Welcome Y'all!
McKinney Falls State Park, containing historic memories of Thomas McKinney, a race horse breeder and one of Stephen F. Austin's colonists is just 20 minutes drive from downtown Austin, TX. Most trails here are both hiking and biking friendly. Planning for this State Park can be as simple as a weekday evening spent in nature and gaining a good physical workout to an entire day spent exploring all the trails and scenic overlooks.
Picnic Trail
.5miles and about 30 minutes
If you are spending just the evening or have come with kids, this is an easy and quick trail to complete. There are restrooms right at this trailhead (you're welcome!)
Homestead Trail
About 3miles and 2 hours
If history fascinates you, do make sometime to hike / bike this trail. While the hike itself is not too challenging, during the course, you will come across several places of significance from the past including slavery, emancipation, farming and lifestyle from mid 18th century and was later bought by Smith family in 1885 and later over 600 acres were donated to the State of Texas. McKinney's Homestead, Gristmill (a flour mill) and the Smith Family's picnic table takes you to the past.
You will also notice the upper falls during the hike and this one is a beauty with tall tress, cliff like rocks surrounding the water that cascades through a blanket of limestone and volcanic ash. Depending on the water flow, either sit under a tree and enjoy the nature or soak up in the water.
There is plenty of other activities based on your interest. Do check out their website before heading out to plan your visit. From history to bouldering to hiking relaxing in the onion creek by the falls, this is a treasure in Central Texas just a few miles away from the heart of Austin.
Restrooms here were super clean and were normal ones vs other parks that go with decompostible ones.
Found this content useful? Leave me a note - would love to hear about your visit to the State Park.
Cheers,
JBawse :)
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