Rock Shelter Trail, McKinney Falls State Park

Published By Ketki

Last Updated

Rock Shelter Trail in McKinney Falls State Park is a wonderful hiking trail with two star attractions: the Prehistoric Smith Rock Shelter and a 500 year old bald cypress tree called Old Baldy! This is an easy trail that is good for families with kids. Here is a trail guide for your next visit.

Start of Rock Shelter Hiking Trail
Start of Rock Shelter Hiking Trail

Significance of Smith Rock Shelter at McKinney Falls

Before you plan to hike this trail, take some time to understand the geological and historical significance of the park’s Smith Rock Shelter. This is a naturally occurring limestone overhang along the banks of Onion Creek. It was formed due to geological activity of Pilot Knob volcano which deposited volcanic tuff between limestone layers. With time, the softer volcanic stone got eroded leaving behind the limestone overhangs found within the park.

Rock shelter at McKinney Falls State Park
Prehistoric Rock Shelter at McKinney Falls State Park with Onion Creek flowing to the left

The shelter has played an important role in human inhabitation of the area. It was used by the indigenous people from 500 BC well into the 18th century. While the exact Native American tribes that used the shelter are unknown, one of the last people to use the shelter were the Tonkawa Indians. The shelter is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Also Read: 7 Historic Structures that you must see in McKinney Falls State Park

Rock Shelter Trail sign
Rock Shelter Trail sign

Rock Shelter Trailhead

Rock Shelter trailhead is at the State Park Visitor Center. The trail begins behind the visitor center adjacent to the parking lot. Be sure to check out the exhibits at the Visitor Center before or after the trail. Onion Creek hike and bike trail also begins from here, but from the front entrance of the Visitor Station. 

Stairs and signs on the way to Old Baldy tree in McKinney Falls State Park
Stairs and signs on the way to Old Baldy tree on the Rock Shelter Trail

Rock Shelter Trail Length and Time

Beginning at the Visitor Center, this is a roughly 0.8 mile out and back trail to the Prehistoric Rock Shelter. It takes about 30 to 45 mins to complete at a relaxed pace. However, you can use this trail to connect to the Picnic trail and the Homestead Trail to visit Lower Falls and other attractions in the park such as the Old McKinney Homestead and the Gristmill ruins. Add in time to swim at the falls, and you can easily spend half a day at the park on this trail.

Staircase to Old Baldy tree in McKinney State Park
Staircase to Old Baldy tree on the Rock Shelter Trail

Rock Shelter Trail Description

The trail starts at the Smith Visitor Center and will take you along the creek banks into the woodlands. You can spot Onion Creek flowing serenely below from the trail overlooks. The trail is surrounded by dense thickets which are perfect spots for birds like painted buntings and cardinals to seek refuge. Below in the creek, you can spot ospreys and herons while hawks circle overhead in the sky. 

Waypoint: Old Baldy

As you come across a series of wooden stairs and a wooden bridge, you will come upon the mighty Old Baldy. This bald cypress tree is 500+ years old and a pretty famous Texas tree. It was here when the Spanish began expanding to Texas and it was here when the original 300 colonists settled the Republic of Texas. Most recently, it was here when the 2013 and 2015 floods devastated the park and it will continue to be here for several generations.

Old Baldy tree at McKinney Falls State Park
Old Baldy tree at McKinney Falls State Park

Old Baldy is 100 feet high and about 15 feet wide at its base. Its large network of roots are spread around the creek banks. The tree is very shady and a perfect spot to cool and sip your water. The tree spans over a dry creek bed –  tributary of Onion creek. 

Reaching Smith Rock Shelter

Past Old Baldy, the trail takes you through juniper trees, past another bridge, and a small uphill scramble to a sign that points to the Rock Shelter Trail. If you continue, you will go back to Upper Falls. Take the trail leading down along the steps and you will enter the Rock Shelter.

Left Steps leading down to the Rock Shelter. Right First view of the Rock Shelter
Left – Steps leading down to the Rock Shelter. Right – First view of the Rock Shelter

The shelter is massive and quite cool compared to the weather outside. You can look down at the creek below and imagine it flowing higher up and eroding the shelter several thousand years ago. You can also imagine Native Americans living here seasonally and hunting along Onion Creek for food. It feels like an amazing experience to visit the shelter. 

Interpretative exhibit narrating the history of the shelter Left and View from inside the shelter Right
Interpretative exhibit narrating the history of the shelter (Left) and View from inside the shelter (Right)

Our kids love this trail and call it the best trail in the park! After seeing the Rock Shelter, we usually end up enjoying a picnic meal at the Smith Picnic Area near the Lower falls parking lot and then hiking to Lower Falls for a swim in the cool water. 

The trail as it continues beyond the Prehistoric Rock Shelter
The trail as it continues beyond the Prehistoric Rock Shelter

Looking for more adventure? Continue on Homestead Trail and Flint Rock Loop Trail to reach Williamson Creek Overlook Trail – one of the most isolated areas in this busy park!

Also Read: 9 Fun Hikes to take the kids at McKinney Falls State Park

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