Natural Springs in the Hill Country

While we think our swimming hole is one of the best, you would be missing out if you didn't explore some of the other great ones in the area. The largest concentration of Texas springs rises to the surface in the Hill Country, an area bounded by Austin, San Antonio, Del Rio, and Junction.

 

In the Hill Country, the springs push water up from the limestone beds to feed creeks, streams and the Blanco, Frio, Llano, Colorado, Pedernales, Nueces, Guadalupe, San Marcos and Medina Rivers. The largest group of springs in Texas surfaces at the base of the Balcones Fault at Comal Springs in Landa Park in New Braunfels. The next largest surfaces at San Marcos Springs in San Marcos. Make a visit to enjoy any or all of these springs at the locations listed below.
 

• Jacob’s Well (www.visitwimberley.com/water/index.php) – In Wimberley, the well feeds Cypress Creek and the Blue Hole swimming area.  It is now owned by the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association.

• Blue Hole (512.847.0025) – Located in Wimberley and is a well known swimming hole. Located in Cypress Creek it has shallow areas for little ones and rope swings for the more adventurous.

• Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve – A county park north of Wimberley that has some hiking trails and a nice natural pool.  Sometimes you may not be allowed to swim so I recommend calling in advance.  I believe it is off of Hwy. 71.

• Barton Springs (512.476,9044; www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bartonsprings.htm)  – 2101 Barton Springs Road in Austin’s Zilker Park.  Natural spring fed pool with clear 65 degree water that has become an Austin icon during the hot summer months. 

• Krause Springs (830.693.4181; www.krausesprings.net) – 30 miles west of Austin off of Texas 71.  115 acre private property with nearly three dozen springs that is a popular destination for swimming and camping.

• Aquarena Center/San Marcos Springs (512.245.7570;www.aquarena.txstate.edu)  – Located in San Marcos at 921 Aquarena Springs Drive.  Features an aquarium exhibit that explains the unique freshwater ecosystem of the headwaters here.  Also, they have tanks that feature live specimens of some of the endangered or threatened specifies that depend on the springs for their survival.

• Comal Springs – (830.221.4350; www.nbtexas.org/index.aspx?NID=390) – Located in Landa Park Aquatic Complex in New Braunfels at 350 Aquatic Circle.