All the tips and reasons you should visit McKinney Falls State Park in Austin, Texas.
McKinney Falls State Park is well-known in central Texas with Onion Creek flowing over limestone ledges and splashing into pools below. It is a great place to cool off during the summer and to relax and recharge any time of year. The state park is located in south Austin near the airport which makes it an amazing place for an afternoon swim or hike. Visiting is definitely a bucket list item and you can see more items on my Texas bucket list here.
Listen to Onion Creek flowing over limestone ledges and splashing into pools. Follow trails winding through the Hill Country woods. Explore the remains of an early Texas homestead and a very old rock shelter. All of this lies within Austin’s city limits at McKinney Falls State Park – what are you waiting for?
What to do at McKinney Falls State Park
Most visitors tend to explore the two falls area of the state park, there are also several hiking trails, the remains of an early Texas homestead to explore, and camping at the park.
Be sure to visit “Old Baldy,” one of the oldest bald cypress trees on public land in Texas. Estimated at more than 500 years old, the tree is 103 feet tall. Its trunk measures 195 inches around, and its diameter is 60.5 inches.
There are two different fall areas at McKinney Falls State Park. We prefer the lower falls area, but that is just personal preference.
The state park is beautiful in both fall and spring. They have large areas of bluebonnets in the spring and the cypress trees turn a beautiful golden yellow in the fall.
Hiking Trails
The state park has nearly 9 miles of hiking trails. The 2.8-mile Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail has a hard surface which makes it good for strollers and road bikes. You can see where early visitors camped on the Rock Shelter Trail. I still want to hike the Homestead Trail in combo with the Flint Rock Loop Trail. You can find all the trails at the park on their website.
Swimming
You can swim in Onion Creek. We have enjoyed wading in the creek several times.
Fishing
You can go fishing in Onion or Williamson Creeks. And you do not need a license to fish from shore in a Texas state park. This makes a Texas state park the perfect place to try out your fishing skills.
Camping
There are 81 campsites to choose from all with water and electricity hookups. The park also has six newly remodeled cabins that can be rented.
Tips for Visiting
- Onion Creek can flood after rainfall, so be aware of the flow of the water.
- Bring plenty of water, hats/sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- If you plan to swim or cool off in the river, bring water shoes.
- Central Texas is extremely hot during the summer, I highly recommend you hike early in the day or save your hiking for fall/winter/spring.
- Texas State Parks and Natural Areas are utilizing a park pass reservation system currently. Due to the popularity of McKinney Falls, day passes for the weekends/holidays fill up well in advance so be sure to book your park pass early.
Have you visited McKinney Falls State Park?
