November 2020
McKinney Falls State Park
| Lower Falls | Point of Interest | |
| Picnic Trail | Easy | .5 miles |
| Rock Shelter Trail | Easy | .25 miles |
McKinney Falls State Park is a popular spot for hiking in Austin, TX. Onion Creek runs through the park and includes a series of waterfalls known as the Upper and Lower falls. The Lower Falls region is ideal for families. There are numerous picnic tables, wide open rock beds to explore, and the scenic falls with swimming spots below.
Lower Falls
Lower Falls is the most popular area in the park for littles and adults alike. Large areas of exposed limestone rock allow for high visibility and endless potholes to explore. Keep an eye out for fossils in the rock, evidence of a time when this was all under an ocean. In the shallow waters of Onion Creek in November, my son was able to hop across tiny ravines cut by the water and scamper up and down the natural rock formations. To access the Lower Falls, follow the Homestead Trail. It’s .14 miles from the parking lot to the falls. At the falls, you can play either above them or down below. Above the falls is where hikers cross to continue along the Homestead Trail. Below the falls there is a pool with shallow edges, perfect for splashing around.
While playing near the water, we saw a Great Egret, a well camouflaged frog, and several vultures circling overhead.
Picnic Trail
Practical, but not very exciting, the Picnic Trail connects the Lower Falls to the Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail. It largely runs parallel to the road and parking areas, which allows for several entrance points. There are two restrooms located along the trail and SEVERAL picnic tables with small charcoal grills. Normally there would also be a playground, but as of November 2020, it has been removed as a Covid precaution. The trail is wide and mostly level except for a few patches where rain water has washed it out a bit.
Rock Shelter Trail
Rock Shelter Trail is sandwiched between the Picnic Trail and Onion Creek. It can be accessed from the parking lot of Smith Visitor Center (currently closed for remodeling), or from one of the many side paths that run between it and the Picnic Trail. The numerous side paths can make it tricky to stay on the trail, but you’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the wooden boardwalk that brings you in for an up-close look at “Old Baldy”. Over 500 years old, this bald cypress was once named Austin’s Tree of the Year in 2012 and is an impressive 103 feet tall and 195 inches around. After paying your respects to Old Baldy, you’ll want to cut back up to the Picnic Trail. The remainder of Rock Shelter Trail across the river and downstream from here was damaged by floods in 2013 and, as of November 2020, is still closed.
