Located a mere 13 miles from the Capitol, McKinney Falls State Park can seem worlds away from the hustle and bustle of our growing city. This State Park offers camping, hiking, mountain and road biking, geocaching, bouldering, fishing, swimming and picnicking. Onion Creek forms most of the the northern boundary of the park and spills over limestone rocks at the Lower Falls into a popular swimming hole. McKinney Falls is particularly beautiful during spring wildflower season when bluebonnets greet you from the roadside and in the fall when the foliage is bursting with shades of orange and yellow.
Reservations: At this time, you must reserve day and camping passes online or by calling the customer service center before you visit. There is an entrance fee of $6 for ages 13 and up, and visitors ages 12 and under are free. Please review all health and safety guidelines before you go and take a look at the map to help you plan your outing.
Park History: The 725-acre park was once the home of Kentucky-born Thomas F. McKinney, who helped finance the Texas Revolution and had a long history as a trader. As one of Stephen F. Austin’s 300 original colonists in an area then known as San Felipe de Austin, McKinney arrived in 1830 and had a stone house, gristmill and quarter horse track built upon the property.
One of the primary draws to McKinney Falls are the three hiking trails:
The 2.75-mile Homestead Trail starts north of Onion Creek and showcases the ruins of Thomas McKinney’s residence and a gristmill, as well as the stone picnic table the Smith family, who donated the property for the park in 1970, once used.
To access the trail, follow the clearly marked signs to the Lower Falls. Then, take a short path over limestone which you might imagine being similar to the moon’s surface, which leads to Onion Creek. To your right, you can hike down to the swimming hole, where there is a (rocky) beach entry. Visibility and water level vary, depending on the time of year, but keep a close eye on your swimmers, as depth can change quickly and drownings have occurred.
Depending on the time of year and recent rains, you may have to cross over a few inches of water to reach the trailhead. Footing can get slippery over the limestone rocks, so skip the flip flops and opt for Teva-like sandals or just wear sneakers and have a pair of dry shoes to change into after your hike.
The dirt trail is mostly shaded, but you’ll want to head out early in warmer months, as it can heat up quickly. After going past about McKinney’s residence, you’ll wind through a wooded and narrow path with some elevation change that is manageable with kids. Toward the end of the hike, the trail will come close to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters, which boasts a large field which becomes a carpet of wildflowers in the springtime.
You can also explore two other trails in the park:
- The 0.9-mile Rock Shelter Trail takes you alongside the limestone cliffs which offer a welcome break from the Texas sun.
- The 2.8-mile Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail, which is the only trail in the almost-9-mile system which is stroller (and road bike) friendly. The trail takes you by what remains of Thomas McKinney’s horse trainer’s home, the Upper Falls and a picnic area.
Whatever path you take, you are likely to leave McKinney Falls already thinking about the next time you can return.
For more info and to book your reservation, please visit the McKinney Falls State Park website.
This post was originally contributed by Nicole Basham with updates since by Do512 Family staff.
