Admission is $6/adult and is paid at the headquarters building.
We also picked up a Trails Map there and spoke with a park ranger about the various hiking options here.
The Headquarters Overlook is a short walk from the building. It provides a nice view of the park.
Wanting to hike the Pedernales Falls Trail, we drove north to a parking area located near the trailhead. The park ranger had advised us that this is the most popular area of the park...and once we saw it we understood why!
A short hike takes you to an open area where we caught our first glimpse of the river.
Continuing on the trail we came to this overlook that provides spectacular views of the the limestone slabs of the riverbed. Swimming is not permitted in this area due to potentially hazardous conditions.
A trail leads down to the river where we explored the interesting limestone rock formations here. Of course, Sadie’s first instinct was to go for a swim in the cool water.
Wandering around the limestone, we saw lots of crevices, pools in the rocks, and more great views of the area.
It’s great that leashed dogs are permitted in the area.
A large bird blind was our next stop (dogs are not permitted in this area).
There is a large hummingbird and butterfly garden, but, of course, nothing yet in bloom this time of year.
The blind itself is large, enclosed, and has a glass window with a couple of rows of seats for those who wants to linger here.
Below is a juvenile cardinal, two male cardinals, and a mourning dove.
At the trailhead to the Duck Pond, we saw this Chimney Swift tower. Like Purple Martins, they rely almost entirely on man-made structures for nesting. Their natural habitat is in large cavities in old trees, but with continuing destruction of forests in the area, the towers are helping these birds survive. A Chimney Swift eats about 1/3 of its weight in insects daily (mosquitoes, flies, aphids, ants, termites).
The first pond (there are two) was dry due to lack of rain in the area. The second one had some water, but we did not see any waterfowl here.
A second bird blind is located near the second pond.
I always enjoy the plants we see along the trail. I know it will be beautiful here once spring arrives.
A park ranger told us star gazing programs are held here. I thought is was very Stonehenge-esque! There is also a picnic area nearby.
Our third hike for the day was the Twin Falls Nature Trail. It is a short (.5 mi) but rugged trail to a beautiful spot overlooking the falls. There are lots of interesting limestone formations along the way. The trail is well marked but rocky most of the way.
From the overlook, you can see the falls below (although there was very little water the day we visited). Once a popular swimming hole, the area beneath the falls is closed as habitat restoration is underway.
Driving to the picnic area, we found the Swimming Area Trail. A steep trail l(1 mi round trip) leads to the Pedernales River area designated for swimming.
We ate our lunch at the picnic area before leaving the park.
We really enjoyed the different trails we hiked in this park. The Pedernales Falls area is a must-see if you visit the park. The challenging Wolf Mountain Trail (5.42) is also a very popular trek with scenic vistas, springs, and creeks and is still home to coyotes.
For additional information about the park and camping, go to tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/pedernales-falls.
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