We love McKinney Falls! The Upper Falls look gorgeous. They are formed by the waters of the Onion Creek cascading over limestone formations and volcanic ash stones. On our first trip here, we were absolutely awed and couldn’t wait to go back. Since then we have made it a summer ritual and go there as soon as school is out for the year.
Also Read: McKinney Falls State Park Visitor Guide
Upper McKinney Falls location
Both Upper and Lower McKinney Falls are located within the McKinney Falls State Park in Austin. The waterfalls are super close to the city and a favorite with many local families. Upper Falls are located near the Smith Visitor Center.
How to access Upper Falls
An easy paved trail called the Onion Creek Hike and Bike trail goes from the Visitor Center parking lot to Upper Falls. The trail is accessible in just under 10 mins or ¼ mile. You can admire the falls from the end of the trail. You can also cross the creek and walk right up to the falls but you’d need water shoes for this. The falls are super busy in the summer as people love to splash and swim in the cool water.
Also Read: 9 Best Hiking Trails at McKinney Falls Park
Things to do at the Upper Falls
You can swim in the pool at the bottom of the Upper McKinney falls. You will also find tons of fossils in the rocks surrounding the walls. We have spotted sea shells and other prehistoric marine creatures fossilized within the rocks.
People love to jump from the rock ledge over the waterfall – however you can seriously hurt yourself doing this. There have been plenty of incidences of drownings and serious back injuries from jumping over the falls that it’s not recommended.
We love to cross the Onion Creek and access the falls from the other side. Here you will find a short sandy beach area which is perfect for entering the pool. The pool at the bottom of Upper Falls is deeper than the pool formed by the Lower falls and hence not as good for non-swimmers or small kids.
Also Read: How to Visit Lower McKinney Falls in Austin
Many readers ask us about the water quality at McKinney Falls. While the water may not be the cleanest in Texas – the park is after all in an urban area – the water is completely safe to swim when the creek is flowing. If the water level is too low and stagnant, you will see warnings about algae and dangerous bacteria all around the falls. The rangers will warn you and even prohibit access if needed.
An unmarked trail also begins from across the creek and you’d see several people hiking on it. However, it soon leaves the park and goes through the private property of Jimmy Clay Golf Course so it’s not recommended. You can also hike on this unmarked trail all the way to Lower Falls.
The park also has beautiful vegetation and birds. We recommend hiking to the Rock Shelter, seeing Old Baldy and then venturing along the Homestead Trail on your visit.
One caveat: Call before you go to find out about the water flow. The creek dries out fast during the summer months and the falls may not be flowing. One good place to get updates about the falls is on the park’s official Facebook page – click here. They also have an active Instagram page – link here.
Also be careful if a storm or heavy rainfall is on the horizon. Sudden rains can turn calm Texas creeks into rushing raging rivers in a matter of minutes!
Further Reading: 17 Amazing Waterfalls to Visit in Texas