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Swim at Hamilton Pool Preserve

Dripping Springs, Texas

4.1/5
based on 15 reviews

Details

Distance

0.46 miles

Elevation Gain

26 ft

Description

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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Features

Chillin
Photography
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Picnic Area
Romantic
Scenic
Waterfall
Swimming Hole

Swim at Hamilton Pool Preserve Reviews

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.

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.

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.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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