Take a Dip in Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve

Need to get away from the Texas heat? Swim in Hamilton Pool Nature Reserve to cool off. This ancient swimming hole in Dripping Springs, about 45 minutes from Austin, has extremely appealing blue-green water. The swimming hole's centerpiece is a 50-foot waterfall that cascades over limestone croppings from Hamilton Creek. It is open for trekking and sight-seeing but requires reservations. Hamilton Pool is a natural pool formed thousands of years ago when the dome of an underground river collapsed owing to extreme erosion.

On a hot, sunny day, the iconic Central Texas attraction is the ideal place to cool off and feel rejuvenated, especially when you can sunbathe beneath the falling water. The pool is so clear that you can see colorful fish and turtles swimming about! Many locals have brought floats and pool noodles to lounge on. Because the natural pool and creek are not chemically cleaned, water quality is frequently evaluated and swimming is occasionally prohibited.

It is part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, which has over 30,000 acres of natural environment and scenic paths that lead to the Pedernales River. Keep a watch out for uncommon plant species as well as native wildlife such as golden-cheeked warblers and cliff swallows. Keep in mind that reservations are usually required if you visit Hamilton Pool Nature Reserve during peak season (May to September).

Location: Travis County, Texas, U.S

Best time to visit: May to September

Rating: 4.3/5.0, 512 Google reviews

Website: https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/hamilton-pool-preserve