Yesterday was the first day of autumn in Central Texas and I couldn’t be happier! This is my favorite time of year in Austin. If you follow this blog, you know that I basically white-knuckle it through the summer…which lasts at least five months.
McKinney Falls State Park is about a 20 minute drive from home and features a paved hike and bike trail. I’m not a fan of biking around the city because too many drivers are not paying attention. They are on their phones…talking, texting, looking at maps – it’s frightening as a bike rider. My husband was hit by a car, while riding his bike, several years ago. It destroyed his bike and left him face down in the street, near oncoming traffic. He was lucky.
Earlier this year we took our bikes to Marfa and enjoyed riding around (safely) in that small town, but since it’s a bit of a drive, McKinney Falls satisfied our desire to bike in nature on a beautiful day. The Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail is 2.8 miles long and loops around several of the camping areas.
It costs $6 per person to enter the park. There are bathrooms located throughout, as well as overnight camping spots, if you decide to stay a while. Pick up a map when you enter to locate restrooms and trails.
As we rode past the primitive camping area, I could smell food on the grill and hear the locusts chiming. Sunbeams peaked through the treetops and warmed my cheeks.
I’m pretty sure this first bike ride, in one of our beautiful state parks, won’t be the last!
May your journey be your muse,
Rachel
Related links: Bastrop State Park
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