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McKinney Falls State Park

8.4Friend Score / 10

#6 of 8 Parks & Outdoors in Austin

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Known forstate parkwaterfallscampingswimming
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A genuine state park within Austin city limits, McKinney Falls offers two stunning waterfall formations on Onion Creek, excellent hiking and biking trails, and camping — all just 13 miles from downtown. The upper and lower falls are swimmable when water levels allow and are among the most photogenic natural spots in the metro area. Reservations are required for camping and strongly recommended for day use on weekends. An underrated gem that feels far more remote than it is.

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Last verifiedJuly 16, 2026

Friend Score

8.4/10
  • Value9.0
  • iconic8.0
  • excellence9.0
  • Crowd level6.0
  • Authenticity8.5
  • Accessibility7.0
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Last reviewed July 16, 2026 by AskTheCity Editorial.