Pedernales Falls State Park - My Personal Fav

This park is a little bit different each time I visit because the current rain levels north of the falls make a visible difference in the way the water moves and how the landscape looks. This is also probably the main reason it's my personal favorite: there's always something new to explore!

Take the leisurely 5 minute walk from the parking lot to the falls for an outstanding view. Some people just hang out here, but the best part of this place is jumping from rock to rock to find what's around the corner. The flash floods have carved out incredible holes, nooks, crevices and pools over the years. It makes for great "mini rock climbing"- some rocks are high enough that you have to use your hands and feet to climb, but mostly you can hop to and from them.

While the main attraction is definitely The Falls, the park does have camping (primitive and non), and swimming (not at the falls, though). Notice the danger signs because apparently flash floods can happen in 5 minutes!


To Make The Most Of It:
Bring tennis or hiking shoes with a decent grip; the rocks can get slippery when wet. Find your perfect smoothly-carved rock peninsula and bask in the sun.


How To Get There:
From Austin take 290 West towards Johnston City past Dripping Springs. Take a right on RR 3232 and follow the big fat signs. It'll take you about 1 hr from downtown Austin.

Cost:
Park admission is $5 per person and gives you access to other state parks that day.