THIS IS AUSTIN

Swimming holes

Barton Creek Greenbelt — Within an earshot of MoPac Boulevard (Loop 1) traffic, coursing water washes over the boulders and plunges into a deep pool at the base of Twin Falls. Farther northeast lies Campbell's Hole, which is closer to Zilker Park and has a small stony beach. To get to Twin Falls, park on the southbound access road of MoPac, just south of Barton Creek Square mall, near the intersection with Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360). To get to Campbell's Hole, park at the west end of the Barton Springs parking lot and enter at the trail access. It's about a mile upstream from the pool.

Blue Hole Park — Just a few blocks from the Williamson County Courthouse sits one of Georgetown's most popular swimming holes. Situated among limestone cliffs in the South San Gabriel River, Blue Hole is punctuated by a mass of tumbling water that pools at the base of an old concrete and rock dam. Blue Hole Park is northwest of the Williamson County Courthouse. To get there, take Interstate 35 N. to Texas 29 and turn right. At Austin Street, turn left and pass the courthouse. Turn left on Second Street, go one block and park along the street outside the park.

Five Mile Dam — A low dam spans the width of the Blanco River, creating a continuous flow of rushing yet calm and cooling water. Formally known as Dudley Johnson Park, Five Mile Dam is just outside San Marcos. To get there, take Interstate 35 south to Aquarena Springs Drive in San Marcos. Turn right on Aquarena Springs and take another right on Post Road. Drive for five miles. Go under the railroad trestle and cross the Blanco River. Turn left onto Old Stagecoach Road and go a mile to the park on your left, at 4444 Old Stagecoach Road.

Hamilton Pool — Here, a plunging 50-foot waterfall empties into a large circular pool that stays full almost year round. The pool and grotto formed after the dome of an underground river collapsed thousands of years ago. Hamilton Pool is about 30 miles west of Austin and is operated as a nature preserve with limited access. To get there, take Texas 71 west to RM 3238 (Hamilton Pool Road) and turn left. The entrance is 13 miles down on the right. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Entrance fee is $8 per vehicle. No pets. The hike from the parking lot to the pool is a hilly quarter-mile. Swimming is allowed only when the water quality meets safety standards. Call 264-2740 before you go.

Krause Springs — Luscious, spring-fed pools, cascading waterfalls and inviting secret grottos. Bought by proprietor Elton Krause in the '60s, Krause Springs is 34 miles west of Austin in Spicewood. To get there, take Texas 71 west to Spur 191. Turn right, go about a mile, then turn right again onto County Road 404. Krause Springs is about a half-mile down on your left. Admission is $4 for children ages 4 to 11 and $5 for those 12 and older. No pets. (830) 693-4181.