Texas Hill Country | Pedernales Falls State Park

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Texas Hill Country | Pedernales Falls State Park

Saturday, 19 June 2010 00:00

Located about 9 miles east from Johnson City in Texas Hill Country, Pedernales Falls offers a clear spring-fed river and lovely waterfalls over the slope of limestone. The highlight of this park is the Pedernales River which one may swim in the river, wade water or even engage in tubing activity. Apart from water recreation, this place has more for nature enthusiasts. Hiking trails are plenty, mountain biking is also possible, besides bird watching and horse riding too! Although this park is not known as 'fishing' park, anglers are frequently spotted as well.
The country road next to Pedernales Falls State Park

The country road next to Pedernales Falls State Park

We were there last winter and returned on spring. Guess we did not have enough of the falls! Seeing Pedernales Falls is the ultimate must. Situated far on the northern end, the scenic overlook of Pedernales Falls can be reached by foot from parking bay. Less than 200 yards on the dirt road leads towards the sound of flowing water indicating one is getting closer to the destination.
The breathtaking Pedernales Falls

Standing at the designated viewing platform above the falls gives a beautiful sight of cascading falls. The river water drops about 50 feet over a distance of 3000 feet creating a stair-step effect of layered limestone. Panning from upstream to downstream is simply a spectacular landscape, indeed inviting. If you take the limestone stairs, it will reach the gorgeous falls on the upstream. Opting to hike down on the rugged terrain leads to the downstream area. Unique Cypress Pool (foreground) and Pedernales Falls (background)

Unique Cypress Pool (foreground) and Pedernales Falls (background)

Limestones from Llano uplift at downstream

Pedernales River has carved the limestone into asymmetrical shapes, resembling bowls, containing the river's water and forming what people call 'Cypress Pool'. The limestone here originated from the flank of Llano uplift, then eroded and covered by Cretaceous seas before appearing like that we see today.
The designated 'Beach Area'

For safety reason, swimming is not permitted here. To get wet, proceed to the so-called 'Beach Area' located on the east of the park, near the Sponsored Youth Camping Area. Pedernales River flows through and the water is refreshing. Cypress tress that grow in abundance by the river banks provide a good shelter to escape from hot sun in summer. The water is shallow and rocks are plenty. Bring a guitar or a book with some snacks and I bet you could be here the whole day!
Mating season - these dragonflies are caught red-handed!

Mating season - these dragonflies are caught red-handed!

Address:
2585 Park Road 6026,
Johnson City 78636 TX
Phone: (890) 868 7304
Website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/pedernales_falls/

Direction:

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Last Updated on Monday, 21 June 2010 13:16

Comments

0 #2 2011-03-05 01:20

Thanks Brandon

We are looking forward to go back too.

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0 #1 2011-02-11 15:23

Nice photos of the park. We love going there in the summer.

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