Pedernales Falls State Park

Falls In Love at Pedernales Falls State Park

What makes it fun

At Pedernales Falls State Park, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including camping, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, geocaching, bird watching, and horseback riding. There are various activities you can enjoy on the river, such as swimming, wading, tubing, or fishing. Discover the wonders of local wildlife and plants. Our picturesque Hill Country hike and bike trails offer a variety of difficulty levels to suit every adventurer. Invite your nature enthusiast partner and make your way to Pedernales Falls State Park for an exciting day of outdoor exploration. Alternatively, bring along a tent and enjoy a magical night sleeping under the starry sky.

Google Reviews

4.7

Based on 5162 reviews

Siddhi

3 weeks ago

Had an amazing time at ! We did two overlook hikes and both had beautiful scenic views of the hills and river. Going down to the river was definitely the highlight — the water, rocks, and peaceful sounds made it such a relaxing experience. The trails were fun and manageable, and the park felt very clean and well maintained. Perfect spot for hiking, nature, and a little escape from the city. Definitely worth visiting!

Payton Inman

3 weeks ago

Beautiful park full of nice trails and wonderful rocky landscapes, the water is incredibly refreshing after a long hike to the swimming area.

Coach John

3 weeks ago

Unbelievably beautiful natural landscape, easy to view or get down to if you can handle some stairs and elevation change.

Deborah Carroll (Rehabdeb)

3 weeks ago

Update 5/3/2026 - I first posted a four-star review 7 years ago, accdg to the Goog. I live within 2 hrs of this park and I've been numerous times to run trail races and explore the lesser-used trails. I recently enjoyed a nice hike with my dog, on-leash, from the day-use area. We did not go down to the crowded "official" swim area. We did hike the Coyote Crossing Trail down to the water at Trammel Crossing. That was uncrowded and there was quite a bit of water due to recent rains. We walked partway across on rocks but did not continue across the water, mostly because I was too lazy to take off my boots and wade. My photos are from this area. We then retraced our steps uphill, taking the left fork to the campground instead of the right fork back to the Day Use Area. Turning left when we hit the campground road, we then took the Twin Falls Nature Trail loop, off to the left from the road. The falls overlooks were closed for repair, but the trail was shady with some rocky climbs and nature beauty. We continued at the end of the loop, left through the campground on the campground road to Warfle's Trail. We took that, to the right, through trees, flowers, cacti, and a variety of terrain to where it comes out at the Day Use Area road. Then back to the car. Overall total was ~2.75 miles with a variety of terrain= flats, hills, rocky climbs, sand, and lots of vegetation, some deer, and birds. Main goal of trip was to do recon for future potential camping.

Randee Barrera

3 weeks ago

Very cool spot to hike! The bird blind was a unique experience!

David McGinty

7 months ago

very good campsites. beautiful scenery. excellent bird blind.

Leroy Arnold

7 months ago

Kelly

7 months ago

The Juniper Ridge trail is mostly rock gardens, so if you're not a fan of those or looking for something that doesn't require max effort 90% off the time, look to other options. The Madrone trail is very easy, mostly flat and fast with good twisting singltrack and everything on the south side of the road is suitable for novice riders. You can park just off the road and access the Madrone trail directly, but you still have to get a day pass from the park office.

Grover Neuman

7 months ago

WizLiz

7 months ago

William Smith

7 months ago

Camped here for 2 nights, explored the falls and swimming area, and had a great time. Facilities are well maintained and clean. Some campsites have a sunshade over the picnic table already, but not all do so be aware when booking your site (always check the pictures). Beautiful weather in November 🏕️

Jacob Kitchens

7 months ago

Such a fun and fairly easy hike! Some areas can be slippery, the water levels were low when we went but it was gorgeous and worth the hike!
Bring some flashlights if you go near sundown as getting back to the trail head is difficult at night.

Md Mainuddin

8 months ago

Pedernales Falls is an absolute must-see destination if you are visiting the greater Austin area. This park delivers stunning, unique views and offers a fantastic full-day experience for families and kids.

The primary attraction is the river's astonishing view of tiered limestone falls and sculpted rocks. It's truly a geological marvel that provides unforgettable photo opportunities.

