CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF TEXAS STATE PARKS AT PEDERNALES FALLS

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!

Texan Travel

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.