Natural Springs in the Hill Country

While we believe our own swimming hole is one of the finest around, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to explore the many other Natural Springs in Texas Hill Country. This region has the highest concentration of natural springs in Texas and stretches across the Hill Country, bordered by Austin, San Antonio, Del Rio, and Junction.
 

Throughout the Hill Country, underground springs flow through limestone formations to feed creeks, streams, and rivers including the Blanco, Frio, Llano, Colorado, Pedernales, Nueces, Guadalupe, San Marcos, and Medina Rivers. The largest collection of springs in Texas emerges along the Balcones Fault at Comal Springs in Landa Park, New Braunfels, while the second-largest group is found at San Marcos Springs. Be sure to visit some of these remarkable Natural Springs in Texas Hill Country listed below.
 

• Jacob's Well (www.visitwimberley.com/water/index.php) – Located in Wimberley, Jacob's Well feeds Cypress Creek and the Blue Hole swimming area. The site is now managed by the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association.

• Blue Hole (512.847.0025) – Situated in Wimberley, Blue Hole is one of the area's best-known swimming destinations. Located on Cypress Creek, it offers shallow water for young children along with rope swings for those looking for a little more adventure.

• Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve – A beautiful county park located north of Wimberley, featuring scenic hiking trails and a picturesque natural swimming pool. Swimming availability may vary, so calling ahead is recommended. The preserve is located off Highway 71.

• Barton Springs (512.476.9044; www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bartonsprings.htm) – Found at 2101 Barton Springs Road in Austin's Zilker Park, Barton Springs is a naturally spring-fed pool with water temperatures around 65 degrees year-round, making it especially popular during the summer months.

• Krause Springs (830.693.4181; www.krausesprings.net) – Located approximately 30 miles west of Austin off Texas 71, this 115-acre private property features nearly three dozen springs and is a favorite destination for swimming and camping.

• Aquarena Center / San Marcos Springs (512.245.7570; www.aquarena.txstate.edu) – Located at 921 Aquarena Springs Drive in San Marcos, this attraction includes an aquarium exhibit explaining the unique freshwater ecosystem of the headwaters. Visitors can also see tanks featuring live specimens of endangered and threatened species that depend on the springs for survival.

• Comal Springs (830.221.4350; www.nbtexas.org/index.aspx?NID=390) – Located within the Landa Park Aquatic Complex at 350 Aquatic Circle, New Braunfels, Comal Springs is the largest spring system in Texas and one of the area's must-visit natural attractions.