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Onion Creek – McKinney Lower Falls loop from McKinney Falls State Park

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Hiking trails & Routes

Onion Creek – McKinney Lower Falls loop from McKinney Falls State Park

Easy

4.8

(7058)

8,759

hikers

Onion Creek – McKinney Lower Falls loop from McKinney Falls State Park

00:55

3.40km

40m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: March 17, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

McKinney Falls State Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

312 m

Picnic area at McKinney Falls State Park

Highlight • Rest Area

Picnic Area with Restrooms

Tip by

651 m

Onion Creek

Highlight • River

Onion Creek flows through the heart of the McKinney Falls State Park and boasts the Upper and Lower falls after which that park is named. It's home to various species, including the alligator snapping turtle and the red-eared slider. You have to cross the creek if you decide to hike the Homestead Trail so water shoes are a good idea.

Tip by

769 m

McKinney Lower Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

One of the places where the Onion Creek cascades over limestone edges, McKinney Lower Falls is a beautiful spot, arguably even more impressive than the Upper Falls. A popular swimming spot, the water is nice and warm during the summer months. If you are running the Homestead Trail, you'll get your feet wet here, so take care.

Tip by

939 m

Gristmill

Highlight • Historical Site

Just beyond the Lower Falls is the historic Gristmill. It was here in 1852 that Thomas McKinney built the region's first flour mill. However, much of the structure was destroyed in a devastating flood during the summer of 1869.

Tip by

3.40 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

2.43 km

891 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

1.86 km

621 m

471 m

369 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Saturday 16 May

32°C

21°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 25.0 km/h

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Onion Creek – McKinney Lower Falls loop from McKinney Falls State Park

Picnic area at McKinney Falls State Park

Onion Creek

McKinney Lower Falls

Gristmill

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