Southeast Austin Event - 9am McKinney Falls State Park

Hello Everyone

This is the second of four hikes at McKinney Falls and you are free to "Choose your distance". This event will be repeated every weekend through May 3rd in order to give everyone a chance to see its wildflowers. The main difference will be the starting times. Note that some weekends will start at 9 and others at 10.

This walking event will occur in two parts. I will be leading our group and any state park visitors through the Nature Trail and then continue to the Onion Creek Trail which circles the campsites.

The Nature Trail is about 1.5 miles of unimproved path and may take 1.5 hours. We will visit one of the state's oldest bald cypresses and the Natural Rock Shelter which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. I will explain the history of park and the McKinney role in its history. We will also briefly visit the Lower Falls and I'll point out where the remains of the homestead and mill are. This will be followed by an explanation of Pilot Knob's importance to the ancient geology of the area.

We will then complete the Nature Trail with identification of the wildflowers that are enroute and finish at the Horse Trainer's Cabin. You may return to the Smith Visitor Center and I encourage you to visit the Exhibit Room inside the center.

From the Horse Trainer's Cabin everyone is welcome to continue through the Onion Creek Trail and continue flora identification with me. Onion Creek Trail is paved and it will add another 1.5 miles and another 1.5 hours. We will end at the Upper Falls / Smith Visitor Center.

You should bring your binoculars or cameras.

THE PARK FEE IS $4 PER PERSON age 13 and over. This park is dog friendly (4-pawed friends allowed free!) Please bring their leash and plastic bags to pick up after them.

Children like this park but it doesn't have an extensive playscape.

FYI: as part of Texas Parks regulations:
(j) Alcoholic Beverages.
It is an offense to consume or display an open container of an alcoholic beverage in a public place or sell alcoholic beverages within a state park.

There are shelters and restroom facilities at the park. Although the park system roads can be "stroller friendly", some parts may be rugged for small wheels.

You do not have to RSVP if you wish to decline but only those who reply as "YES" will receive the Last Minute Notice and a guide with the list of wildflowers expected to be identified.