McKinney Falls State Park
Hill Country Trail Region
In the 1850s, Thomas F. McKinney established a racehorse ranch on Onion Creek. The ruins of his two-story, slave-built home and trainer’s cabin remain in scenic McKinney Falls State Park near Austin. A visitors center offers exhibits on McKinney and park history. Camping, hiking, mountain biking, road biking, picnicking, fishing and wildlife observation are popular activities. Swimming is allowed in Onion Creek. The park is also home to "Old Baldy", old one of the oldest bald cypress trees on public land in Texas. The 103 foot tall cypress tree, is estimated to be over 500 years.