Homestead Trail in McKinney Falls State Park is one of our favorite hiking trails within this Austin area state park. The trail begins at the Lower Falls and you can hike it to see historic structures built by Thomas McKinney such as the Gristmill ruins and Old McKinney Homestead. This trail promises a lot of fun and adventure as you need to cross Onion creek to reach the trailhead. The trail is moderately difficult due to the creek crossing, trail length, and uneven route. Here is our trail guide for when you are planning to hike this trail.
Homestead Trailhead
Homestead Trail Trailhead is located just past the Lower McKinney Falls. To reach the trail, park in the Lower Falls parking lot and then take the Picnic trail to the Lower Falls. Lower Falls are located just past the confluence of Onion Creek and Williamson Creek, so the creek is at its widest here.
You will need to cross the creek – be prepared to get wet and bring water shoes – to reach the Homestead Trailhead on the other side of the falls. The creek bed has a lot of algae growth where the water is shallow around the edges. One wrong step and you will find yourself sitting in the creek – we saw many hikers attempting to cross the creek in flip flops and landing flat on their backs. Once you have crossed the creek, it is a pretty easy walk up to the historic structures.
Homestead Trail Length and Time
Homestead Trail is a 3.1 miles loop in the northernmost part of the park. To access the trail, you need to hike to Lower Falls first so add that time. The trail takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete from the parking lot. It has very little elevation change. Add in some time to splash and swim in the Lower Falls and enjoy a meal in the picnic area. This trail easily makes up for a half day of fun at the state park. The trail is also popular for mountain biking.
For more adventure, hike the Picnic Trail and then the Rock Shelter Trail to see the park’s prehistoric rock shelter and the 500 year old bald cypress tree called Old Baldy.
Also Read: Hike to see 500 year old tree ‘Old Baldy’ at McKinney Falls
Homestead Trail Description
Homestead Hike and Bike Trail is one of the most popular trails in the park and you will find lots of foot traffic on the trail. The trail also allows dogs on leash and you’re bound to spot at least one if you go on a weekend. It looks beautiful year round but is especially gorgeous in spring when wildflowers are blooming. The trail is gravel trail and mostly well-maintained except in some spots that get muddy after a storm.
The hiking trail begins right at the sign posted across the Lower Falls. We recommend taking the spur trail to the Gristmill first. After seeing the Gristmill, take the trail to the Old McKinney Homestead. The trail is through a woodland of oak and juniper trees. You can spot wildlife on this trail – we saw deer, cardinals, painted buntings, and plenty of squirrels. The trail also has plenty of juniper berries; we tried foraging for some but they tasted really meh!
Instead of doing the entire hike, you can take the shortcut trail for an easier hike. The trail has plenty of shade for the most part though you will find the sunlight streaming through the trees too hot during summer afternoons. Carry plenty of water and wear hats and sunscreen to stay safe in the sun. Watch out for tree roots sticking out in places and the occasional spider web right across the path.
Gristmill
The first point of interest is the Gristmill established by Thomas McKinney. Thomas McKinney, after whom the park is named, was one of the earliest settlers of Texas. He owned the land that comprises the park today and built several structures over it. He was a slave owner and the Gristmill was built by enslaved people in 1852.
The Gristmill is one of the first flour mills in the area and was powered by the combined waters of Onion Creek and Williamson Creek. Thomas McKinney also had a dam built to divert the creek to the gristmill. This historic structure was completely destroyed by a flood in the late 19th century and today you can see its remains on the trail. The mill is a short distance away from Lower Falls along an easy walk.
Old McKinney Homestead
After seeing the Gristmill remains, walk back to the sign pointing to the Old McKinney Homestead and hike the trail all the way to this historic building built by slaves. The building was built from local limestone stone and it was home for the McKinney family from 1850 to 1940 when it was destroyed by a fire. Walk around the Homestead and read the interpretive exhibits to understand life back then.
If you want to hike further, continue on the Flint Rock Loop Trail and then on the Williamson Creek Overlook Trail to peer down into a pretty canyon carved by the Williamson Creek. The entire trail will take 1 to 2 hours more, depending on how much of Flint Rock Loop you hike.
Tip – If you want to see Thomas McKinney’s horse trainer’s cabin, take Onion Creek Hike and Bike trail just past the Lower Falls parking lot.
Lower Falls
After hiking the Homestead trail, cool down in the Lower McKinney Falls. The waterfall over the limestone slab is very dramatic when the creek is running full. The shallow pool and gravel beach at the bottom of the falls is great for kids of all ages. Jumping over the rocks at the top of the falls is a popular activity – though it can hurt your back if you land on the rocks.
El Camino Real
El Camino Real de Los Tejas runs right through the park. In fact, the large limestone slab before you reach lower falls was a part of the trail. If you look closely, you can even see hoof marks and wagon ruts etched deep within the limestone.
Be sure to check trail status at the McKinney Falls State Park Welcome Station or Smith Visitor Center before your visit. If water level in the creek is high, the trail will be closed to the public. If water level is too low or stagnant, the trail can also be closed as the creek will be not safe to wade due to growth of dangerous bacteria. Also be sure to visit the beautiful Upper McKinney Falls, right next to the park Visitor Center on your next visit.
Also Read: 9 Fun Hikes for all ages at McKinney Falls State Park in Austin