The Texas Trail With A Cave, Creek Crossings, And Footbridges You Just Can’t Beat

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.

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.

Adding to the whimsical vibes are a series of natural stairsteps that look as if they were plucked straight out of a storybook.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.