Pedernales Falls State Park, about 30 miles west of Austin, has arguably some of the most beautiful and unique scenery in the Texas Hill Country. While the river itself is reason enough to visit the park, scenic trails wind through forests, atop ridges, and along the riverside. Walk the sandy shores of the Pedernales River, scramble over its limestone ledges and delve into the nooks and crannies formed by the boulders along the shoreline. With trails ranging from a half-mile nature walk to an 11.4-mile route, visitors have countless ways to explore the terrain.

Things To Do at Pedernales Falls

Pedernales Falls State Park is worth visiting throughout the year. With a range of trail distances and varying degrees of difficulty, visitors can easily make a day trip to the park or set up camp for a weekend, exploring multiple trails that crisscross the land. The scenery is wild and unusual, with rock formations and waterfalls that are unique to this section of river.

If you’re up for a long hike, the Juniper Ridge Trail (9.7 miles) and the Horse Trail – South (11.4 miles) are the two longest hikes in the park. Rated as challenging and moderate, respectively, both trails offer sweeping views of the park’s terrain. If you’d prefer a shorter trek, the 0.5-mile Twin Falls Nature Trail leads to a spring-fed overlook, and connecting routes throughout the park make it easy to build a leisurely half-mile to 3-mile loop.

One thing is mandatory for everyone, though, and that’s a trip to the park’s namesake waterfall. The Pedernales Falls Trail System, 0.3 to 1.6 miles, leads to an overlook and down to sandy beaches and a rocky riverbed lined with white cliffs. Swimming and wading aren’t allowed in the falls area; for a dip, head to the park’s designated swimming area, a strenuous quarter-mile hike that includes steep rock stairs. For stunning sunset views, hike one of the park’s overlook trails, which give expansive views of the curvature of the Pedernales River and wild displays of color.

Who Will Love It

Because of the range of activities and trails at Pedernales Falls State Park, it’s safe to say that most everyone loves the park. The drive itself is scenic, with access to overlook points that require little effort along the way, and longer, technical trail routes that require a good level of fitness to complete. With every range of trail difficulty represented within the park, both seasoned hikers and casual explorers will enjoy trail options.

Photographers also love the park, with its unique landscape and darkness at night, making for incredible night photography opportunities. Stargazing, geocaching and camping are all favorite pastimes of visitors, too. Your furry friends are welcome on the trails as well, as long as they stay on a leash.

Directions, Parking & Regulations

The park sits about 30 miles west of Austin near Johnson City, roughly an hour’s drive through the Hill Country. Entry is $6 a day for visitors 13 and older; kids 12 and under get in free. The park often reaches capacity, so reserve a day pass or campsite on the park website before you go, especially on weekends and holidays. Gates are closed from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Check the park’s alerts before heading out (often featured at the top of their website). This winter the park closes to everyone except permitted hunters Nov. 21–24, Dec. 13–17 and Jan. 18–22, and the water and electric campground is closed from Jan. 1 through summer 2027 for construction.

The park’s trail list and  interactive trail map show the distance and difficulty of every trail. Follow any posted “no swimming” signs and swim only in areas of the park where it’s permitted. The river can rise from a placid stream to a torrent in minutes, so if the water starts rising or turning muddy, leave the riverbed right away. As the Texas sun can be intense and not all trails are shaded, be sure to pack enough water and sunscreen. Be mindful of wildlife and cautious of rattlesnakes, which can be active, especially in the summertime.

Accessibility

The park offers accessible restrooms, picnic areas and a scenic overlook parking area, and the campground restrooms include accessible showers. However, trails to the river are rough and are not wheelchair accessible. Some campsites are easier to navigate by wheelchair than others — contact the park for more information.

The park is a great space for birding, and even features a wheelchair accessible bird blind. Follow the asphalt trail from the grassy parking area to the open-air blind, with a 35-foot glass viewing wall. Those interested in more spots to go birding in and around Austin should check out our guide to Birding in Austin.