Onion Creek and Homestead Trail Loop is a 6.5 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Austin, Texas that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
kid friendly
birding
hiking
mountain biking
nature trips
trail running
walking
cave
river
views
waterfall
wild flowers
wildlife
Directions from Austin, TX: Travel 13 miles southeast off US Highway 183. Take McKinney Falls Parkway, off US 183 South, straight to the park entrance.
Nice easy hike with good views of the lower and upper waterfalls. Go early to avoid the crowds of people swimming. The paved Onion Creek loop adds some miles but is more like a leisurely walk instead of hiking. Nice wildflowers along the loop.
It was easy and relaxing.
I stumbled upon this place when I was driving around Austin. Its a great park and a fun hike. Very interesting stream and falls. Like walking on the moon!
Glad we went and super cool that there are neat little waterfalls right outside of Austin. Lots of little unmarked trails that made navigating slightly confusing even with a map.
Decent trail
Beautiful place to swim or just listen to the waterfall. Hike the upper and lower falls trail!
Really enjoyed this trail. Must have water shoes!
Very inconvenient to find the trail.
Trail was a little overgrown but still clear and easy to follow.
Great views and trails. You do have to pay to get into the park though. The trails are slightly confusing and the falls aren't all that spectacular, but I had a great time Biking all of the trails.
You have to pay to get into park. They have camping cabins, tent spots and RV spots. Really nice area.
Will definitely go back to camp sometime.
Easy...has some pretty areas WHEN the falls are running. There's usually a lot of people and not all areas are shady. Just okay in my book. Austin has much more to offer in other areas, but good to say "did that".
absolutely beautiful!! Would go again!! you have to pay is the only downside...
Actually, did this hike last year (Aprl 2015) with family visiting from out of state. A nice hike, nothing really to rave about.
Half easy walking trail (onion creek) / half overgrown hiking trail, not much elevation change (homestead). Still pretty and a good workout in the heat. Best part was finishing out at the watering hole!
Hiked the Onion trail. Long boring paced loop. But I did see a nice sized buck in the middle of the trail. We just stared at each other for 15 seconds. Really cool. I also hiked the rock house trail. Loved seeing the state champion cedar tree.
I love hiking McKinney Falls. it's close to home but far enough away you don't bump into people often on the trails.
Absolutely beautiful! Water was clear and cool. Didn't do too much hiking, but just the whole nature that surrounded us is beautiful. My boys loved it there. We will definitely go back.
What a beautiful place to explore or fish or bbq or whatever. Can't wait to go again!
Great place to hike around and go for an afternoon dip in the water! I saw some bikes around, but this place is definitely more hospitable to casual hikers (i.e., most Austin-ites)
Nice hike . Check in advance lots of closure after heavy rain
I thought there would be more off trails but it was beautiful! A lot of beautiful birds! Loved it!
If it has rained a lot during the week, the falls will be great. The only downside is that makes the creek nearly impossible to cross and that's where the majority of the good trails are. When it hasn't rained as much, it's easy to cross the creek and get in 6-8 miles of great hiking.
very nice trail. the waterfalls weren't as we expected but regardless the trails were nice and clean
Upper Falls is closed due to recent flooding. The Lower Falls is very pretty not much in terms of difficulty.
Lots of people.
Really pretty in parts, but you can hear the vehicles nearby for a good bit of it. Very well marked, clear trails, friendly and helpful park staff.
This park is great! It's beautiful!
Excellent views. Unfortunate that the upper falls are closed due to flooding, but highly recommend anyways. Pets will do just fine on these trails.
We had a great time even though some of the park and trails were closed. There is a lot of damage and debris from the flood. We also didnt realize that we would have to cross the lower fall to get to the trails we came to hike. We chose to not cross this time, but will be back better prepared soon. Cant wait!
Loved this hike! The water holes and falls are beautiful. Great beginner hike.