lightczar

My brother and I are taking our families camping on Easter. We would like some feed back on Mckinney Falls. 6 kids ranging in age fom 9 - 16 Heard something about rattle snakes at this park(Is that a problem) heard something about the water quality that could be a problem. Heard it is awesome and beautiful. Have read the park and wildlife description that is not as acuarte as others opinions. Any feed back would be greatly appreciated. thanks

natureboyhays

McKinney Falls is a nice park, though with it being pretty much in Austin, it can get a bit crowded, and has more of an urban (or at least suburban) feel than most state parks. There are 2 trail loops, one of which is narrow & winding with natural surface, while the other is wider and mostly paved. A very beautiful trail follows Onion Creek and connects between the 2 loops.

Water quality is variable. There has not been much rain around here the past few months; who knows what will happen between now and Easter. Usually when water quality is bad, and creek is closed for swimming, occurs after heavy rains, which wash a lot of contaminants downstream from Austin.

Rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads, and coral snakes all occur in central Texas, though you will rarely see them when you stay on the trails. Most snakes are not aggressive, and will only present a danger if you corner or startle them, so the main thing is to watch your step, watch where you sit, don't stick your hands or feet where you can't see them, etc. I have never seen a poisonous snake at McKinney, though I'm sure a few are around. I have seen a timber rattler and copperheads on the Lake Somerville trailway, and cottonmouths at Palmetto. I just watch where I'm going and give them their space and things work out fine.

Easter should be a beautiful time at McKinney Falls; some years they have a real abundance of bluebonnets and other wildflowers (not sure if that will happen this year with the dry weather lately), and the huge cypress & pecan trees along the creek should be greening up by then. I have never camped there, have only done day trips, so I can't give much advice about camping. Hope this info helps.

happybooker1

Son & I camped there for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Expo back in October. It was very nice -- shady pull-in sites (we have a pop up), deer and wildlife. IT was pretty quiet after Sunday afternoon when most everyone cleared out! We got to leave MOnday so had the place almost to ourselves Sun. night.

Son had lots of fun swimming in the creek, by the waterfall, and building dams across the water. Luckily the water quality was OK when we went.

Nice, wooded park with lots of hike/bike trails. We like it.