We Bet You Didn’t Know There Was A Miniature Niagara Falls In Texas

Niagara Falls is widely considered to be the holy grail of waterfalls in the United States, but we have our fair share of gorgeous waterfalls in Texas. McKinney Falls State Park in Austin is home to two breathtaking waterfalls, known as the Upper and Lower Falls. The Lower Falls in particular is sometimes compared to Niagara Falls because of its structure and powerful flow (especially after a good rain).

Paradise exists right here in Texas, and it's waiting for you at a magical place called McKinney Falls State Park.

Located within the city limits of Austin (how cool is that?), this nearly 750-acre park is home to two breathtaking waterfalls known as the Upper and Lower Falls.

Although not nearly as tall, the waterfalls - especially the Lower Falls - have been compared to Niagara Falls because of how the waters of Onion Creek flow over rocky slabs before spilling into pristine pools.

Can you see the resemblance? The fact that the Lower Falls is somewhat of an overhang waterfall definitely makes the comparison hold more weight.

The park is open year-round, and in the warmer months, you'll often see families splashing about in Onion Creek beneath the waterfalls.

Visitors can also embark on nearly nine miles of trails that showcase everything from a rock shelter where early humans once camped...

...to the ruins of the homestead where Thomas McKinney, an influential pioneer after whom the park is named, lived in the mid-1800s.

Other park activities include fishing, biking, bouldering, and camping at tent/RV sites and newly-remodeled cabins.

For more information about the Upper and Lower Falls (and McKinney Falls State Park in general), please visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife website.

Have you ever seen these two beautiful waterfalls in Texas? If so, tell us all about your experience in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article for some of the best breakfast tacos in Austin to try while you're in town.