Trammell's Crossing

The Cypress Mill Loop offers a delightful journey through the heart of the Texas Hill Country, showcasing its signature cedar and oak woodlands. You'll navigate a mix of smooth, sandy double-track paths and a more rugged, rocky section on the northern side, providing a varied hiking experience. Keep an eye out for the expansive views from the Hill Country Overlook and the picturesque vistas of the Pedernales River.

Planning your visit requires a heads-up about Trammell's Crossing, a low-water river crossing where you should expect to get your feet wet. This easy 3.2-mile (5.1 km) loop, with 282 feet (86 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hour and 23 minutes, is best enjoyed during the cooler months to avoid the intense Texas heat. Dogs are permitted but must remain on a leash.

Located within Pedernales Falls State Park, the Cypress Mill Loop is a great way to experience the park's natural beauty. Its interconnectedness with other trails like Cypress Mill Spur allows for longer, customized adventures if you wish to explore further. Despite its overall easy rating, the trail's diverse terrain and rewarding viewpoints make it a popular choice for many hikers.

The Cypress Mill Loop offers a diverse journey through the Texas Hill Country, showcasing extensive cedar and oak trees and glimpses of the river. While much of the path is smooth, sandy double-track, be ready for a more challenging, rocky uphill and downhill section on the northern side. You'll pass by the Pedernales Falls State Park Swimming Area and cross the historic Trammell's Crossing, which adds a unique element to the experience.

This moderate 9.2-mile (14.8 km) hiking route involves 631 feet (192 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 3 hours and 59 minutes. Access to the loop is via Trammell's Crossing, which may be flooded at times, so prepare for potentially wet feet. For the most comfortable experience, plan your visit during the cooler months, as Texas summers can be quite hot.

One of the distinctive features of the Cypress Mill Loop is that it offers some of the highest views within Pedernales Falls State Park. It also interconnects with other trails like the Cypress Mill Spur and Twin Falls Nature Trail, allowing for variations if you want to extend or shorten your hike. Dogs are permitted on the trail but must be kept on a leash.