Hamilton’s Pool Preserve

Hamilton’s Pool is a gem of a spot in the Texas hill country that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the area. The natural pool lies at the bottom of a steep descent from the prairie uplands and features a waterfall (when the water flow is high enough) as well as a grotto which can be explored. The crystalline blue water and green ferns that cling to the limestone are spectacular, as is the lush bottomland along Hamilton Creek, which drains the pool into the Pedernales River. I alternately swam, lounged, and walked along the 2 mile (roundtrip) trail at the preserve, thoroughly enjoying the beauty of the area. Really, it was spectacular.

Walking in the grotto, Hamilton’s Pool, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas

Walking in the grotto, Hamilton’s Pool, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas

Hamilton’s Pool, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas

Hamilton’s Pool, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas

Hamilton’s Pool, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas

Hamilton’s Pool, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas

Hamilton’s Pool, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas

Hamilton’s Pool, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas

Pathway into the grotto, Hamilton’s Pool, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas

Pathway into the grotto, Hamilton’s Pool, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas

View of Hamilton’s Pool through the trees, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas

View of Hamilton’s Pool through the trees, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas

Floating under the waterfall, Hamilton’s Pool, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas

Floating under the waterfall, Hamilton’s Pool, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas

Trail along Hamilton’s Creek, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas

Trail along Hamilton’s Creek, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas

Hamilton’s Creek, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas

Hamilton’s Creek, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas

Hamilton’s Creek, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas

Hamilton’s Creek, Hamilton’s Pool Preserve, Texas