Less than an hour’s drive from Austin, the Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve is located in a small box canyon, where a footpath leads down to a seasonal 50 foot waterfall and inviting pool. This beautiful natural setting, now part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, was discovered in the 1880s by a young son of a German family of immigrants. Planning on using the land for ranching, the Reimers quickly decided to allow the public the chance to enjoy this tranquil site. At first, lack of transportation permitted this remote area to remain in a well preserved condition. But, by the 1970s, the falls area became much too popular and extremely overcrowded.
   In the 1990s, Travis County officials stepped in to prevent further destruction of this historic swimming hole. With its preserve designation, the 232 acre day use park now limits the number of guests, and continues with restoration programs. The prime goal of the upland preserve is to return the area to its natural state. Visitors should be aware that a section of pool area that goes underneath the overhanging cliff is closed for safety concerns, while park goers are still allowed to enjoy the beach area. Following the big freeze, rocks have been falling more frequently from the cliff overhang and geologist continue to monitor these hazards.
   While most visitors enjoy the beach area, many others appreciate the preserve's variety of wildflowers. The rare canyon mock-orange, red bay, and the chatterbox orchid are hard to find, but many other wildflowers cover the riverbanks and park high grounds. In addition to the short path, which leads to the falls area and its jade colored pool, a longer trail heads downstream along Hamilton Creek where it meets the Pedernales River.

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