1. Hamilton Pool Preserve
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Location: 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX
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Overview: Hamilton Pool is a stunning natural grotto created when the dome of an underground river collapsed thousands of years ago, leaving behind a picturesque pool fed by a 50-foot waterfall.
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Details: Surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and a lush canyon, Hamilton Pool offers hiking, birdwatching, and seasonal swimming (weather and water-quality permitting). Reservations are required for entry.
Historical Fact: In the 1880s, the Reimers family, German immigrants who ranched in the area, discovered Hamilton Pool and used it as a private recreation spot before Travis County purchased it in 1985 to preserve its natural beauty.
(parks.traviscountytx.gov)
2. Milton Reimers Ranch Park
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Location: 23610 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX
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Overview: This 2,400+ acre park stretches along the Pedernales River, offering beautiful access for swimming, rock climbing, fishing, and mountain biking.
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Details: Wide sandy beaches and clear river water make it perfect for family outings or adventurous excursions.
Historical Fact: The Reimers family owned and operated the ranch for decades before selling it to Travis County in 2005 to conserve the land for public use — it is now one of the largest parks in the area.
(parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/reimers-ranch)
3. Pedernales Falls State Park
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Location: 2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX
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Overview: Known for the cascading falls and wide Pedernales River pools, this park is a hiker’s and swimmer’s paradise.
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Details: Swimming isn't allowed at the falls themselves for safety reasons, but designated areas downstream are available after a short hike.
Historical Fact: The name "Pedernales" comes from the Spanish word for "flint rocks," which are abundant in the riverbed. Native American tribes like the Tonkawa historically lived along the Pedernales River, using the flint for tools and weapons.
(tpwd.texas.gov)
4. Blue Hole Regional Park
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Location: 100 Blue Hole Ln, Wimberley, TX
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Overview: A spring-fed swimming hole with crystal-clear water shaded by towering cypress trees, perfect for a refreshing dip.
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Details: Beyond swimming, the park includes over 3 miles of trails, sports courts, and picnic areas. Swimming season typically runs from late May through Labor Day.
Historical Fact: Blue Hole has been a local favorite since the 1920s, when Wimberley residents first opened it as a public swimming destination; it later underwent major conservation efforts to prevent overdevelopment and preserve its natural charm.
(wimberleyparksandrec.com)
5. Cypress Falls Swimming Hole
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Location: 50 Marina Cir, Wimberley, TX
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Overview: A scenic, family-friendly swimming hole along Cypress Creek featuring a charming small waterfall and kayaking options.
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Details: It's located behind the Lodge at Cypress Falls, which also offers casual dining and live music on weekends.
Historical Fact: Cypress Falls sits at the site of the historic Eagle Rock Dam, built in the early 1940s to help regulate water levels in the area and create recreational opportunities.
(visitwimberleytx.org)
6. The Narrows
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Location: Near Blanco, TX (exact location often kept private)
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Overview: A remote and dramatic canyon carved by rushing water, offering incredible natural rock formations and secluded swimming.
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Details: Because it's located on private land, accessing The Narrows typically requires permission and sometimes guided tours.
Historical Fact: The Narrows region features exposed limestone that dates back more than 100 million years to the Cretaceous period when this area of Texas was submerged under a shallow sea.
(alltrails.com)
7. Jacob’s Well Natural Area
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Location: 1699 Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley, TX
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Overview: Jacob’s Well is one of Texas’s most famous natural artesian springs, with an underwater cave system plunging more than 140 feet deep.
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Details: Swimming here is seasonal and reservation-based, but it's currently suspended due to low water levels. Visitors can still hike and explore the beautiful surroundings.
Historical Fact: Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Tonkawa, considered Jacob’s Well a sacred site — it was a vital water source and spiritual gathering place long before settlers arrived.
(hayscountytx.gov)
The Dripping Springs area and its neighbors aren't just blessed with incredible natural swimming spots — they are steeped in rich Texas Hill Country history. Whether you're in the mood for a casual day by the water or a more adventurous hike and swim, these places offer a perfect mix of beauty, recreation, and historical wonder.
