07 July . 2016
Fall in love with Pedernales Falls State Park
Fall in love with Pedernales Falls State Park
Just 30 miles west of Austin, Pedernales Falls State Park is a 5,212-acre Hill Country paradise that is best known for the scenic overlook at its north end.
Here, the river drops 50 feet in elevation over a distance of 3,000 feet, creating dramatic waterfalls over tilted, layered stair steps of limestone that date back 300 million years.
Popular activities include swimming, tubing, kayaking and fishing in the Pedernales River. Trails range from the easy half-mile Twin Falls Nature Trail, to the challenging six-mile Wolf Mountain Trail. There are also 10 miles of rugged horse trails.
Bird watching is another popular activity, as this park is home to more than 150 bird species, including ravens, vultures, herons, quail, doves, owls, roadrunners and wild turkeys, rufous-crowned sparrows and western scrub jays. The endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler nests here in the spring.
Ten miles from the park, Johnson City offers food, refreshments and additional attractions such as the LBJ National Historical Park. Dripping Springs, 13 miles away, has art galleries, wineries, breweries and more.
Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website here.