Parks and Preserves

Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve. About 30 miles southwest of Austin off Highway 71 is a small nature preserve that is home to one of the Hill Country's most beautiful natural pools. The continuously flowing Hamilton Creek spills over an enormous limestone outcropping creating a beautiful 50-foot waterfall that gently plunges into the crystal waters of Hamilton Pool. It's particularly crowded on weekends. Parking is limited and controlled by the State, with a nominal fee for entry, so it's best to call ahead to see if spaces are available. 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd., Austin, Texas, 78620. 512/264–2740; www.co.travis.tx.us. Daily 9–6.

Pace Bend Park. Explore some of Lake Travis's narrow coves and great limestone cliffs at Pace Bend Park. Here you'll experience spectacular sunsets over the lake. Visitors can hike and bike the rustic trails that lead to different lake and Hill Country views. Pace Bend Park is a favorite of college students who like to jump off the high cliff walls (up to 30 feet) into the water below. Be warned: the only way back up is to climb and varying lake levels make this a risky activity. 2805 Pace Bend Rd. North, from the intersection of RR 620 and Hwy. 71 take 71 west 11 miles to RR 2322 (Pace Bend Park Rd.); entrance is in 4.6 miles (about 20 miles from Lakeway), Spicewood, Texas, 78669. 512/264–1482; parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/pace-bend. Daily sunrise–9.