Hamilton Pool Preserve: A Texas Hill Country Must-See

When my sister and I decided to travel to the Texas Hill Country in the spring to photograph bluebonnets, we started researching places we wanted to visit. Of course, I pulled out my bucket list.

At the very top of my list of places to see in Texas was Hamilton Pool Preserve. 

I had seen countless photographs of Hamilton Pool on Pinterest, and it appeared on numerous lists of beautiful places you should see in the United States. The photographs were enough to convince me that this was a place I needed to experience for myself.

And let me tell you—it did not disappoint.  

Our Visit to Hamilton Pool

We pulled into the parking area not really knowing what to expect.

From there, we followed the hiking trail along Hamilton Creek. The trail itself was beautiful, winding through the Hill Country landscape toward the pool.

Compared with some of the places we visited during our trip, the hike was relatively short—about a quarter of a mile—but don't let the short distance fool you. There are uneven areas and a set of steep steps as you make your way down toward the pool.

Then you round the bend and see it.

Hamilton Pool.

And it is spectacular.

The trail ends at the pool area, and if you take a right, you'll find yourself beneath the waterfall and inside the limestone overhang.

The Waterfall and Emerald Pool

One of the first things you'll notice is the enormous limestone grotto surrounding the pool.

The waterfall drops from the limestone ledge into the emerald-colored pool below, creating a scene that looks almost too beautiful to be real.

The waterfall is one of the defining features of Hamilton Pool, although its flow naturally varies depending on rainfall and drought conditions.

And the scale of the place is hard to appreciate until you see people standing beneath it. Look closely at some of these photographs and you'll see just how tiny the people look compared with the limestone walls and waterfall.

It is huge.

 

Walking Behind the Waterfall

One of my favorite parts of the visit was being able to walk beneath the waterfall and explore the limestone overhang.

To get there, you'll need to navigate a set of steep steps. If you have mobility limitations, this is something you'll want to consider carefully before visiting. The trail and pool area are not suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, or similar mobility equipment.

Once you make your way underneath the overhang, you'll be rewarded with an entirely different view.

This is the view from behind the waterfall—and it's one you don't want to miss.

There is also a small beach area across from the waterfall where visitors can sit, relax, and photograph the cavern.

Of course, the steep steps I mentioned earlier are part of the adventure!

How to Get to Hamilton Pool Preserve

Hamilton Pool Preserve is located west of Austin near Dripping Springs at:

24300 Hamilton Pool Road
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620

The drive takes you through the beautiful Texas Hill Country, with winding roads along the way.

If you're visiting from Austin, allow plenty of time for the drive and don't assume that conditions will be the same as they are in the city. Weather can affect the preserve and its trails.

Things to Know Before You Go (Updated 2026)

Please note: The information below has been updated for 2026. Some of the details in my original post were based on our visit in 2015 and are included separately so you can see what our experience was like at the time.

Current Information

Hamilton Pool Preserve is now a highly managed and protected natural area, and reservations are required every day. Travis County currently lists an $8 entrance fee for adults ages 13–61, $3 for seniors 62 and older, and a $12 reservation fee per vehicle, with one vehicle and up to eight people covered by the reservation.

What Happened During Our 2015 Visit

When my sister and I visited in 2015, it had been raining that morning, and the entrance gate was locked when we arrived.

We called the preserve and got a recorded message saying they were closed because of the rain, but that they might reopen at 1:00 p.m.

Fortunately, they did reopen that afternoon, and we were able to visit.

This is why I recommend checking conditions before you go. Hamilton Pool is about a two-hour drive from where we were staying, and it would have been disappointing to make the drive only to find the preserve closed.

At the time of our visit, the preserve had a 75-car parking capacity, and there could be significant waits during busy periods. The fee and admission procedures were also different from what they are today.

So, if you come across older information about Hamilton Pool—including information in my original 2015 post—be sure to verify the details before your trip.