Pedernales Falls State Park is less than an hour from downtown Austin, but this park doesn't feel like it at all. Although the hiking here never goes up or down any major climbs, and there are only a few impressive views, there are lots of interesting places to go.
In addition to the hiking trails marked on the main map of the park, there are 25 miles of horse trails around the perimeter of the park and in the blank spaces on the main map. These horse trails vary from singletrack to double jeep track, and aren't the most interesting, but you can hike (or ride your horse, of course) them.
The main hiking trail in the park is the Wolf Mountain trail, accessed from the parking lot just past the visitor center. This is a 7.5 mile lollipop loop that trail that makes for a good long hike or a nice easy mountain bike ride. There is about a mile of rocky singletrack in the middle, but most of the trail is actually on improved jeep trail. There are a few water crossings, but there's never much water in these wet-weather creeks. Out at Jones Spring, you'll see the remnants of a settler's cabin. Primitive camping (backpack in and find a spot) and an outhouse are along the trail about a mile from the parking lot.
If you're here at a warm time of year, the swimming beach is a perfect place to bring a picnic or a good book and relax by the river on the sandy beach. The water is usually very clear.
The Wolf Mountain Trail is a nice 7.5 mile lollipop loop in Pedernales Falls State Park. This is one of the easiest longer hikes in the Austin area, and is very suitable for beginning hikers or mountain bikers. Intermediate and advanced mountain bikers won't be challenged by the jeep roads on the trail.
The 4-Mile Trail isn't a terribly interesting trail, so go hike to the Pedernales Falls first, and also do the Wolf Mountain Trail. The most exciting thing about the trail is the start, where you have to wade across the Pedernales on a low water crossing that can be slippery or thigh-deep in water. Be safe! Ask a ranger for current conditions of the river, because it can easily sweep you away.
All year.
