Pedernales Falls Nature Hike and Optional Johnson City Lights Hike
Details
Lets meet at the Madrone Parking lot at Pedernales Falls State Park at 1:00p.m. and take a hike through shaded trails to Jones Spring. We'll stop for a hearty trail snack/lunch at Jones Spring and then head back. This is a Nature Hike, so our pace will be slow and easy with frequent stops for observations and discussions about nature. There are no restrooms and no water available on the trail, so come prepared with plenty of water. Hike will take 2 1/2 to 3 hours depending on the number of stops along the way. After the hike we will drive to Johnson City (approximately 12 miles) for dinner at the Pecan Street Brewing Company where pizza and burgers are the best in town. After dinner the lights will be on in Johnson City and it will be the perfect time for a hike around town before returning home.
YOU MUST MAKE A DAY PASS RESERVATION WITH PEDERNALES FALLS STATE PARK TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. MAKE YOUR RESERVATION EARLY, AS THEY DO FILL UP. YOU CAN PRINT YOUR PARKING PASS FROM HOME FOR THE MADRONE TRAILHEAD ONLY AND AVOID STOPPING AT THE PEDERNALES FALLS STATE PARK HEADQUARTERS BEFORE THE HIKE.
The trail from the Madrone Parking Lot to Jones Spring is gorgeous this time of year. The cedar elms should be bright yellow in color and the Red Oaks, flaming red. This trail has a diversity of trees and plants including one of the largest Live Oak trees in the county. Trail is hilly, rocky and steep in some places. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes and you may want to bring a walking stick. We will stop along the way to enjoy the beauty of nature and share our outdoors knowledge.
Once we return to the Madrone Parking lot, you will have an option to drive into Johnson City(approximately 12 miles) to the Pecan Street Brewing Company. They feature pizza, burgers and all kinds of yummies. After our meal we can hike the Christmas lights around Johnson City including the Courthouse Square and the Pedernales Electric Company's display a few blocks away. You may want a small flashlight for this hike.
So, bring sturdy hiking shoes, a trail snack/lunch, $$ for dinner, a small flashlight for the night hike, and a little small town Christmas spirit.
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Participants must sign a Liability Waiver at the trailhead. You may view the waiver document: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020 .
Park Map
Trail Map
Pedernales Falls Nature Hike and Optional Johnson City Lights Hike