Mckinney Falls State Park is located near Austin, Texas and offers several hiking trails as well as camping, swimming, fishing, biking, and geocaching.
Sidenote: I still have hiking to do here (and pictures). Check back as I will be updating this post soon!
Hiking
The park has almost 9 miles of trails one of which is paved and is a hike and bike trail.
The paved Onion Creek Hike & Bike Trail is an easy 2.8-mile loop that takes you past the Onion Creek waterfall (upper falls) and swimming hole. The trail also has several picnic areas. I will say that this was not even on my list of favorites (or my children’s) simply due to the paved trail. It felt more like a walking trail than a hiking trail. It is perfect for those with strollers!
Homestead Trail is a 3.1-mile loop that will lead you to the lower falls, gristmill, McKinney homestead and Smith picnic table.
Flint Rock Loop Trail is a 1.5-mile loop trail that can be accessed from the Homestead Trail.
Williamson Creek Overlook Trail is a 1.13-mile loop trail that can be reached from Flint Rock Loop Trail.
Tips
The trail system is laid out nicely in the fact that all the trails are connected in a loop fashion and would make for a great long hike. If you are interested in doing this I would park in the Upper Falls parking lot, take Onion Creek Hike & Bike Trail West. Follow the trail around until you get to Picnic Trail. Take Picnic Trail to Homestead Trail, then to Flint Rock Loop to Williamson Creek Overlook, back to Flint Rock Loop then back onto Homestead Trail, back to Picnic Trail to Onion Creek Hike & Bike Trail.
Camping
McKinney Falls State Park offers 81 campsites (all with electric & water), cabins, and a primitive youth camping area. Only 12 of the campsites have 50 amp, all others have 30 amp.
Each site comes with a tent pad, lantern pole, fire ring, water, and electric.
We have yet to camp here, but when we do I will update this section with more information and pictures.
McKinney Falls State Park Info
Distance from Fort Hood: 75 miles | 1 Hour
Daily Entrance Fee: 13 & older: $6 || 12 & under: FREE
Gate Hours: 8am-10pm
Pets Allowed: Yes, must remain on 6ft or shorter leash
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