A Dazzling Park And Natural Swimming Hole Await In The Heart Of Texas Hill Country
Just outside the city of Austin lies Texas Hill Country, a rugged, scenic region featuring rolling hills, grasslands, charming German-style towns, orchards, and plenty of rivers, springs, and lakes. While some visit for a scenic road trip through the 'Swiss Alps Of Texas' or a unique Hill Country wine experience, the region's abundance of clean water also makes it a magnet for those wishing to beat the heat during the scorching summer days.
Situated near the town of Wimberly is Blue Hole Regional Park, a Hill Country oasis famous for its legendary swimming hole. This park draws both locals and Austinites for its pristine waters, hiking and bike paths, rope swings, and picnic areas set beneath the welcoming shade of towering cypress trees. Blue Hole Park is a welcome refuge when the thermometer threatens to burst, but make sure to reserve your spot, as the site's popularity means access is limited.
Jump into cool, azure waters at Blue Hole Regional Park
While Texas Hill Country is blessed with plentiful swimming holes, the Blue Hole stands out as one of the region's crown jewels. Fueled by sparkling Cypress Creek, this idyllic spot boasts deep blue waters that give the swimming hole its name. Visitors can swim, fly out over the water on rope swings, or just placidly float along on tubes or other inflatable devices as the Texas day melts away.
The banks of the creek are bordered by wide lawns perfect for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a picnic, a book, or a nap. Hikers, joggers, and cyclists can find 5.5 miles of trails that are open year-round. There are also sports fields, volleyball and basketball courts, and an amphitheater.
While the greater park is free and open to the public, in order to protect the site's pristine nature, reservations are required to access the swimming hole. You can make a reservation online. The swimming hole is open May 1st through Labor Day, along with weekends in September, and you can purchase half-day passes for the morning or afternoon slots. If you plan on coming often, passes for the whole season are also available.
Find other swimming holes and more around Blue Hole Park
The Blue Hole is just one of many places to take a cooling plunge in the area. For something within Austin city limits, check out McKinney Falls State Park, which features a series of cascades over limestone formations with deep pools great for taking a dip. Or, shoot over to Krause Springs, a lush swimming and camping spot with 32 small springs that feed two big pools.
Just outside of Dripping Springs — a lovely small town with award-winning wine — is Hamilton Pool, the top-ranked swimming hole in America. Pedernales Falls State Park is a 5,212-acre preserve that offers camping, hiking, biking, and opportunities to take a plunge in the Pedernales River, while this RV resort on the Guadalupe River has direct access to tubing, fishing, and swimming.
A little further out, find Boerne (one of the happiest U.S. towns), known for its great food and an excellent shopping district called the 'Hill Country Mile.' Then, travel north to witness Hill Country's overwhelming beauty at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, which features a massive pink granite batholith. For a dose of down-home local culture, sip a beer and cut a rug in Luckenbach, the unique tiny town with one of Texas' coolest music scenes.