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McKinney Falls State Park, Austin, TX

Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sports & Outdoors

McKinney Falls State Park

A Texas state park inside Austin's city limits, known for waterfalls on Onion Creek, shaded trails, and camping.

5808 McKinney Falls Parkway Austin, TX 78744 · Austin, TX

About McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls State Park sits within Austin's city limits where Onion Creek and Williamson Creek meet. Visitors can see the upper and lower falls on Onion Creek, which are most dramatic after rain upstream. The park has nearly nine miles of trails, including a paved route good for strollers and road bikes. Other options include fishing, swimming in the creek, bouldering, geocaching, picnicking, and staying in campsites or remodeled cabins. A visitor center, ranger programs, and a rock shelter and homestead remnants add historical interest. Creek flooding can occur after storms, so checking conditions before a visit is advised.

  • #waterfalls
  • #hiking
  • #biking
  • #camping
  • #fishing

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What's around here?

The closest stops to McKinney Falls State Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    South Congress Avenue

    No admission fee

    Boutiques, food trailers, and the famous Hi, How Are You mural line this walkable strip south of the river.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    5.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sports & Outdoors
    Outdoor Adventure

    Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail

    No admission fee

    A 10-mile loop around the water where half of Austin seems to run, walk, or paddleboard.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    5.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Sports & Outdoors
    Iconic

    Congress Avenue Bridge Bats

    No admission fee

    Up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats stream out from under this bridge every summer evening.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    5.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Lone Star Riverboat Bat Cruise

    Under $25

    Watch the Congress Avenue bat colony take flight from the water on an evening riverboat cruise.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    5.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Circuit of The Americas

    $50+

    Watch Formula 1, MotoGP and NASCAR on a 20-turn Grand Prix course, race go-karts or catch a concert at the amphitheater.

    5.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sports & Outdoors
    Local Gem

    Barton Springs Pool

    Under $25

    A spring-fed swimming pool that holds a steady 68 degrees no matter how hot Austin gets.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    6.5 mi awayMore like this

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