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.
Nice, 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.
Short 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.
Absolutely 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 :)
So 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
Simple 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!
This 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.
Pretty 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!
Beautiful!! 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.
Was 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.