Pedernales Falls State Park | Dripping Springs Local Adventure

If you aren’t a local then you would say Pedernales correctly.

“Ped-er-nah-less”

But the locals say it “Perd-nah-less”.

Pedernales Falls State Park hike

I’m not quite sure why, but to blend in when we first moved to Dripping I struggled to say it the way the locals did.

It just didn’t quite make any sense to me!

Pedernales Falls State Park

Nonetheless, it is one of the COOLEST state parks around! I think since moving here we have visited 8 or 9 times. It’s a short 25 minute drive west of Dripping Springs and there is so much to do at this amazing state park.

You can hike, camp, swim, fish or just poke around and explore.

hiking shoes at Pedernales Falls

The best part about it is that it is equally fun in the winter as it is in the summer. When the water is lower in the winter you can hike up the main falls and explore caves, tiny waterfalls and boulders. We have even taken a polar plunge in the swimming area in February!

During the summer it is HOT on the falls and the hike can be arduous- bring lots of water and wear a hat! We love seeing how far up the limestone slab we can go before everyone is too tired.

Kids in the Pedernales River

There are always people fishing on the main falls and they seem to do pretty well.

I grabbed a Gar with my bare hands in one of the shallow pools the first time that we went! My boys were impressed and I had a new story to tell- ha!

Pedernales Falls State Park

There is no swimming allowed in the main falls area due to flash flood risk and the nature of the underground limestone tunnels that someone could get caught in on the main falls, but you can drive to the designated swimming area a bit further down the park.

You’ll need to walk down some pretty steep stairs and spread a blanket on the pebbled beachy area where the kids splash around in the shallow waters of the Pedernales River and cool off from the hot hike!

Pedernales Falls State Park

My family has a Texas State Park pass, which I highly recommend! You can reserve your spot any day at any of the 15 Austin area state parks and it pays for itself within 1-2 visits.

Kids exploring the Pedernals Falls limestone cliffs

Pedernales Falls is open daily from 8 AM- 10 PM, but you’ll need to reserve a spot and know when to go. The gates close for 1 hour from 12-1, so don’t come late to your reserved time! Cell service is also pretty close to non-existent once you drive in, so be aware in case of emergency.

Pedernales Falls state park

The fee is $6 per person for everyone over the age of 12.

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Kids exploring the Pedernals Falls limestone caverns

Are you coming through the area and need recommendations of fun things to do? I pretend that I’m your free tour guide and love giving recommendations on fun things to do and places to explore and eat! Just reach out to me and I’m happy to help.

Thinking about moving in or out of this area? I’m a Dripping Springs Realtor and would love to talk more with you about your future real estate plans. Just email or call me at 512-569-8480 or laurenclark@magnoliarealty.com

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Dripping Springs RealtorLauren Clark

Lauren Clark is a passionate and driven Realtor living in Dripping Springs, Texas and serving the entire Austin and Hill Country area. She marries her 21 years of creative marketing skills with the real estate industry to bring you the best experience possible when buying or selling real estate in the Dripping Springs and surrounding areas.

 

Magnolia Realty Austin Hill Country

205 Creek Road

Dripping Springs, Texas

78620

 

512-569-8480

 

TREC License# 756168