Onion Creek and Homestead Trail Loop is a 6.5 mile heavily 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.
Please note that reservations are required for day passes either online or over the phone.
Texas Tourism Division, P.O. Box 12728 , Austin, TX, 78711-2728, Phone: 800-452-9292
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.
February 19, 2021Love this hike. Has 2 waterfalls and the hike was pretty easy and flat. You do need reservations to get in. only 20 min from airport. Full review below https://youtu.be/NW5ljAHA454
February 6, 2021Amazing hike with many scenic views!!!
January 31, 2021Very nice, but I didn’t see too much wildlife.
January 30, 2021Nice large open trails, lots of beautiful dogs and families out. Great for jogging/walking, but there were several parked vans/vehicles in random places throughout the trail which seemed a little sketchy. Be aware of your surroundings.
January 23, 2021January 17, 2021It’s really nice good scenery, and Walmart.
January 17, 2021January 8, 2021This trail is the combination of two different types of trail. Onion Creek is a little natural area near the city. Homestead is a bit more in the forest. You need to cross the edge of lower falls to access the homestead trail, which may be not tough if the amount of water is not high. Unfortunately, I could not find any trace of the El Camino Real. If Smith visitor center is open, there may be fun information about it.
January 8, 2021December 24, 2020Saw a big coyote today! Keep your eyes peeled.
December 17, 2020Nice hike on a great day. Being a weekday, not many people on the trail.
December 13, 2020Great trail, part of this loop was closed, but it was easy to use another route, just a little longer than planned. Beautiful falls and wildlife all around and today was foggy which made it even more enjoyable.
December 6, 2020December 5, 2020December 4, 2020Beautiful and easy trail.
November 21, 2020November 16, 2020November 14, 2020Amazing! Weather was perfect.... trees were beautiful
November 12, 2020November 11, 2020October 28, 2020October 18, 2020September 20, 2020Pretty enough, peaceful in the morning when few people are out. The falls are beautiful.
September 16, 2020The falls are cool to listen and jump over!
September 10, 2020Nicely shaded with lots of picnic benches. Follows the water for a bit and is paved for bikes/pedestrians.
August 28, 2020McKinney Falls was my go-to state park before Covid. Now it's very competitive to get weekend reservations, but it makes me appreciate the Homestead Trail more. If you're looking for a bit more of an adventure, I recommend skipping Onion Creek Trail. It's a paved trail and better for biking. If the creek is low enough for me to cross to Gristmill Spur Trail, then I do Homestead > Flint > Williamsom > loop back. If the creek is high, then you have no choice but to only do Onion Creek Trail.
August 6, 2020Boring
July 23, 2020Need online reservations for day trips! There were two waterfall sites. The water was hot but we walked up a side creek thru the water and it was nice and cool. Saw a lot of turtles. One snake and lots of birds. The trail on the map is out tho. Looks like it’s been out for a while. Still clocked a solid 6mi. Went out at 8am left by noon, it was getting busier by then. Not a lot of shade in some places. Nice park tho.
May 21, 2020need a reservation
