If you’re in search of the best hikes in Austin, Texas, allow me to introduce you to one of my favorites: Rock Shelter Trail. Located within the eponymous McKinney Falls State Park, this short and sweet hike offers a bit of everything: creek crossings, fairytale footbridges, and even a rock shelter that was once used by Native Americans. The whole family is sure to enjoy this easy trek on one of the best hiking trails in Austin Texas.

McKinney Falls State Park has a number of hiking trails to choose from, but my personal favorite is the Rock Shelter Trail.
AllTrails Sayra Romo
Not only is the trail short-and-sweet, at just .7 miles long, but it's also easy, so feel free to bring the kids and pups along!
Despite its short distance, the trail packs in as much scenery as you'd expect to see on an all-day hike. It leads across several wooden footbridges that weave through lush greenery, making you feel as if you've stepped into a fairytale.
AllTrails J Bradley Sosebee
Adding to the whimsical vibes are a series of natural stairsteps that look as if they were plucked straight out of a storybook.
AllTrails Lincoln Plsek
The trail also crosses Onion Creek, so you'll get to see the famous cypress trees that line its banks. Known for their gnarled branches that bend and twist every which way, these natural wonders are simply magical to behold.
best hiking trails in Austin Texas.
AllTrails Kelsey Bandy

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Arguably the neatest feature on the trail is its namesake, a historic rock shelter that was used by Native Americans who lived in the area.
AllTrails J Bradley Sosebee
Since the trail actually leads through the shelter, you'll get to walk underneath the rock overhang and imagine what life was like for the early humans whose footsteps you are walking in.
best hiking trails in Austin Texas.
AllTrails Casie Witte
The beginning (and end, since it's an out-and-back hike) of the trail intersects with the portion of the Onion Creek Trail nearest to Upper McKinney Falls.
best hiking trails in Austin Texas
AllTrails Sravanthi Malepati
If you're up for a little detour, this waterfall is one of my favorites in Texas. It may not be the tallest, but it's still unbelievably gorgeous.
AllTrails Lincoln Plsek

Enjoy your hike, and don’t forget to snag all your hiking necessities like clothing, footwear, and water bottles from Backcountry before setting off on the trail. Also, be sure to sign up for AllTrails+ for convenient perks such as offline map access.

Have you ever hiked the Rock Shelter Trail? If so, do you think it’s one of the best hikes in Austin, Texas? Tell us in the comments, and don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn about a nearby park, Mayfield Park, where you can see wild peacocks roam.

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Best Hikes In Texas

Melanie J. | January 12, 2024

What are some more of the best hiking trails near Austin Texas?

If you love spending time exploring the great outdoors in Texas, then here are some of the hiking trails near Austin that we recommend: 

  • River Place Nature Trail
  • Backbone Ridge Trail, Burnet
  • Palmetto State Park Loop, Gonzales
  • Cactus Rock Trail, Marble Falls
  • Turkey Creek Trailhead
  • Barton Creek - Gus Fruh Access
  • Canyon of the Eagles: Beebush Loop, Burnet
  • Bastrop State Park Loop, Bastrop
  • Wolf Mountain Trail, Johnson City
  • Berry Springs Park and Preserve, Georgetown
  • Blunn Creek Nature Preserve

Be sure to read our previous article telling you more about these hiking trails near Austin Texas. 

What are the best state parks in Texas that are great for hiking?

To be honest, all the state parks in Texas have incredible hiking trails. But here are some of our favorites: 

  • Pedernales Falls State Park, Johnson City
  • Davis Mountains State Park, Fort Davis
  • Franklin Mountains State Park, El Paso
  • Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon
  • Caprock Canyons State Park, Quitaque
  • Big Bend Ranch State Park, Presidio
  • Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site, Comstock
  • Monahans Sandhills State Park, Monahans
  • Colorado Bend State Park, Bend
  • Inks Lake State Park, Burnet
  • Dinosaur Valley State Park (Glen Rose)
  • Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park, Mission

Don’t forget to read our article to discover more about the best state parks in Texas that are great for outdoor adventure.

Are there more waterfalls in Texas?

The short answer is yes! There are tons of waterfalls in Texas, and this is where you can find them:

  • Hamilton Pool, Dripping Springs
  • Gorman Falls, Bend
  • Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, Austin
  • Boot Spring Trail, Big Bend National Park
  • Krause Springs, Spicewood
  • Cattail Falls, Big Bend National Park
  • Westcave Preserve, Round Mountain
  • Window Falls - Big Bend National Park

Read our previous article to discover more about these waterfalls in Texas. 

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Featured Addresses
McKinney Falls State Park, 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744, USA