Beautiful Pedernales River Central Texas Pedernales River Flowing over and around huge slabs of limestone, the Pedernales River can be turbulent. But most often it is tranquil, and a great place to relax and recharge. We are just 30 miles west of Austin. Come over for an afternoon swim or hike, or load up your gear for an overnight adventure. The river awaits! The Pedernales River courses 106 miles through the heart of Texas Hill Country. From its headwaters just west of Harper, through Gillespie County, Fredericksburg, Stonewall and Johnson City, and on to Lake Travis and the Colorado River, the Pedernales watershed represents the diverse culture, hydrology and landscape of much of the greater Hill Country region. The river basin features a high level of biodiversity, including endemic species such as the Pedernales River springs salamander and the Guadalupe bass, Texas’ state fish. The diverse habitats across the basin support a variety of species of conservation concern, including canyon mock-orange, swamp rabbit, and breeding populations of federally endangered black-capped vireo and golden cheeked warbler.