A wide limestone staircase of cascades on the Pedernales River, the centerpiece of a popular Texas Hill Country state park.
Pedernales Falls isn't a single plunge but a broad run of limestone steps and pools where the Pedernales River drops over layered rock, inside Pedernales Falls State Park about 25 miles west of Austin. The Falls Trail reaching the main overlook area is an easy walk of roughly 0.6 miles, with longer park trails and a backcountry loop with over 1,400 feet of total elevation gain for a bigger day.
Flash flooding on the Pedernales River can be sudden and dangerous, and Texas Parks and Wildlife closes access to the falls area during high water; swimming and wading directly at the falls are also restricted for safety. Check current conditions before visiting, especially after rain upstream. The park's gates are open 8 AM to 10 PM daily, with a standard entrance fee for those 13 and older.
Know before you go
Pedernales Falls State Park, Blanco County, TX, about 25 miles west of Austin.
Year-round; closes during flash flooding — check current conditions.
Falls Trail, about 0.6 miles, easy; longer backcountry loops available.
$6 per person, ages 13 and up; 12 and under free.
Main overlook trail is a short, mostly level walk; not formally accessible.
2026-10-11. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
- Texas Parks and Wildlife — Pedernales Falls State Park ↗
- USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) ↗
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.
