meandering trail but dull scenery for a hike.
McKinney Falls State Park [Hiking] - 10/21/2005  [View Log Page]
Rating: Difficulty: Solitude:
Distance: 5.00 Miles Duration: N/A
Found this hike to be longer than 3 miles. According to my pedometer it was over 4.5 miles, and probably 5 miles - not including the walk from the parking area across the falls to the sign identifying the trail. I became concerned that maybe I was doubling back without realizing it, however, I had not veered off the narrow footpath - I like that the footpath meandered - saw a few birds, a few butterflies and near the falls I saw many dragonflies. Was astonished, over half way on the trail came upon a huge office complex that I believe are the office buildings for the Texas Wildlife Parks Department. I was the only one on the trail and wore high top soft hiking shoes - the trail was rough enough and with two areas of scree I was glad I had the protection for my ankles. The scenery was dull - one spot borders an open field and the rest is typcial Austin hill country. At the start of the hike is the burned out shell of the McKinney home and near the end of the trail is the remains of the old Grist Mill - with the hot dry early fall it was easy crossing the "moonscape" rock area where the water runs to the falls - didn't have time to explore the beach or the falls but for sure the trail is longer than 3 miles...the longer trail knocked my timing off so that instead of finishing 4:20 it was 5:10, which meant leaving during rush hour traffic.