The park offers a designated swimming area (separate from the falls/flow area) and ample picnic spots, making it perfect for spending the entire day outdoors. You can also enjoy fishing in designated areas along the river.

Tip: Be aware that the water level changes dramatically and quickly. Always check the park signs and conditions before venturing out to the falls area, as the area can be closed during flash flooding conditions.

sherry hight studios (hair Kharma)

8 months ago

Joni Matter

8 months ago

I went to spend a few days recharging in nature. This park checked all the boxes during my stay. Beautiful scenery with decently difficult hikes for someone who needs more exercise. Big clean sites with restrooms that were also clean and accessible. I felt safe. Saw rangers patrolling regularly. It was comfortable and peaceful and I hope to go again and also to bring friends.

come and take it

8 months ago

This is a great spot to get away and still have the comforts of home. 20 dollars a day for camp hook up, the bathroom/showers are amazing and huge! Super clean all the time! Park service was absolutely amazing! Y'all should totally go here and have a great time 3 hours away, an HR from Austin and paddle boarding, hiking mountain biking swimming it's super beautiful!

Peter

8 months ago

Great for night time photos!

Aaron Dixon

8 months ago

Darian Goodlander

8 months ago

Had a blast there last weekend! My partner and I went camping there and during our stay, we visited many of the trails, saw some amazing views and even got to walk on the falls due to there not being a lot of rain lately. Which ultimately led to a burn ban being placed a couple of days prior to our arrival, so we couldn’t make a fire. But that was okay because we still had a fantastic time looking at the stars from our camp site. There’s quite a few trails in the park of all different lengths. There’s a swimming area that you can cool off in, after your hike too, which was refreshing. The bathrooms were really clean and maintained. The park staff were really welcoming and helpful explaining some things throughout the park. Would definitely recommend checking this state park out. We will be back

Brandon Reed

2 years ago

Loss of phone service upon entry

x zhang

2 years ago

Very clear restrooms

MrJeffh1971

2 years ago

Neat place To hike and chill in the river

varun devaraj

2 years ago

Went for a stargazing even by Austin Astronomical society. It was a great event. The star gazing area is well maintained and has a clear view of the horizon.great for milky way photography closer to Austin. There is light pollution along the horizon however it was a pretty good experience. Make sure to take big repellent there were a lot of mosquitoes from the rain a few days ago.

david polanco

2 years ago

Jamie Ross

2 years ago

Our first day hike was amazing! The staff were incredibly helpful and made great suggestions and the facilities we clean and well maintained. We booked our reservations ahead of time, which I would highly recommend to anyone who doesn't want to wait or risk being turned away, and the check in was super simple. We'll be back before our next first day hike!

william barnes

2 years ago

I love this park! Lots to do and see. Great place for the kids to run around. Be sure to watch your step!

Danisela Reyes

2 years ago

Jaedy Mason

2 years ago

Fantastic Park! So Beautiful, clean and just wonderful to spend time in! There’s boating, hiking, rock climbing, bike trails and so much more!

Tim Flagg

2 years ago

A well maintained park with large camp sites, covered table and fire pit. My pad was long and level, quite secluded. Showers were clean with lots of hot water. The park has many miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. They have a nice bird blind maintained by an on-site volunteer. While I did have TV reception cell service with T-moble was mostly non existent, at least where I parked. It's a little off the beaten path but that makes it quiet and very dark at night. I'd go back.

Nathaniel Bilby

3 years ago

Fantastic state park. We stayed for the night camping, and the tent sites are top tier. Showers are clean and have warm water. You cannot miss going to the actual falls area, its incredible with lots of area to explore especially if you dont mind climbing and hiking

Anna Moss

3 years ago

It's one of my favorite state parks in Texas. The water is absolutely gorgeous. The terrain is incrediblely unique due to the river bed erosion. Lots of challenging hikes, so bring a good pair of shoes. One negative thing that I will say is that so many people wrote all over the stones. Almost every inche is covered in graffiti.. Please leave no trace people..

Michael James

3 years ago

Turned out to be my best sunset in nature during the trip. I was very pleased to get to camp here and scope out the falls before returning the next day for the sunset. It turned out to be the perfect evening with the overcast. I had a nice and tranquil time in the swimming area as well. The river water was nice and warm even in early summer.