Pedernales Falls is a 30-foot cascade on the Pedernales River in Blanco County, Texas, inside Pedernales Falls State Park.
The falls
A current survey puts the total height at 30 feet, across four rock steps of 6, 4, 10 and 4 feet. Older measurements gave roughly 50 feet of descent over the same stretch of river. The Pedernales River drops here over tilted limestone of the Marble Falls formation, laid down about 300 million years ago; the river's headwaters rise from springs in northeastern Kerr County.
Getting there
Pedernales Falls State Park is reached via FM 2766 east from Johnson City or FM 3232 north from US 290, at 2585 Park Road 6026. Gates close nightly from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., and the park office keeps hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Entrance costs $6 per person per day for ages 13 and up, with children 12 and under free; a Texas State Parks Pass covers admission. Because capacity limits can turn away walk-ins, reservations are recommended. The park's trail system to the falls area runs 0.3 to 1.6 miles, rated moderate and taking about an hour, to a scenic overlook at the park's north end.
When to go
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department lists spring, summer and fall as the busiest seasons, with May, August and September the wettest months.
On site
Swimming, wading and boat launching are prohibited in the falls area. Flash floods can rise within minutes; if the water starts rising or turns muddy, leave the riverbed immediately. Pets must stay leashed, and the park warns hikers about heat on the exposed rock.
History and name
Spanish settlers named the river for its flinty sands and gravels, called pedernal. Texas bought the former Circle Bar Ranch in 1970 and opened the state park in 1971.
Nearby
Westcave Falls is about 6.7 miles away, Hamilton Pool Falls about 7.6 miles, and Krause Springs Falls about 11.7 miles.
Distances are straight-line.