Pedernales Falls (3.9 miles)

Pedernales Falls is one of the state’s most beautiful park 'n' huck spots (although calling it a 'park 'n' huck' spot is now unfortunately a misnomer, because of recent park regulations-- see below), and it can be run at relatively low water levels (well below the levels required to enjoy the downriver run above the falls.)  Swimming and tubing the falls are strictly prohibited.  Years ago, stories of park rangers hassling paddlers and even confiscating boats were the norm.  However, in recent years pleasant exchanges between rangers and boaters have been the norm. PERD FALLS IS NOT A BEGINNER-FRIENDLY OR EVEN INTERMEDIATE-FRIENDLY PLACE TO KAYAK.  Only go here if you are up for a challenge.  Swimming here is technically illegal (and dangerous), so you need a solid roll.  Respect the park rangers, avoid busy summer weekends, and don’t make a big deal about your presence.  It only takes one incident to give them an excuse to close off access for everyone. NOTE:  As of this writing, the official park policy is to disallow boaters from putting in or taking out at the falls (although you may, of course, legally portage them.)  Boaters are required to hike approximately 1 mile upstream to the park boundary (there is a trail from the Pedernales Falls parking area that parallels the river on the bluff overlooking it) and take out approximately 3 river miles below the falls, at the swimming area.  Please respect park regulations and be respectful to rangers.  You are legally allowed to run the river, but the park is legally allowed to control access to it. Pedernales Falls is made up of three distinct drops.  Each feeds into a sizeable recovery pool, making it a great place for your first Class IV experience. Distances and gradient measured using GIS tools in 2015.  Maximum gradient is 132 fpm, measured from the top of 60/40 Falls to the base of S-Turn (0.34 miles.)