A serene natural setting and a plethora of outdoor activities make McKinney Falls State Park a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It is also home to one of the oldest cypress trees in Texas (affectionately known as “Old Baldy”) and a prehistoric rock shelter.
The park offers 81 campsites and is ideal for hiking, swimming, and geocaching. You can also find plenty of points of interest, including the remains of Thomas McKinney’s two-story limestone homestead. This is a fantastic article to read.
Camping
Despite being located within city limits, McKinney Falls State Park feels like an oasis with its serene waterfalls and idyllic swimming holes. It’s also one of the best places to go camping near a major American metropolitan area.
The park’s highlights include the Upper and Lower McKinney Falls, where Onion Creek cascades over limestone ledges and splashes into pools below. The water is cool and refreshing, and the rocks are ideal for climbing. Visitors can hike on a network of trails that wind through Hill Country woods and past historic points of interest, including a prehistoric rock shelter and the remains of Thomas McKinney’s homestead.
You’ll find 81 campsites at McKinney Falls State Park, which offer water and electric hookups and are situated close to Onion Creek. There’s also a day-use area where you can swim and fish. It’s a good idea to follow Leave No Trace practices when camping in the wilderness around Austin, TX. This includes packing out all trash, even biodegradable items and toilet paper.
Hiking
McKinney Falls State Park offers a natural retreat within Austin city limits. The park features 2 waterfalls, swimming, fishing, hiking trails, and more than 80 campsites.
Hikers can find a variety of hiking trails to explore at the park including the Homestead Trail. You can also see the remains of a historic Texan homestead and one of the oldest cypress trees in Texas.
During summer, the upper and lower waterfalls are popular swimming spots for locals. It’s a good idea to bring water and sun protection when visiting the park. Central Texas is also home to several species of rattlesnake, so be sure to listen for their warning rattle when hiking.
Camping at McKinney Falls State Park is an amazing way to escape the bustle of Austin. However, it’s important to note that the campground is located right off of a busy highway, so you may want to sleep with some white noise if you’re a light sleeper. More places to also visit by clicking here.
Onion Creek Trail
The paved hiking trail winds alongside Onion Creek and around the camping area. It’s under three miles and perfect for little kids or adults looking to ease back into a hike.
You can see Old Baldy, a massive 103-year-old bald cypress tree along the paved trail. On the drier uplands, you’ll find mesquite, live oak, cedar elm and sycamore.
This trail is popular in spring wildflower season, when you’ll find a carpet of bluebonnets on your way to the falls. It’s also good for observing wildlife, especially white-tailed deer and coyote.
The park is located a short drive from the city, but it can seem a world away when you’re walking by the namesake waterfalls and exploring McKinney Falls State Park trails. You can camp, swim, hike, mountain bike, and geocache at the park. It’s also home to the Smith Visitor Center, which features exhibits about the park’s namesake and hero, Thomas Freeman McKinney. The park also offers fishing and picnicking.
Onion Creek Swimming
Many local swimming spots have dried up this summer due to drought conditions, but the pool at Onion Creek State Park is a refreshing alternative. The spring-fed, unchlorinated water is clean and inviting to swimmers of all ages. It’s also a safe place for kids to splash around without worry.
This 232-acre privately owned site is one of the top swimming holes in Texas. The glistening jade-green pool is set among towering limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. The pool is cooled by natural underground streams, and the pristine waters are home to fish and turtles. The preserve is a popular destination for hikers and picnickers.
You can camp, mountain or road bike, geocache, go bouldering, and picnic surrounded by nature at this state park near Austin. It’s also a perfect base camp to explore the nearby Onion Creek Trail. Check out this interesting post!
Driving directions from Wise Coatings Austin to McKinney Falls State Park
Driving directions from McKinney Falls State Park to Red Bud Isle
