Top 7 parks in Hays County

When not attending camp this summer, families can always make the most of our county’s parks and natural areas. Below, we, at the Hays County Echo, highlighted a few of our favorite parks for swimming, nature walks, disc golfing and more.

1. JACOB’S WELL

Jacob’s Well is an 81-acre natural area with an artesian spring that releases thousands of gallons of water every day. It is home to the second largest fully submerged cave in Texas and has been a popular destination for SCUBA divers. Many divers have perished in the extensive underground cave system that connects to the Trinity Aquifer, so public SCUBA diving is no longer permitted.

Entrance to the natural area is free, but reservation and entrance fee to the spring is required during swim season. Admittance may be limited during peak times.

2. BLUE HOLE

A treasured swimming hole fed by the cool waters of Cypress Creek, the surrounding 126 acre parkland has been developed with picnic areas, a community pavilion, amphitheater, playscape, basketball and volleyball courts, and 3.5 miles of hiking trails.

7 Dripping Springs

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Wimberley

3. DUDLEY JOHNSON PARK

A.k.a. Five Mile Dam, this 42-acre park has picnic areas, soccer fields and one of the best swimming holes around. It may look a little overgrown right now, but the river is open for swimming. The county is forgoing

Buda mowing right now to allow for reforestation of the park because

Kyle of massive erosion due to flooding.

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San Marcos

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4. CHARRO RANCH PARK

If the only amenity you’re looking for is a quiet place to walk and enjoy the natural Hill Country flora and fauna, Charro Ranch Park natural area in Driftwood is on top of the list. In addition to picnic tables, and some informative signage, there’s the iconic Solstice Circle. Other notable natural areas in Hays County are Purgatory Creek, Schulle Canyon and Ringtail Ridge, all of which are in San Marcos.

6. LAKE KYLE

There are plenty of good places to fish off the banks of the San Marcos River and Five

Mile Dam in Kyle, but Lake Kyle is a good destination for bass fishing. The city park, located at 700 Lehman Road, is stocked with fish for catch and release only. This 115-acre park has four miles of nature trails, one mile of accessible fishing banks, horseshoe and washer pits, pavilion, playscape and nature amphitheatre.

5. STEEPLECHASE PARK

Steeplechase Park in Kyle has two amenities that puts them on our list. It has a new dog park with fun obstacles for Fido and it has an award-winning 18 hole, double tee-box, disc golf course. The historic Plum Creek crosses the course many times and will challenge any level of player. The tee boxes are constructed with pervious concrete. There are two tee boxes for

each hole for different levels of play.

7. DRIPPING SPRINGS RANCH PARK

This 64 acre park offers a wide variety of outdoor fun including picnic areas, nature trails, sports fields, a horseshoe pit and playscapes. This is a popular destination for horseback riding, and there is almost always something going on at the event center.