McKinney Falls State Park

243-1643
Directions: Take Hwy. 183 13 miles south to McKinney Falls Pkwy.

Although the park doesn't have the getting-away-from-it-all feel that others do, it makes for a fine couple of hours' reprieve from the city. The longest trail is a paved 3.5 mile stretch, half of which skirts Onion Creek and passes the Upper Falls. There is also a three-quarter mile interpretive (educational) trail near the visitor's center that passes under impressive limestone bluffs. Perhaps the best trail, though, is an unmarked one across the creek at the main falls area. It passes by the historical McKinney homestead and flour mill (circa 1820s), and then continues a mile or so through mesquite and cedar trees.

Source: Riemenschneider, Chris. "Hiking Central Texas." Austin American Statesman 7 Nov. 1996 XLent: 33,36.

Leashed dogs are allowed on trails and in camping areas.