Things To Do At McKinney Falls State Park and Directions

McKinney Falls state park is not one of the most well known state parks in Texas yet it has much to offer visitors.  It is one of my favorite places to visit in Central Texas and has something to offer almost everyone. Things to do at McKinney Falls State Park include hiking, mountain bike riding, bird watching, nature photography and camping.  The park is named for a small waterfall that is formed by a large limestone rock formation that lies across Onion Creek. It is convenient to residents of Austin and Central Texas, located just minutes off of IH-35.  There was once an old grist mill at the site and the McKinney homestead historical site may be visited by hiking Homestead trail on the right side of the park. There are over 70 campsites and overnight camping is allowed. There are even shelters that can be reserved, along with showers.  Wildlife that you might see in McKinney Falls state park includes many species of songbirds, owls, hawks, fish, coyotes, bobcat, whitetail deer, rabbit, opossum, raccoons and many other species of small animals.  Be sure to take along a good pair of binoculars if you enjoy watching wildlife. Despite being so close to an urban area the park is fairly quiet.  Note that gathering firewood in McKinney Falls state park is not allowed since rotting wood is an important source of nutrients for forest animals and plants. Firewood can be purchased at the ranger’s office, however during extremely dry weather there are often burn bans in force. If a burn ban is in place in place you may only be able to use stoves using containerized fuel. If you have questions about whether fires are permitted in the park prior to visiting, call the park at the number above.

McKinney Falls State Park maps are available at the park office.

Directions To McKinney Falls State Park:

The park is located just a few minutes south of downtown Austin. Take US Hwy 183 to McKinney Falls Parkway. Follow the road to the park entrance as seen in the map of McKinney Falls state park below.  The address of the park is

McKinney Falls State Park,

5808 McKinney Falls Parkway
Austin, TX 78744
Phone: 512/243-1643

Below is a map of McKinney Falls State park, as well as a map showing how to get to McKinney Falls State Park.

Below is a map of McKinney Falls state park showing major roads and highways near the park.

This is a very nice state park and is well worth visiting. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.