McKinney Falls State Park

The McKinney Falls State Park is a popular destination for Austin, TX locals and tourists alike. The natural beauty of the falls, coupled with the lush greenery that surrounds it, makes this place a must-see when visiting Austin.

Short history

The park has a very rich history that dates back to when the Tonkawa Indians were still living in this area. The falls were named after William Joel McKinney, who ran a plantation here during the 1850s before selling it off to International-Great Northern Railroad Company in 1872. Since then, much of what you see in the park today has been built by Civilian Conservation Corp in 1933 and then expanded into a state park.

Activities you can do at the park

Today, you can find picnic areas and tables near the falls that are perfect for family outings or just enjoying this picturesque place on your own. There is also an amphitheater where visitors can sit down to listen to live music during the summer months. Swimming in the river is not allowed since there are no lifeguards on duty, but you can always take a dip during winter when water levels are low enough to be safe for swimming.

There is also plenty to do for those who want some action during their trips, such as biking and boating. The park offers guided kayaking tours that teach visitors about this part of Texas and its ecological importance.

You can find the park at 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744. It is open every day except Wednesday from dawn until dusk. The entrance fee to McKinney Falls State Park is $15 for adults and $13.50 for seniors (65+) while children below 12 years old are free.

Campgrounds around the park

There is also plenty of campgrounds in this part of Austin that you can stay at if you want to spend more than just a day exploring these natural wonders. Some popular choices include:

Granite Shoals Lake

Granite Shoal is around 20 miles away from McKinney Falls State Park and offers a wide range of camping opportunities. There are over 200 campsites available for tents, RVs, trailers as well as those who want to pitch their tent outside. They also offer cabin rentals but they book up quickly so you should make your reservation as soon as possible.

Cedar Creek Park and Lake Travis

This is a great option if you want to be near the city but still enjoy the sights of nature, especially waterfalls. You can get here by taking FM 1431 E from McKinney Falls State Park for around 16 miles until you reach Cedar Creek Parkway. From there, you can get to the park by taking a right and then another quick left.

McKinney Falls State Park is a great place to visit year-round, so be sure to check out this gem if you happen to be in Austin.

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