Pedernales Falls State Park

Pedernales Falls State Park is located 10 miles (16 km) east of Johnson City, and about 25 miles west of Austin. The park is on the Pedernales River, 14 miles (23 km) southwest of the river's mouth at Lake Travis.

Before 1970, the area that is now Pedernales Falls State Park was a working ranch, known as the Circle Bar Ranch. The state of Texas purchased the land for the park in 1970, and the park opened in 1971.

Many of the activities in Pedernales Falls State Park center around the Pedernales River: swimming, tubing, wading and fishing. The park also has a number of picnic areas and campsites, including some primitive campsites that require a hike of over two miles to reach. There are also 19.8 miles (31.9 km) of hiking and mountain biking trails, 10 miles of equestrian trails, and 14 miles of backpacking trails. There is a park store where you can purchase gift items and ice. The entrance fee is $6 daily for persons 13 years or older, children 12 and under are allowed in at no cost.[1]

Like many rivers in central Texas, the Pedernales is prone to variable water levels. A sign at the park shows a relatively tranquil river in one picture and a raging wall of muddy water in the next picture, said to be taken only five minutes after the first. The speed at which flash floods can arise along this river has resulted in several deaths at the park.

Panoramic view of Perdenales Falls at low water flow

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pedernales Falls State Park.

• Pedernales Falls State Park information from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
• Pedernales Falls State Park from the Handbook of Texas Online