Best Hiking Trails in McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails to suit walkers of varying levels of experience. Hera re a few of the best:
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1. Onion Creek Trail
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.
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2. Williamson Creek Trail
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.
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3. Picnic Trail
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.
Best Family Activities in McKinney Falls State Park
For families part of the appeal of McKinney Falls is its proximity to Austin. In addition to the McKinney Falls State Park cabins which are perfect for a weekend break, there is a further option of hotels near McKinney Falls State Park situated close to Austin airport or in the city itself. Basing your family close to the park provides plenty of opportunity to experience some of the park's more unusual family activities.
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1. Bouldering
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.
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2. Swimming
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.
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3. Fishing
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.