Ditch Austin's Urban Bustle At A State Park In The City With Some Of Texas' Best Spots To Swim

Once a sleepy state capital, over the years Austin, Texas has transformed into a thrumming, modern metropolis. With close to a million people, Austin offers everything you could want when it comes to culture, cuisine, and nightlife — with the city boasting some of the nation's best live music venues. However, the town's rapid growth has seen it suffer some very big-city problems like bad traffic skyrocketing costs of living, and homelessness, causing it to lose the small-town charm it once was known for. 

Luckily, Austin's surroundings offer plenty of opportunities for those wishing to escape the urban rush — such as this pretty Hill Country town with award-winning wines — as well as McKinney Falls State Park. Situated within the city limits just under 13 miles from downtown, this lovely piece of real estate set around Onion Creek boasts limestone ledges, deep pools, waterfalls, and plenty of hiking and biking trails. 

Austin gets hot in the summer, with temperatures regularly soaring well above 90 degrees, which means locals flock to McKinney Falls to beat the heat. As a result, the park can get mobbed at times, so make sure to plan accordingly in order to avoid long waits to enter this particular slice of Texas heaven.

McKinney Falls State Park occupies 641 acres on the outskirts of town, and is best known for its limestone formations over which Onion Creek flows, resulting in dramatic cascades during certain times of the year. The creek winds for 1.7 miles through the park, creating deep swimming holes that draw crowds in the summer months seeking refuge from the often-punishing Texas heat.

The park features two big pools at the base of its waterfalls. Upper McKinney Falls — which is closest to the parking area — is the deepest pool. Lower McKinney Falls requires a bit more of a hike, but is shallower and more suitable for kids. Just know that there are no lifeguards on duty, and food, glass, alcohol, coolers, speakers, and frisbees or any kind of hard balls are prohibited in the swimming areas. Water shoes are also recommended, as the rocks can be uneven and sharp in spots.

However, the park is more than just a place to take a cooling dip. The creek also draws anglers who come to cast a line in hopes of hooking into one its several species of bass or catfish, and the park also boasts nine hiking trails. These range from super easy jaunts such as the 0.6-mile Rock Shelter Trail — which leads to a limestone overhang thought to have been used as a shelter by Native Americans — to slightly more challenging routes like the Homestead Trail. This 3.1-mile hike and bike route takes visitors past the ruins of the McKinney Homestead — the residence of the family that originally settled the area.

McKinney Falls State Park is also a great place to spot wildlife. Birdwatchers come to spy some of over 260 species recorded in the surrounding woodlands and riparian zones bordering Onion Creek and Williamson Creek. While strolling along the park's nature trails, keep your eyes open for squirrels, white-tailed deer, and — if you're very lucky — armadillos, the iconic critters designated as the official small state mammal of Texas.

For those seeking to spend more time in the relaxing environs of McKinney Falls State Park, it's also possible to camp. The park is home to a campground with 81 full-hookup sites. Things book up quickly during much of the year, so make sure to make reservations online well ahead of time. There are also 6 rustic cabins available for rental, with a two-night minimum on weekends. 

No visit to McKinney Falls is complete without marveling at "Old Baldy," a 103-foot cypress said to be more than 500 years old. You can get to the tree via the Rock Shelter Trail. For another Texas state park gem, you can avoid the crowds at this underrated lakeside campground.