Texan Magazine
By Lisa Dante
In 1923, the Governor of Texas, Pat Neff, persuaded the legislature to create the State Parks Board. He regarded the action as his most important achievement as governor. He wanted to create a parks system that people, “might go and forget the anxiety and strife and vexation of life’s daily grind.”
Well, a hundred years later, Texans and visitors from all over the world still enjoy the natural beauty, splendor and diversity of the nearly 90 state parks that Texas has to offer. They aren’t just grand in size, they’re full of grand adventure!
Pedernales Falls State Park
Located 10 miles east of Johnson City and about 25 miles west of Austin containing 5,212 acres, there are so many things to do. Because of the range of activities and trails, there is something for everyone.
The drive is very scenic, with access to overlook points that require little effort, and longer trail routes that require a good level of fitness to complete.
With every range of trail difficulty available within the park, both seasoned hikers and casual explorers will enjoy trail options. Stargazing, geocaching, swimming, fishing, camping, hiking, bird watching and horseback riding are all favorite pastimes of visitors, too.
Kids can become a Junior Park Ranger. You complete a certain number of activities from the park’s free Activity Journal to earn a badge.
One thing that you must do is the short trek to the park’s namesake waterfall. It’s an easy walk down to the sandy beaches and rocky riverbed lined with white cliffs. For stunning sunset views, hike one of the park’s overlook trails, which gives expansive views of the curvature of the Pedernales River and wild displays of color.
Rocks in the park have a history of going back more than 300 million years, and you will see some of the most beautiful and unique scenery in the Texas Hill Country. While the river itself is reason enough to visit the park, scenic trails wind through forests, atop ridges, and along the riverside.
Know Before You Go
Entrance fees: Children 12 and younger are free. 13 years and older is $6.00. The park often reaches capacity, so in order to guarantee entry for day visits or camping, make reservations online or by calling the customer service center before you visit.
(512) 389-8900
Other Statewide 100 Year Park Celebrations Include:
July 15
100 year Boat-A- Thon
Inks Lake State Park
July 22
Kids Fish Event
Sea Rim State Park
July 22
100 S’more Years Of Texas State Parks!
Dinosaur Valley State Park
August 12
Maples and Meteors Night Sky Fest
Lost Maples State Natural Area
September 2
Sync Yourself Where “Life’s Better Outside”…at the Sinkhole!
Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area
September 9
Family Fishing Festival
Ray Roberts Lake State Park-Johnson Branch Unit
September 15
Prairie Palooza: Palo Duro Canyon- Back To The Future
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
