Swim at Hamilton Pool Preserve
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Added by Sarah Williams
Enjoy a clear, natural pool in a beautiful, overhanging rock cave. This is a great place to swim with family or friends and the 50-foot waterfall makes for amazing pictures.
Hamilton Pool Preserve, about a 45 minute drive from Austin, TX, is one of the most beautiful places to spend a hot, Texas afternoon. A short hike from the parking lot through a wooded forest opens up onto a scenic, natural pool. The small beach to one side is usually dotted with sunbathers and picnicing families, enjoying relaxing day out of the city.
The park has a limited capacity, and often fills up on warm weekends and even weekdays. Be sure to arrive early to avoid lines.
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Lovely, if you enjoy crowds
It is a beautiful pool cradled in amazing limestone shaped by nature. I went there many years ago, before there was such a thing as reservations. It was still too crowded for my taste, as is everything even more so now in The Austin area. Every swimming hole is too populated to be able to do much swimming unless you can hit one during off-peak hours or months
3.0
amazing swimming!
I spent a few hours here with the kids! Lots of fish to watch and we even saw a turtle!
5.0
Beautiful views
Pack light. The 1/4 mile trail to the pool has a lot of steps and is very rocky. Also make sure to reserve your spot a few months in advance. It is worth the drive and very relaxing once there.
5.0
No Swimming Allowed
Pretty area, but not a whole lot to do
3.0
Terrible
Since I Last Left My Review They Have Closed it down and your no longer allowed to swim you can still go but you must have a reservation ranging from 150 for four people to 1000 for 5
1.0
Amazing place
This is an amazing spot for swimming and take great pictures, water is great for kids, this place remember me a little the Cenotes back in my country Mexico. Highly recommended!
5.0
Hyped-up Swimming
In my opinion, it was a pretty place, but the amount of people killed the nature vibe. It was fun to get in and swim around, however, and a nice place to just hang out. Hiking to the pool took about 10 minutes. Once you're at the pool, your activity choices are to sit or swim. The beach was completely full of people. I did not go down the river trail, but that is another option. I probably would not consider it worthwhile to go back, since it was a $10 reservation fee and then $15 to get into the park. Having to make a reservation 2 weeks ahead is also inconvenient, though completely understandable. It was a good one-time experience.
3.0
If In Texas It's A Must
My boyfriend and I are on a month long road trip from Florida to Oregon. Hamilton pool was our first stop and we were amazed. Being early June the pool wasn't to crowded. You need a previously made reservation to go, but I would recommend making the stop. The bacteria levels were high the day we visited due to the heavy rain they had, so we weren't aloud to swim. But don't let that detour you. The waterfall was very full due to the rain, even causing more dropping from the top. Everyone in the park was very friendly and the staff was very helpful towards any questions we had. The trails were surrounded by beautiful wild flowers, trees and rushing water. Hamilton pool changed my mind on what I thought of Texas.
5.0
For People Who Want To See Something Unique
Has a very interesting feel to it. It is definitely quite the experience to walk around and relax, but not to swim. The water is ice cold and not enjoyable. Good if you just want to see it.
3.0
Go in the off season
If you are more into photography than swimming (like myself) I would absolutely recommend going in the off season to avoid the crowds. Definitely a beautiful spot and worth a trip even when crowded. However, starting on May 1, reservations will be required to enter the preserve. So if you want to visit and see this gorgeous place in person, you will need to plan accordingly!
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
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