Pedernales Falls State Park is located Johnson City, TX and 30 miles west of Austin. The park has 19.8 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, 10 miles of equestrian trails, and 14 miles of backpacking trails. The Pedernales River flows over tilted, layered stair steps of limestone and through channels carved by the river.
There is a short trail from the parking lot to the Pedernales Falls Overlook and a set of steps leading down to the river. Once down at the falls, there is little shade and the sun bounces off the limestone. For this reason, I recommend visiting the falls either in the early morning or late evening.
Due to the turbulent water and tendency for flash floods, swimming in the falls area is not permitted. However, there are other areas in the park where you are able to swim.
If you walk up the river, past the limestone slab, you will be rewarded with another group of waterfalls. Do not cross the river in this area, as the other side of the river is private property.
There are several small creeks that flow through the park. The creeks are spring-fed and the cold water flows over slick limestone.
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