Your Comprehensive Guide to the State Park
Located just 13 miles from Downtown Austin, McKinney Falls State Park is an exceptional place to enjoy the great outdoors. Visitors can see local wildlife like armadillos, painted bunting, and various snake species native to Texas. From camping and hiking to swimming, there is no shortage of activities, whether traveling alone, with your partner, or with the whole family.
Here’s our comprehensive guide to McKinney Falls State Park, including details about amenities, hiking and biking trails, and everything you need to plan the perfect visit.
About McKinney Falls State Park
With 641 acres and 81 campsites on the grounds, McKinney Falls is an easy outdoor getaway within Austin. It is best known for its hiking, fishing, and mountain biking trails. The state park is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, so you can spend a day exploring or plan an overnight stay in one of the many campsites or at a nearby hotel.
Tickets, Parking and Reservations
To enter the park, you need to make reservations in advance. Day passes are only $6 for visitors ages 13 and older. With a day pass, you can swim, hike, bike, bird watch, and picnic to your heart’s content. Two parking lots are available—one at the visitor center and a second near Lower Falls, making it convenient and easy to access several points across the park.
What Can I Do at McKinney Falls?
McKinney Falls State Park is full of stunning natural features and historical points of interest that can be discovered along many of the nine trails in the park.
Check out “Old Baldy” along the Rock Shelter Trail, this 100-foot-tall Bald Cypress tree is over 500 years old. Take a dip in the park's namesake, the Lower and Upper McKinney Falls. Lower McKinney Falls is ideal for younger children, given its shallower depths, while Upper McKinney Falls has deeper water for more experienced swimmers. Along the Homestead Trail, see the stone remains of the McKinney Homestead that served as the home for one of the area's original colonists in the late 1800s.
While majority of the trails at the park are generally mild and manageable for most, each offers something different. Try the .6-mile, easy-rated Rock Shelter Trail to take in the grandeur of “Old Baldy”, see great views of Onion Creek and walk under the prehistoric rock shelter. Looking for longer McKinney Falls hikes? Connect to additional trails via the Homestead Trail and extend your hike to explore more remote parts of the park. Just remember to pack enough water and snacks for your trek!
If you’re interested in biking, ride along the 2.8-mile Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail that winds through the forest where you might spot local wildlife, or the 3.1-mile Homestead Trail that guides you through the history of the land.
Camping and Accommodations
McKinney Falls camping is perfect for those wanting a weekend away in the city. The campsites all feature electricity and water hookups, providing essential amenities for comfortable overnight stays. However, if you prefer something less rugged, McKinney Falls has six newly remodeled cabins that can be reserved in advance. If camping and cabins aren’t your style, there are also several hotels in the area, many of which are just a few minutes from the park’s main entrance.
Park Accessibility
When you arrive at McKinney Falls State Park be sure to stop by the visitor center to talk to park rangers and pick up souvenirs. The center is fully accessible with ADA parking and ramps. If you’re looking to stay overnight, cabin 6 is wheelchair accessible with accessible picnic tables and wide paved pathways to the cabin.
Most trails in the park are relatively flat; however, some trails may feature steep inclines, uneven terrain, and river crossings. Explore some of the park’s mild trails using the GRIT all-terrain wheelchair that's available to reserve from the visitor center. If you have additional questions about accessibility in the park, check out tpwd.texas.gov or contact the visitor center before your trip.
Plan Your Trip to McKinney Falls State Park
Spanning more than 640 acres of breathtaking natural scenery, McKinney Falls is a favorite among travelers seeking quality outdoor time. Looking to explore more of Austin's natural gems? Check out the best state parks and recreation areas around Austin.