We love a good waterfall hike, and lucky for us, Texas is chock-full of ’em. Among the best (and most underrated) is Onion Creek and Homestead Trail at McKinney Falls State Park in Austin. This 6.5-mile loop leads straight to a breathtaking waterfall, and you’ll be awestruck at every turn.
One of the most underrated waterfall hikes in Texas can be found at McKinney Falls State Park, nestled in the heart of our Capital City.
AllTrails/Brandon McGraw Onion Creek and Homestead Trail Loop is an easy, 6.5-mile adventure that’s fun for the whole family and boasts surprises at every turn.
To start, you’ll enter a grove of dense, jungle-like vegetation reminiscent of an exotic tropical paradise.
AllTrails/MonaLiza Lowe A small pathway has been carved out of the grass, and the forest envelops hikers as they descend ever-deeper into its clutches.
Adding to the whimsy is a fairytale footbridge that meanders through the woods.
AllTrails/Tyler Dittmar It truly looks like something from a children’s fantasy novel, and you’ll be overcome with an air of nostalgia.
Midway along the trail, you’ll come upon half of its namesake: an old homestead dating to the 1840s.
AllTrails/Alyse Webster The Civil War-era structure remains largely intact, an impressive feat considering after a mid-1940s fire engulfed it in flames.
Everyone’s favorite part of the trail comes towards the very end, but it’s so worth the wait.
AllTrails/Kristin Ruiz A breathtaking waterfall cascades into the crystal-clear Onion Creek, imparting a majestic roar that evokes a sense of inner peace in all who behold it.
Flowing over a craggy rock landscape before spilling into the pristine reservoir below, the waterfall is truly a sight to see.
AllTrails/John Berry In the warmer months, you’ll see tons of families splashing around in the pool. It’s the perfect place to cool off!
As the seasons change, so too does the landscape.
AllTrails/Emery van Broekhuizen Fall brings an array of striking hues that promise to leave you breathless. Even if you can’t swim year-round, this trail is always worth embarking on.
To learn more about the hike, visit its page on AllTrails.
AllTrails/Brandon McGraw
Onion Creek and Homestead Trail Loop is an easy, 6.5-mile adventure that’s fun for the whole family and boasts surprises at every turn.
AllTrails/MonaLiza Lowe
A small pathway has been carved out of the grass, and the forest envelops hikers as they descend ever-deeper into its clutches.
AllTrails/Tyler Dittmar
It truly looks like something from a children’s fantasy novel, and you’ll be overcome with an air of nostalgia.
AllTrails/Alyse Webster
The Civil War-era structure remains largely intact, an impressive feat considering after a mid-1940s fire engulfed it in flames.
AllTrails/Kristin Ruiz
A breathtaking waterfall cascades into the crystal-clear Onion Creek, imparting a majestic roar that evokes a sense of inner peace in all who behold it.
AllTrails/John Berry
In the warmer months, you’ll see tons of families splashing around in the pool. It’s the perfect place to cool off!
AllTrails/Emery van Broekhuizen
Fall brings an array of striking hues that promise to leave you breathless. Even if you can’t swim year-round, this trail is always worth embarking on.
Have you ever embarked on this epic waterfall loop in Texas? If so, tell us all about your experience in the comments section below, and check out our previous article for more bucket-list-worthy waterfall hikes.
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Address: McKinney Falls State Park, 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744, USA
