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.
The homestead Trail was nearly impossible to find. I went out there once before and couldn't find it at all. I went out there second time with my cell phone that had a GPS map on it, and I almost missed it again. My friend and I walked down it a little bit and it's really overgrown. We turned around after about a half-mile because there was a huge spider webs crossing the trail with a huge spider on it. We figured is that was at the beginning of the trail, where most people probably walked, it was just going to get really primitive later on. The Onion Creek Trail, which we did only that loop instead of doing both loops, was nice but a little boring.
Easy relaxing walk...would be a great place to go fishing if there were not so many families swimming. The waterfalls were non-existing due to lack of rain. Trail was EASY! Trails were not marked so it was hard to tell which trail you were on. Lots of people. And this was on a Monday afternoon walk.
Brooke R.
Nice for a leisurely walk with your pet, decent scenery. Not my favorite of the choices of hiking around Austin, but the falls were nice.
The falls were not what I expected the trail were ok. would choose another place to hike at if I had the option
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