mckinney roughs nature park

suzagoes

it's hard to believe turning off the crazy highway 71 you are only a mile from all this loveliness...

L0nd0ntraveller46

I recently hiked many of the trails at McKinney Roughs. Located a short distance beyond ABIA on route 71, the park overlooks the Colorado River. Some of the trails run down along the river, which is beautiful and unspoiled. We saw some herons and ducks on the water and enjoyed the view immensely. Leashed dogs are welcomed, and the attendands at the welcome center were very accommodating, directing us to an eagle's nest along the trail. There is a small admissions charge. All in all, this makes a great place for a pleasant hike.

exaslonghorn31

This is one of my most favorite hiking spots in the area (i drive over from south Austin). I have been out there many times over the past couple years including going this past weekend. The facilities are always super clean, the staff are always nice, there is always parking and the trails for the most part are always tended too and marked. (the only trail issue I ever had was a tree was down blocking the path one time last year but it was RIGHT after a storm so they may haven't had time to clear it off yet). I like the variety of trails from some that are easy and some a tad harder or more on an incline. There is a fee to get in the park but compared to many of the other state parks I have hiked, I feel that their fee is very reasonable and the park is very maintained. My suggestion is to go EARLY.... like 9:30 or 10:00 to hike because there starts to be a lot more people later in the morning and early afternoon. You can also get down by the water and lots of folks take their dogs and the dogs love getting in the water. :)Pack a lunch and pick a nice day to go and you won't regret it! I will be out there several more times this year.

MaryBeth050

Lovely reception room and kitchen area to handle catering including walk in fridge. Outdoor amphitheater for wedding ceremony was rustic, sweet and included benches for guests. The couple that got married there said all experiences with the management were top notch. We enjoyed the wedding very much!

SATravelers

We spent an afternoon at McKinney Roughs on their rock climbing wall and zip line. We arranged the trip through the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort. It was an excellent experience all around. Everyone on the park staff was friendly, professional, and very focused on safety. I would highly recommend the experience for everyone from adults to kids. The kids in our group ranged from 10, 9 and 7, and they all had a blast.

Ann7316

I can't ever get enough of McKinney Roughs. I always used to send my son there for summer camps. We visit in between and just adore the natural environs. The science is an added bonus!

262lisat

Beautiful and informative place to visit. The hikes are great and the grounds are awesome. Make sure to bring sunscreen and wear a hat during the summer months.

jmckphil

Trails well maintained and loved the birds along the Colorado River. Great pix of a snowy egret. Miles of trails to explore and nice welcome center.

CarolineMcMuffin

Wandered over from the Lost Pines where I was at a conference. As a northerner, I was timid about snakes and other creatures that might be in the woods, but felt reassured by the broad trails and numerous signs. The trails are lined with lush greenery with wildflowers emitting the most fragrant smells. The trails are shared with horses, but I didn't encounter one horse while out on the trails. Yes, you have to watch where you step, but it's the woods. That goes wherever you are, you may find scat on the trails. Not a big deal. Lots of helpful signage. Everything is very well kept. Totally recommended.

omaopatravellers

We booked this though a hotel in the area. It was one of the highlights of our stay in the area. Safe and fun for the entire family!

Rocketscientist08

My family and I spent the Thanksgiving holiday at a nearby resort and one of the planned activities involved wall climbing and zip-lining at McKinney Roughs park. This is one of the most enjoyable things that we have done is a long time. The McKinney Roughs staff is beyond excellant. They are friendly, extremely competent, freat at training and patient with us clumsy city folk and very hard working. There were about 20 in our group from the resort and they worked with each and every one of us. Most made it up the wall climb, some didn't and some conquered the hardest climb and it was all enjoyable. The zip-lining was a blast. The McKinney Roughs crew has developed a very effective and efficient system for the zip-lining and this allowed multiple turns for those so inclined.This coupled with the excellent hiking trails for hikers thru the very interesting ecological crossroads area of the park make this is "must do again" thing for us.

DonnaF306

Great for the hiker, nature lover. Great for all day picnic. Native foliage and wildlife. Biking, rock climbing, fossils and rock specimens.

SanDiegoMama

We went on a 2 hour float that ended at the Hyatt where we were staying. The guides, Mark and Jessie, were so nice and knowledgeable about the area. They made the experience great for my kids. This really is the best way to see the river.

TheAviator2

Nice variety of pitch and things to see, but the trails are shared with horses, so watch where you step!! : )

Rocketscientist08

We enter the McKinney Roughs from the Lost Pines Resort side and have walked several of the looping trails there including the trails along the Colorado River. The trails are well maintained and are shared with the horseback riding trails so occasionally watch your step... The nature scenery is outstanding -- this park was not affected by the recent forest fires in the area and the walk comfortable. In the summertime, start early and bring water and insect repellant. We'll hike these trails again. Of note is that we often see joggers in the early morning and they always are pleasant and enjoy a good word as they move along.