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Natural , Cooling , and Fun
NHamilton Pool Preserve , a historic public swimming hole , was
designated a preserve by the Travis County Commissioner ’ s Court in 1990 . Hamilton Creek spills over natural limestone outcroppings to create a 50 foot waterfall as it plunges into the head of a steep box canyon . The waterfall never completely dries up , but in dry times it does slow to a trickle . However , the pool ’ s water level stays pretty constant , even during periods of drought .
The preserve is home to the Golden-Cheeked Warbler , and a great variety of other birds . The diverse vegetation of Hamilton Pool ranges from semi-arid species in the uplands to riparian species in the canyon . Several rare plant species including canyon mockorange , red bay ( western-most colony of this eastern species ), and chatter box orchid are known to occur in the canyon areas along Hamilton Creek .
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve ( BCP ). The BCP is a 30,428 acre system of endangered species habitat owned by Travis County , the City of Austin , The Nature Conservancy , the Lower Colorado River Authority , Travis Audubon Society , as well as privately owned lands . The BCP represents a regional effort to balance protection of endangered species habitat with economic development .
Public swimming is accessed along a 1 / 4 mile trail . Hamilton Pool is located West of Austin on Hamilton Pool Road , off Hwy 71 . Bring your towel , but remember no pets allowed ( but check out our list of great local dog parks ).
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