Pedernales Falls State Park
Johnson City, Texas

Download a Park Map (PDF) - courtesy of TPWD

The flood-prone Pedernales River winds its way through 5,212-acre Pedernales Falls State Park for 6 miles, including a vast limestone gorge filled with deep pools, small rapids, shell and gravel "beaches" and seasonal waterfalls. From the river overlook, visitors can appreciate the awesome power of water and, if they choose, venture down into the gorge to sit by the water's edge or explore. Swimming, wading and tubing are not permitted in this area due to strong currents and extremely slick rock; several miles of river frontage, accessible from the camping areas, are open to water recreation.

Featuring more trail mileage than most Texas State Parks, Pedernales 19.8 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, 10 miles of equestrian trails and another 14 miles trails open to only to hiking and backpacking. Among the park's trails is the 7.5 mile Wolf Mountain Trail, a favorite among hikers, backpackers and mountain bikers. Other activities in the park include camping, picnicking, fishing, birding and nature study. Developed (RV) and primitive tent campsites are available; access to the primitive campsites requires a 2 to 3 mile hike. Numerous springs, intermittent streams and waterfalls are located throughout the park, nurturing ferns and other plant life.

Over 150 bird species have been observed at the park, including osprey, bald eagle and numerous songbirds, such as the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. To enjoy the park's avian diversity, visit the bird viewing station, a handicapped-accessible 15-person observation area featuring birdfeeders and a bird bath with dripper. The feeders are stocked with food from November through March and the bath is maintained year-round. Other wildlife includes white-tail deer, armadillo and raccoon

Park Rating Explanation of Symbols
Campsites/Overnight Facilities
Leashed Pets Permitted?	YES Except at primitive campsites
Picnic Areas/Playgrounds
Solitude
Trail System
Water Recreation
Wildlife
Ratings are based on a scale of 0 to 4.

Shannon's Notebook

Waterfalls on the Pedernales River

Copyright © Justin W. Moore
See more photos at OutdoorPhoto.com

Justin and I have extensively explored the falls area, as well as hiked the 1/4 mile Nature Trail and half of the Wolf Mountain Trail. The first half of Wolf Mountain Trail follows an old gravel road, providing hikers with little shade. A couple miles further, the trail narrows and provides adequate cover from the summer sun. The Nature Trail is a good, leisurely day hike which reveals steep canyons, limestone outcrops, and the vibrant green Twin Falls. The falls were once accessible to hikers, but excessive trampling prompted the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department to curtail access. Today, an observation deck above the Twin Falls still allows visitors to appreciate the area without causing further harm.
For more information, read our trip report:

Pedernales Falls for Three

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Location

The park is located 9 miles east of Johnson City on Farm Road 2766. From Austin, travel 28 miles west on U.S. Highway 290 , then proceed north on Farm Road 3232 for 6 miles to the park entrance.
Map of Park's Location

For GPS Users: N 30° 20.37' W 098° 15.27' (WGS84/NAD83)
Convert to another coordinate sytem or map datum (Courtesy of Jeeep.com)

Hours

Open 7 days a week year-round from 8 AM to 10 PM for day use activities.

Check for restricted park access before any trip. When controlled public hunts are in progress, general access is not permitted.

Fees

A park entrance fee is charged per day -- $4 per person for adults 13 years of age and older, or $2 per person if camping overnight. (Texas residents age 65 or older pay only $3 per person.)
There is also a per horse entrance fee charged to all equestrians.

Campsite and other facility fees are in addition to the park entrance fee.

Note: Learn about the $60 Texas State Parks Pass which exempts passholders, and the passengers in their vehicle, from the entrance fees at all Texas State Parks.

Reservations

Reserve Now for campsites and other park facilities.

Reservations can also be made by calling TPWD's Central Reservation System at (512)389-8900 from 9 AM to 8 PM Monday through Friday, 9 AM to noon on Saturdays.