Upper trails at McKinney Roughs Nature Park are open to equestrian and hikers. Some trails are closed due to recent weather. Some recreation programs may be cancelled or moved to a new location.
McKinney Roughs is an 1,100 acre nature park where characteristics of four ecosystems-- Post Oak Savannah, Blackland Prairie, East Texas Piney Woods, and a riparian zone-- converge to create an unusual blend of natural resources. Located just 13 miles east of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, McKinney Roughs is home to hundreds of plant and animal species living within the rolling box canyons, wildflower meadows and lazy river bends of the Texas Colorado River.
McKinney Roughs is a day use park where visitors can explore close to 18 miles of trails by foot or 12 miles on horseback (bring your own horse). The park offers many community programs as well. At the Visitors Center, pay your entrance fee and get the latest trail information. Peruse the gift shop and learn about the area's indigenous species through interactive exhibits and why the "river is the reason" for the presence and protection of this natural area.
Natural Science Programs
The park's Mark Rose Natural Science Center is home to quality science-based education programs led by trained educators and professional staff. Teachers, home schoolers, youth and corporate groups can schedule day or overnight education programs to learn about water conservation and land stewardship. Recreation programs such as a river raft trip and team-building on the challenge course tie together the strands of your group's nature experience.
Special Event Facility Rental
Host your next conference, workshop, retreat or meeting at one of LCRA's nature parks and natural science centers. Nonprofit, government and corporate groups are eligible to use the facilities for a reasonable fee.
The spacious meeting room hosts up to 100 guests and can be divided into three separate sections. A kitchen area is available for an additional fee. A catered dining hall accommodates 150 guests cafeteria-style and 250 theatre-style. Three dormitories sleep up 128 guests. A private pavilion with river access, a large grill and electricity accommodates 80 guests.
For meeting room, group hall or dormitory reservations, please call 512-303-5073 or 800-776-5272 ext. 8021. Make pavilion reservations online at
www.lcra.org/reserve for a $6 transaction fee per site, or call toll-free 855-392-7638 for a $7.50 transaction fee per site.
Prior written permission shall be obtained from LCRA for any organized group activity on LCRA land involving 20 or more individuals. For additional information call
800-776-LCRA, Ext. 8021.