Pedernales Falls State Park Photo: Aleksomber / CC BY-SA 4.0
United States › Texas

Pedernales Falls State Park

ByWilderness Experts

Fast facts

  • Size: about 5,200 acres (21 km²)
  • Signature feature: Pedernales Falls, where the river drops over layered limestone
  • Overnight: developed sites plus hike-in primitive sites
  • Gateway: Johnson City and Austin
  • Managed by: Texas Parks and Wildlife

The landscape

The Pedernales River flows over and around huge slabs of tilted limestone, dropping in a series of falls and pools. Oak and juniper woodland covers the hills, and side creeks cut small canyons. The golden-cheeked warbler nests here in spring, along with many other birds, deer and armadillos.

Best time to go

Spring and fall are ideal for hiking and camping. Summer is hot, and the river draws swimmers in designated areas. Winter is mild and quiet.

We have no photo gallery for Pedernales Falls State Park yet. If you have been, share a photo and we will credit you.Sign in to share a photo

Getting there and around

The park is west of Austin, north of Johnson City. Roads lead to the falls overlook, the campground and trailheads. The primitive camping area is reached on foot.

Things to do

The short Twin Falls Nature Trail and the falls overlook are popular. The Wolf Mountain Trail, about 6 miles (10 km), loops around Tobacco and Wolf mountains and leads to the primitive sites. Mountain bikers ride the park’s trails, and birders come for spring migrants.

Staying safe

Texas Parks and Wildlife warns that the river can rise from a placid stream to a raging torrent in a few minutes. If you are near the river and see the water rising or turning muddy, leave the river area immediately. Flash floods are common in the Hill Country. Limestone is slick when wet. Carry water in the heat and watch for rattlesnakes.

Know before you go

River areas close during high water. This page is a general overview, not a live conditions report, so confirm current conditions and reservations with Texas Parks and Wildlife before you go.

Navigation
Coordinates
30.3078, -98.2430
Magnetic declination
3.4° E (2026)

Set this declination on your compass, then align it to the map's north lines; it is the angle between true north and magnetic north, refreshed each year.

How declination works, and how to navigate with a map and compass

6 places in Pedernales Falls State Park

A spread of the park’s main places shows straight away, and the rest appear as you zoom in. You can also search above, or pick any place from the lists below, and the map will go to it. Places in bold, marked , have a short description.

Getting there 1

Ranger station

On the trail 1

Route

Sights 4

Viewpoints

Lake

Peak

Map data comes from third-party sources and may be incomplete or out of date, so carry a current official map (terms).

Trip types
Day hikeCar campingWeekend backpackingCycling

Looking for one of these closer to home?Destinations near me by trip type →

Terrain
RiversForestGrassland
Key hazards
Flash floods on the riverSlippery limestoneSummer heatRattlesnakes
Best seasons
Spring, Fall, Winter
Difficulty
Easy to moderate
Access / trailheads
About 30 miles (48 km) west of Austin, north of Johnson City off FM 3232.
Water
Water at the developed campground; carry plenty on trails and treat any river water.
Cell / satellite coverage
Fair near the entrance, patchy along the river.
Nearest ranger / SAR / emergency
Emergencies: 911.
Permits & regulations
An entrance fee applies; day passes and campsites, including primitive sites, are reserved through Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Leave No Trace
Stay on trails, camp only at designated primitive sites, and pack out all waste.
Conditions by month

October This month

Average high82°F(28°C)28°C(82°F)
Average low54°F(12°C)12°C(54°F)
Rainfall3.6 in(92 mm)92 mm(3.6 in)
Daylight, mid-month11 h 29 minSunrise 7:34 a.m., sunset 7:03 p.m.

What to bring depends on your trip: how long you’re out, where you sleep, and how far you go from the road. The planner builds the list for yours.

Plan a trip here →

Averages for 1991–2020 from NOAA U.S. Climate Normals, measured at the Johnson City station, 10 miles (16 km)16 km (10 miles) away at 1,137 feet (347 m)347 m (1,137 feet). Higher trails run colder, by about 3.5°F for every 1,000 ft (2°C per 300 m)2°C for every 300 m (3.5°F per 1,000 ft) of climb. Daylight runs from sunrise to sunset on the 15th, on the park’s own clock, for a level horizon. Valleys and slopes facing away from the sun are in shade earlier.

Before you go Conditions, permits, fire bans and closures change constantly — we summarise and link out, but always confirm with the managing agency first.
Official park website → Last verified 2026-09-21

Nearby parks

A day’s drive from Pedernales Falls

Straight-line distance between park centres. Road distance is usually longer.

Looking for somewhere closer to home?
See every park and monument within a day’s drive of where you are.

Destinations near me →