites are spacious, and the campgrounds are close to trails. Each campsite comes with a covered bench, firepit, water and electric outlet, and ample space for 2-3 tents. We really liked that the campground was a 3 min walk to the nearest facility and 5 mins a to trails. The bathroom showers are clean and spacious, way nicer than I was expecting. The pools around seem to also be stocked for fishing, which is really nice. We would definitely camp here again. read more

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Amazing stare park! Had a blast biking and hiking here with my son. We spent 6 hours here. You could easily spend 1-3 days or more. Great place to park your RV and explore. We biked wolf mountain trail. The beginning of the trail the gravel is extremely loose so use caution cause you will fall. Wear a helmet and protect your head! The views are absolutely stunning! The air is clear and feels good breathing it in. The inclines and declines make for a good quad burn. We also hiked twin falls. Amazing! The views are really nice. Great park to visit. I will definitely be back for sure. Saw some wild boars. We didn't go back at night but the park ranger told us at night time the sky is lit up with stars. I will definitely go back to see that. We stayed in dripping springs Texas and the stars are absolutely amazing. read more

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