McKinney Falls State Park
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Spend quality time by the side of Onion Creek under tall bald cypress trees. -
The upper and lower falls on Onion Creek are scenic and rugged attractions. -
C'mon in - the water is fine! -
Explore nearly nine miles of trails, some with hard surfaces for easy traveling. -
Join a ranger on a walk to explore historical features here, like the rock shelter. -
Central Texas wildflowers are renowned - and we have our share year-round. -
Humans aren't the only ones who love this refuge from the city. -
After a good rain upstream, water pours over the limestone ledges of the lower falls.
Rugged Beauty
Listen to Onion Creek flowing over limestone ledges and splashing into pools. Follow trails winding through the Hill Country woods. Explore the remains of an early Texas homestead and a very old rock shelter. All of this lies within Austin’s city limits at McKinney Falls State Park - what are you waiting for?
Things to Do
Think of the park as Austin’s backyard; we’re just 13 miles from the state capitol. Here you can camp, hike, mountain or road bike, geocache, go bouldering, and picnic. You can also fish and swim in Onion Creek.
Onion Creek can flood after rainfall. Beware of the creek’s flow; contact the park for current creek conditions. Read through our swimming safety tips before you visit.
Stay overnight
Stay at one of 81 campsites (all with water and electric hookups). Or rent one of our six newly remodeled cabins. We also have a primitive youth camping area, for use by nonprofit sponsored youth groups.
Hiking and biking
Hike or bike nearly nine miles of trails. The 2.8-mile Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail has a hard surface, good for strollers and road bikes. We have an all-terrain wheelchair for use in the park; email us to reserve the chair for your visit.
Take the Rock Shelter Trail (only for hikers) to see where early visitors camped.
Be safe on the trails, no matter how you access them. Bring plenty of water and travel with a partner.
Fishing and swimming
Go fishing in Onion or Williamson creeks. You do not need a license to fish from shore in a Texas state park. Download McKinney Falls State Park Fishing Tip Sheet.
Keep Onion Creek clean! The following items are not allowed in the Upper and Lower Falls areas:
- Food or snacks
- Alcohol or glass
- Coolers, ice chests, or thermal bags
- Pets in the water
- Speakers or music
- Frisbees, footballs, soccer balls, or other hard balls
Visitor Center
Learn more about the park’s natural history and heritage! Check out the observation deck for a great view of the Upper Falls. Explore the bat cave and learn how you can help protect our night skies.
Ask about borrowing Junior Ranger Explorer Packs or fishing rods and tackle.
Group gatherings
Rent the group hall for your next get-together. The hall has a full kitchen and an outdoor grill and seating area.
Get involved!
We need your help in the park.
- Ask at headquarters.
- Visit our Volunteer page.
- Join or donate to the Friends of McKinney Falls State Park.
Ranger Programs
We lead programs on birding, geocaching, atlatls and more. Check the Events page for upcoming programs.
Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Kids
Become a Junior Ranger! Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal at headquarters or the visitor center. Complete tasks to earn a badge.
Teachers
Bring your students out for field trips using TEKS-aligned curriculum!
McKinney Falls is a Texas Aquatic Science Certified Field Site.
Area Attractions
Austin has restaurants, museums, music and more, all just a short drive away.
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