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Texas
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Texas State Parks

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USA Parks
Texas
Hill Country Region
McKinney Falls State Park
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McKinney Falls State Park © Larry D. Moore / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The water of Onion Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River, goes over the upper falls at McKinney Falls State Park. The limestone above the falls is documented as being a crossing point for Onion Creek on the El Camino Real de los Tejas.
McKinney Falls State Park © Larry D. Moore / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The ruins of the McKinney Homestead in McKinney Falls State Park. The additional masonry work and steel and wood bracing necessary to stabilize the structure can be seen.
McKinney Falls State Park © Larry D. Moore / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
McKinney Falls State Park entrance portal, Austin, Texas, United States. The park is on the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail.
McKinney Falls State Park © Larry D. Moore / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The water of Onion Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River, goes over the lower falls at McKinney Falls State Park. The limestone above the falls is documented as being a crossing point for Onion Creek on the El Camino Real de los Tejas.
McKinney Falls State Park © Larry D. Moore / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The lower falls at McKinney Falls State Park slow to a trickle and sometimes stop at times of low rainfall. The limestone above the falls is documented as being a crossing point for Onion Creek on the El Camino Real de los Tejas.
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MCKINNEY FALLS STATE PARK
MCKINNEY FALLS STATE PARK
5808 McKinney Falls Parkway
Austin, Texas   78744
(lat:30.1836 lon:-97.7222) map location

Phone: 512-243-1643
From the late 1600s to the early 1800s, a portion of El Camino Real de los Tejas ran through what is now the park.
Nature of the Area
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.
History of the Area
Kentucky-born McKinney had settled in San Felipe de Austin in 1830 as one of Stephen F. Austins first 300 colonists before moving to Galveston.

During the Texas Revolution, the McKinney-Williams firm was the primary source of men, money, and supplies for the Texas army. It financed over $150,000 - more than 10 percent of the total cost of the revolution. The McKinney-Williams ships formed a part of the quickly-assembled Texas Navy.

McKinney died on Oct. 2, 1873, at his home. He was deeply in debt. His peers remembered him fondly and gave him an elaborate funeral service on the steps of the Capitol building. He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.

After McKinneys death, his widow, Anna, sold the property to James Woods Smith. Members of the Smith family owned and farmed the land for several generations before donating it to the State of Texas in 1973.

The park officially opened to the public in 1976. Enjoy fishing, hiking, swimming, camping and more when you visit the park today.
Swimming
1. McKinney Falls State Park offers swimming in Onion Creek, a natural water body within the park.
2. The Upper and Lower Falls provide different swim experiences with varying depths and currents.
3. Swimming is allowed year-round but depends on weather conditions as heavy rains can make it unsafe.
4. No lifeguards are present so swimmers should exercise caution; children must be supervised by adults at all times.
5. Water shoes are recommended due to rocky creek beds which may pose hazards for bare feet or regular footwear.

Fishing
Enjoy fishing in Onion Creek, where you can catch catfish, perch and bass. A license is required for adults.

Location
McKinney Falls State Park is located near Austin, Buda and Cedar Creek
Picnicking
1. McKinney Falls State Park offers numerous picnic tables and grills.
2. Enjoy a riverside meal at the Onion Creek Picnic Area.
3. The Smith Visitor Center has covered picnic areas for use.
4. You can have picnics near waterfalls, providing beautiful views while eating.
5. Bring your own food or buy snacks from park's store to enjoy outdoorsy meals in nature settings.

Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore over nine miles of trails, though some areas are challenging with rocky terrain.

The Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail is a 2.8-mile loop suitable for all skill levels.

For more experienced riders, the Homestead Trail offers an engaging ride through wooded landscapes but has steep sections.

Remember to always wear helmets while biking as safety should be your priority on these paths.

Be aware that after heavy rainfalls, certain trails may become impassable due to flooding or muddy conditions.

Always check trail status updates before planning any cycling activities in this area.
Birding
Birdwatchers can spot various species such as the Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo. Other birds include Painted Buntings, Summer Tanagers, and Vermilion Flycatchers. The park's diverse habitats attract a wide range of bird types throughout the year. Birding trails are available for enthusiasts to explore different areas where these avian creatures thrive.
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