Twin Falls Backcountry

The Twin Falls Backcountry loop explores the most remote reaches of Pedernales Falls State Park, venturing deep into the cedar-oak hill country to reach a pair of secluded waterfalls and a series of natural swimming holes along tributary creek drainages that few park visitors ever discover. The long loop traverses a succession of limestone ridgelines and creek valleys, crossing the Pedernales River at a low-water ford and threading through backcountry campsites set beneath ancient live oak mottes. The twin waterfalls, accessible only via this extended route, cascade over stepped limestone terraces into clear, rock-rimmed swimming pools that provide welcome relief during warm spring and fall hiking conditions. The surrounding canyon walls support lush communities of maidenhair ferns, columbines, and canyon grape in the spray zones. Rock wrens and canyon wrens inhabit the limestone cliff faces along the creek corridors, their musical calls echoing through the narrow canyons. The loop's length and remoteness ensure genuine solitude even on weekends when the front-country areas near the falls are crowded. Hikers should carry full water supplies and a navigation device, as trail marking in the backcountry sections can be less definitive than on maintained front-country routes. Backcountry camping permits are available for multi-day explorations of this exceptional Hill Country landscape.