Located a quick 13 miles Downtown Austin, McKinney Falls State Park feels like a world away and is one of our all-time favorite escapes. 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. It’s the perfect place too unplug, unwind, and reflect! 

The park has lots to do for just a day trip or a camping excursion along the banks of Onion Creek. 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. You can geocache, go bouldering, and enjoy a picnic. When it’s warmer out swimming is great here and fishing is awesome, too. 

Due to COVID capacity limits, remember to reserve a day pass online in advance.
 
Hours: Sun-Mon, 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
 
Location:5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744

Photo by Steve Lange via the McKinney Falls Facebook page

Kristy Owen
In her previous life, Kristy was an uninspired realtor who was feeling a little bit bored with her day to day. So on January 1, 2010, she made a New Year’s resolution to write about one thing to do each day in her beloved city of Austin, Texas. And thus, 365 Things Austin was born.