Autumn hike at Hamilton Pool grotto
Hamilton Pool called my name last month, and I answered by scheduling a visit through the state’s reservation page. Yes, Hamilton Pool Preserve is so heavily visited nowadays that the county park system requires a reservation to visit on weekends, and every day in warmer months. Is it worth the hassle? Absolutely.
Booking weeks ahead means you don’t know what the weather will be like on your designated morning or afternoon time slot. We lucked into a chilly but dry morning in mid-November, when leaves were turning russet and gold. The emerald swimming hole enticed a few hardy swimmers who shrieked and gasped when they plunged in.
Water dripping steadily from the roof of the collapsed cave traces a shimmery arc across the water.
Hiking around the back of the cave you sense the weight of stone above your head.
The cave mouth frames a view of pool, beach, and trees.
Stalactites and maidenhair ferns hang from the rim.
Hamilton Pool is a special place, one I’ve enjoyed visiting over the years.
Along the trail, bald cypresses tower over meandering Hamilton Creek.
Their knobby roots splay like elephant feet.
And their needles turn rusty orange before dropping for winter. Soon they will be bald cypresses.
The purple berries and yellowing leaves of American beautyberry caught my eye along the trail. This native plant deserves a home in any Central Texas shade garden.
Tiny pale-lavender asters were blooming along the trail too.
But the grasses of the savanna meadow were bleached and flattened, fully committed to winter’s paler hues.
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Digging Deeper
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All material © 2024 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
Oh Hamilton pool. In the late 60’s we went often and usually the only ones there. But one day they were making a commercial . Actors dressed as Tarzan and Jane ran around in the water. There was a chimp also. Kinda surreal . I’m glad they are protecting it now. Too many people and many that don’t respect nature. It’s one of my favorite Texas spots and I’ll never forget that day. Thank you for all your posts. I really enjoy and look forward to them.
What a funny — and bizarre — moment you witnessed at Hamilton Pool. Thanks for sharing your story, and for your kind compliment about my blog posts!
What a treasure.
It sure is.