Hamilton Pool Park Trail is a 1.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Dripping Springs, Texas that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round.
COVID-19 CLOSURE: As of March 2021 there are closures in this park or area due to COVID-19. For more information, please see https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/news#alerts Reservations are required until further notice and can be made online at a cost of $12. Upon arrival you will need to pay a day use fee of $8 (cash only). Make you reservation here - https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/hamilton-pool-preserve#reservations Must see if you're in Austin. Hamilton Pool is breathtaking and the hike to the river was peaceful.
March 3, 2021Super easy trail. Grotto and river trail we’re closed on 3/2/21
January 29, 2021Nice, short hike to the pool. Dirt path with limestone rocks and boulders for makeshift stairs. Beautiful day for the pool, but no swimming still. Gate charges were waived for me, said it was for the shortterm.
January 29, 2021Short and sweet. A little rough and steep but I don’t find it to hard. I have nerve damage in my right leg so the foot is more limp, but it wasn’t bad! It was relaxing. You must pay to reserve a time and then pay to enter the park. However it was waived due to covid. So only had to pay the reservation time slot. The river is closed, but the pool was fun to see.
January 24, 2021Great park. The waterfall is awesome. Because of Covid the long trail was closed, so we only did the main one to the waterfall.
December 28, 2020A lot more rocky than I anticipated but still great
December 17, 2020Absolutely beautiful and I can't say I've ever seen anything quite like it. Gorgeous grotto with multiple waterfalls over the edge, and whimsical rock formations and colored plants. I'm more than happy to support the local community and preservation efforts, but the $20 fee ($12 reservation fee + $8 entry) is excessive compared to every other hike I've ever been on. That's the only reason I gave it 4/5 instead of 5/5. I arrived at 1:55 for the 2:00-5:00 reservation, and there were only 2 other cars in the parking lot. By the time I left 45 minutes later the parking lot was much more crowded. The river trail portion is currently closed, but there is no discount on the $20 admission :)
December 16, 2020So beautiful, went on a Tuesday morning in December so not very many people, very short hike but was a little slippery and steep, it was sprinkling a little bit. I thought the $12 reservation and an additional $8 per person at the gate is a little excessive though. Or I could’ve just payed $20 online instead of having to split it and go find somewhere to pull out cash because they don’t except card. That was the only nuisance with this hike, aside from that annoyance it is absolutely beautiful and a place everyone should have a chance to visit
December 12, 2020anyone has tickets for this weekend? I didn't know it was with reservation only.
December 1, 2020October 19, 2020If anyone has a ticket for Tuesday October 20th let me know please. Thanks
September 23, 2020September 16, 2020Simple and short hike to get to the beautiful pool area + waterfall. My gf wore sandals hiking and was totally fine so it’s not anything to worry about just watch your step. Hamilton Pool is finally open and social distancing is recommended. Totally worth the visit as the place is gorgeous and peaceful!
May 23, 2020This hike is one that, if you’re not prepared, can catch you by surprise. The Hamilton Pool at the end is so popular, you might imagine the hike is going to be super accessible. But be aware that it’s a true “hike” to get there, so do not wear flip flops. The hike to the pool is actually really short, but it’s pretty rocky and not flat. I saw people hiking in sandals, and I was really worried they’d get hurt. If you want to swim, just bring a change of shoes for the pool. There is a port-a-potty near the Hamilton pool, but I don’t think there is any water, so be sure to bring your own. Since the state parks are monitoring the number of visitors, there is a strict reservation policy so be sure you do your research. If you want to visit in the summer on a weekend you will need to get a reservation months in advance so just be aware. Also be aware that swimming is prohibited at times due to the bacteria level, and they announce it on the park website. I went in the early spring and it was awesome. I got a morning reservation time and went right when they opened. I recommend this if you want to get good pictures of the pool without too many people in it. I didn’t swim, it just went to check it out and it’s very pretty.
March 26, 2020This trail is beautiful and the swimming is amazing
March 8, 2020This is an incredibly scenic trail Hamilton Pool is amazing! Please note that you have to pay in cash at the gate $8 13 and up and $5 under 13.
March 8, 2020Beautiful! Take both hikes- the pool and the river!
February 23, 2020Stunning! It made my heart smile. The pool is beautiful and the trail is amazing to walk along. You won’t be disappointed.
February 13, 2020Incredible place to visit... hike in is quite easy just a bit rocky - and can be slippery if wet. Schedule some time to just sit and take it all in - perfectly safe to hike alone as well as w friends
January 27, 2020Bucket list item that we just had to see for ourselves. It was a nice place to swim and cool down
January 20, 2020Pretty trail with a nice creek alongside it and a couple neat spots to stop and take a picture. The pool is amazing. Pack a day bag/lunch/towels/ and foldout chairs if you have some that are easily portable. The “beach” part wasn’t comfortable but an amazing and relaxing experience for sure!
December 31, 2019Beautiful! We loved the scenery and the pool was magnificent. Definitely go on the off season. It was not busy when we were there.
December 16, 2019December 12, 2019Beautiful!! One of the prettiest places we have been to hike. Fall color is still present. Slick rocks and roots, use caution. Port a potties available. No pets allowed. Hiking trail to Pedernales River is closed right now. Make reservations for weekends in advance. Cash ONLY for entry fee of $15.
November 30, 2019Was a great place to come to as a kid and in college. We would bring a pineapple, trechas, and some beer when in college and then hike to the river on the opposite trail. Now, you have to make reservations online 6 months in advance so no more spontaneous weekend excursions. Sad what the enlarged Austin population has done to local treasures like this.
November 28, 2019Amazing. Plan to go on a day when there are not too many people. I went on a week-day.
October 27, 2019requires a reservation for weekends up to November.
October 26, 2019Very beautiful, right level of difficulty. Worth the drive!
