Hiking To This Aboveground Cave In Texas Will Give You A Surreal Experience
By Katie Lawrence|Published August 07, 2019
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
We have several gorgeous swimming holes here in Texas, but nobody ever talks about the trails leading to them. Hamilton Pool boasts a quick and easy – yet absolutely breathtaking – hike that’s nearly as beautiful as the aboveground grotto itself.
At the trailhead, you'll be presented with two options: hiking to either the pool itself or Pedernales River. The latter clocks in at 1.8 miles, while the former is one-third of that distance.
Whichever direction you take, get ready for a scenic adventure that requires minimal effort. A gradual staircase is the most challenging element, and it's a stretch to even say that. In the absence of difficulty, you'll have more brain space to focus on what's really important: the gorgeous surroundings.
Lush greenery lines every inch of the pathway, shrouding hikers in a blanket of woodland enchantment. Each successive step takes you deeper into the magic, leaving the monotony of city life so far behind that it isn't even an afterthought.
If you decided to embark on the river trail, be prepared for spectacular panoramic views that extend far as the eye can see in every direction. Swimming is allowed here as well, and crowds are nonexistent compared to the pool. Don't be afraid to take a dip; the water's fine!
Those who head to the preserve will enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk behind a roaring waterfall. A series of steps leads around the grotto's entire circumference, allowing visitors to view the cascade from all perspectives.
Hamilton Pool truly doesn't have a bad angle, but it's especially spellbinding from the back. Seeing the limestone overhang form an above-ground cave that seemingly stretches across the horizon is an unforgettable sight to behold.
Address: 24300 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. Visitor center hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, and the phone number is (512) 264-2740.
