5 Fun Things To Do In Pedernales Falls State Park

During our Central Texas BBQ Road Trip, I threw in as many state parks as possible to make up for all the food we were consuming. Pedernales Falls State Park was the perfect choice! The park was beautiful even in the winter and has so much to offer! Here are 5 fun things to do in Pedernales Falls State Park.

Location:

Pedernales Falls is located in the Texas Hill Country right on the Pedernales River. It’s about 10 miles east of Johnson City. About an hour drive from Austin depending on traffic and 1.5 hours from San Antonio.

2585 Park Road 6026 Johnson City, TX 78636

Best Time To Visit:

The park is open year round, but currently closed to day guests on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Peak season is the spring through fall. However they reach capacity even during the winter months. Make sure to secure reservations ahead of time!!

Summer will bring crowds of people wanting to cool off in the river. It’s HOT!!

Spring and fall are the best time for hiking and camping. You can enjoy both the hikes and river in late spring and early fall.

Spring also brings beautiful wildflowers!

Winter is a great time to come and enjoy everything but the river.

Cost:

$6 Daily entrance fee per person aged 13 and older.

$70 Texas State Park Annual Pass (covers entire family for every Texas state park) – Highly recommended. It’s a great deal depending on the age of family members and how often you visit the parks.

What To Bring:

Water- lots of it depending on the season and how much hiking is planned
Sunscreen- it’s Texas and sunburns happen quickly!
Hiking boots – if hiking
Hiking backpack
Water Shoes
Swimsuit – Seasonal
Tubes – Seasonal
Towels – Seasonal
Tent- If Camping
Camping Equipment- Again if camping
Camera
Texas State Park Pass

5 Fun Things To Do In Pedernales Falls State Park:

1. Hike A Trail

The park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails, so there’s something for everyone. They vary in difficulty and length. These are the trails I recommend:

Pedernales Falls Trail System – 1.8 miles – The main waterfall overlook is off this trail. From the overlook you are able to walk down to the river and climb around on the limestone. Follow the trail further for even more views of the river.

Twin Falls Nature Trail -.5 miles – This is a short trail through the woods. It’s a pretty area, but the falls aren’t spectacular. More of like a small trickle down the canyon. There are big rocks towards the end that are perfect for kids to climb.

Wolf Mountain Trail Loop – 5.8 miles – One of the best trails in the park! There are scenic views plus a spring fed pool for cooling off from the hike.

2. Swim in the River

This is the best way to cool off in the Texas summer heat! Make sure to swim in designated swimming areas only. Here’s their swimming safety guidelines.

The Hill Country is known for flash floods. If the water starts rising or turning muddy, then leave the river immediately!

3. Tube / Canoe / Kayak

The park lets you put in at the swimming area or Trammel’s Crossing. Must bring your own, they do not offer rentals.

4. Camp

Pedernales Falls State Park has one main camp ground that has 69 tent sites with electricity. The campsites are $20 a night and allow a maximum of 8 people per site. Located next to the designated swimming area and the Twin Falls Nature Trail.

The park also has primitive camping sites that require a 2 mile hike in. These sites are $10 per night with a maximum of 4 people per site.

For more camping info, click here.

5. Mountain Biking

Most of the hiking trails in the park are multi use, so there are a few to choose from. The Juniper Ridge Trail is for the more adventurous cyclist. It’s a 10 mile advanced trail with plenty of obstacles.

Tips for Visiting:

Pedernales is pronounced Peder nah les
Make online reservations in advance. Maybe even months in advance depending on when you want to visit. It’s a very popular park.
Cell service is not great in the park.
Bring plenty of water in the summer!