Friends of McKinney Falls State Park

06/04/2026

Happy National Trails Day!

Although trails look "natural", a lot of work is involved in making them passable for everyone, including hikers in GRIT Freedom Chairs, Trackchairs and tandem hiking carts.

Standard regulations involve cutting branches and brush back to 8-10 feet above the trail, and 2-3 feet from the trail center - the trail "corridor".

This work is done ongoing by the Rangers at the park and also by volunteers. We recently had a group of Capital Area Master Naturalists come out and trim the trails at McKinney Falls State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife. Thanks, guys - trails are ready for summer hikers!!

04/22/2026

Curious what our state parks will look like in the next 50 years? 🦺
Come hang with us at McKinney Falls SP on April 23 in for a “Wild Night” Speaker Series chat with Texas State Parks and TPW Magazine.
We’re diving into 👇
• The future of State Parks
• Centennial Fund insights
• Our “Parks for All” mission
• Plus tons more!
📲 Register for the event: https://shorturl.at/Qs0lq
📍 McKinney Falls State Park at the Smith Visitor Center
🎟️ Free event (park admission required)
📖 Plus attendees receive a FREE April issue of the

04/20/2026

A big THANK YOU to the volunteers who turned out for Keep Austin Beautiful Day on Saturday! We walked McKinney Falls Parkway, braving speeding drivers and a light rain, to pick up a LOT of trash!

Join us for our next First Sunday trash pick up in the park - Sunday, May 3rd from 9am to 11am. Free entry for volunteers, and after we finish you are welcome to stay and enjoy the park!

04/01/2026

Join us for a trash clean up for Keep Austin Beautiful Day!

Saturday, April 18, 9am until 11am

Meet at the Smith Visitor Center for instructions and to get supplies.
We'll walk McKinney Falls Parkway from William Cannon Drive to Smith School Road and pick up trash.
There are now two options to register: https://www.givepulse.com/event/851434 or here: https://tpwd.samaritan.com/custom/1353/opp_details/218531.
Plenty of spaces left!
There will be free event t-shirts available.
Several local businesses are offering "t-shirt deals" (wear your t shirt in and get a freebie), including milkshakes at P Terry's!

02/20/2026

Have plans on Sunday? Come enjoy a coffee while you watch a ranger dig the holes with power equipment. Then, help us put a mature Texas Red Oak, Sycamore and Cedar Elm in the ground to replace non-native species on the Visitor Center lawn.

SUNDAY 2/22/26 10am - 12pm
Meet at the Smith Visitor Center

No experience necessary. We'll provide the tools and the trees. Please wear long pants and closed toe shoes. Gloves, a water bottle, and a hat in case of sun are a good idea.
Additional info: Minimum age is 13.

Sign up: https://tpwd.samaritan.com/custom/1353/opp_details/228615

01/05/2026

Entering 2026 with immense gratitude and appreciation for McKinney Falls State Park and the community it has cultivated! Thanks to everyone who joined for the First Day Fun Run at the park on January 1, and thanks to our generous sponsors - Earth Native Wilderness School, Austin Subaru, and an anonymous donor. We raised over $6,000 and look forward to using those funds to support the staff, programs, and visitors of McKinney Falls State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife. See you next year?!

01/01/2026

What's your choice for the First Day Fun Run? Take a walk (or run) on the wild side with the new trail extension segments for a full 5K, or stick with a smooth 2.8 paved miles? Tomorrow's fun run is truly choose your own adventure! Register here so we know you're coming: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friends-of-mckinney-falls-first-day-fun-run-registration-1972844680547?aff=Facebook

12/31/2025

Join us tomorrow! Click here for more details and to save your spot:

12/29/2025

OH DEER!!! You and your herd haven't signed up for the First Day Fun Run yet? 😮 Register here now, and check out the new "Hiking With Your Herd" promo to buy 4, get 1 free: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friends-of-mckinney-falls-first-day-fun-run-registration-1972844680547?aff=ohdeer

12/26/2025

Register now for the First Day Fun Run 🏃 Enjoy a trail run (or walk) among the color-changing trees and treat yourself to a hot chocolate bar at the finish line - a perfect way to start the new year on the right foot, while supporting your local state park!

Our fun run is back for a sixth year — now’s your chance to support McKinney Falls State Park at this family-friendly event!