McKinney Falls State Park Cabins

Covering the southern portion of the park, this 2.8 mile trail loops through the forest and returns to the Creek with its pools and waterfalls. Leave the car by the McKinney Falls State Park cabins, then choose to follow the trail either clockwise or counter-clockwise.

This shorter trail is just over a mile long and takes walkers trough a quieter section of the park and past the most spectacular waterfalls in the area.

One of the park's shorter trails at around half a mile, this is a good option for families. There are plenty of distractions and stopping points along the way at picnic areas and playgrounds. The ends of this trail links with the start of other trails through the park, giving you the option to explore further if you wish.

Bouldering is best described as horizontal climbing, trying to make your way across large slabs of rocks as best you can. It's a great introduction to climbing for kids and McKinney Falls has some of the best open air bouldering spaces in Austin. Pick up a map from the Park Office.

Onion Creek offers safe swimming at most times of the year, perfect for cooling off on a hot Texas afternoon. What could be more fun than swimming underneath a waterfall? The water is shallow and flows slowly, so even the youngest members of the family can take part in this activity.

You don't need a licence to fish in McKinney Falls State Park and there are plenty of great fishing spots along the shoreline of Onion Creek. You can expect to catch bass, catfish or sunfish, depending on your luck.