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Pedernales Falls State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 5,188 Google reviews · Running trail in Johnson City, Texas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Pedernales Falls State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
5,200-acre park with hiking & horseback riding trails, campsites, river swimming & scenic vistas.
What runners say about Pedernales Falls State Park
“The trails were fun and manageable, and the park felt very clean and well maintained.”
“Located just west of Austin near Johnson City, Pedernales Falls State Park is one of the most scenic natural escapes in Central Texas.”
“It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours exploring rocky riverbeds, hiking through shaded trails, or just relaxing by the water.”
“The Hackenburg Loop trail was a bit confusing, because it wasn’t clearly marked throughout the trail, buuuut you can hear the waterfall so just walk towards the sound.”
“The river isn’t completely full like I’m sure it can get after heavy rain, but there’s still plenty of flowing water and it’s such a peaceful sight to see.”
I wiiiiiish that I went here in a better season, but whatever! I just went and it was sooooo hot, but it was worth it. The staff was so friendly and informative.
Had a blast there last weekend! My partner and I went camping there and during our stay, we visited many of the trails, saw some amazing views and even got to walk on the falls due to there not being a lot of rain lately.
I absolutely love this place. The first time I came was about 20 years ago. My 11 year old and I went over the weekend and had a great time. Its very much a choose your adventure type of place. You can walk down from the parking lot and just enjoy the views and then go home.
We liked the park. The walking trails are interesting, and yes, you need comfortable shoes and water shoes. You can take a dip in the river (keep in mind that the river is rocky) and enjoy the beautiful view of the waterfalls. Recommended.
Trail conditions & character
“The Hackenburg Loop trail was a bit confusing, because it wasn’t clearly marked throughout the trail, buuuut you can hear the waterfall so just walk towards the sound.”
“Different terrains on this particular route: red sand, limestone rocks of varying sizes, single trak dirt, crossing a small stream, up and down hill.”
“The river isn’t completely full like I’m sure it can get after heavy rain, but there’s still plenty of flowing water and it’s such a peaceful sight to see.”
“It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours exploring rocky riverbeds, hiking through shaded trails, or just relaxing by the water.”
“Bathrooms in the parking lot if needed and make sure to bring a bottle of water.”
“The original site we booked was very out of level.”
“The whole park is nice, with helpful rangers, plenty of parking and beautiful sights to see.”
“It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours exploring rocky riverbeds, hiking through shaded trails, or just relaxing by the water.”
“The Hackenburg Loop trail was a bit confusing, because it wasn’t clearly marked throughout the trail, buuuut you can hear the waterfall so just walk towards the sound.”
Plan your run at Pedernales Falls State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitetpwd.texas.gov
- Phone+1 830-868-7304
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Johnson City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,052 reviews
A scenic natural swimming pool in a canyon below a 50-ft waterfall, surrounded by a grotto.
Milton Reimers Ranch Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 353 reviews
Canyon & forest preserve along the Pedernales River, frequented by rock climbers & mountain bikers.
Founders Memorial Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 18 reviews
The Dripping Springs Sports & Recreation Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 122 reviews
Park featuring baseball fields, soccer fields and basketball courts; also has picnic tables.
Briarcliff Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 49 reviews
Family-friendly park featuring a playground for kids, plus trails for mountain biking and hiking.
