Hays County’s most mythical swimming hole

The Texas Hill Country may be most widely known as a wine and wedding destination, but its large concentration of gorgeous natural swimming holes is another of its major claims to fame.

In Wimberley, Jacob’s Well Natural Area draws an average of 25,000 visitors per summer thanks to its picturesque artesian spring, which maintains a constant temperature of 68°F. The reservoir serves as the source of Cypress Creek. Each day, Jacob’s Well supplies the creek, the Blanco River and eventually the Gulf of Mexico, with thousands of gallons of fresh ground water from the Trinity Aquifer.

“Beyond protecting JWNA for its enjoyment by park patrons, it is important to protect this area to ensure sustainable water quality for its contribution to the overall environmental health of the Cypress Creek Watershed,” says Stephen Cloud, Hays County Park Specialist.

The spring also marks the entrance to the second largest fully submerged cave in Texas. Think too hard and swimming above the seemingly bottomless pit can feel a bit daunting — like you’re splashing around the opening to an ancient sea creature’s lair.

According to the Hays County Parks Department, the two branches of the submerged cavern measure 1,314 feet and 4,341 feet in length, delving down to a maximum depth of 140 feet. The caverns were mapped under the supervision of the Hays County Parks Department by experienced cave divers as part of the Jacob’s Well Exploration Project.

And while the cave does not harbor a massive water-breathing monster, the spring and the 81-acre park that encompasses it supports a wide variety of aquatic and land-dwelling wildlife, such as the Fern Bank salamander and threatened bird species, including the Golden-cheeked Warbler.

The well was first discovered in 1850 when early settler William C. Winters became curious about the creek’s source. He hiked upstream and came across an “overflowing” spring that reminded him of a biblical well. Indeed, the strong flow used to discharge water up to six feet in the air, but development and drought has greatly reduced the flow level in recent years.

“We hope that our diligent efforts of maintenance, research and education help to ensure that guests to JWNA receive an appreciation of our area and want to help preserve and protect this unique area,” says Cloud. “It is a prideful thing to be doing our part.”

To do your part in helping protect and preserve the park, you must have an online reservation to visit Jacob’s Well. The two-hour time slots are open to a maximum of 60 visitors at a time, so be sure to reserve your spot far in advance.

Learn more about Jacob’s Well by visiting www.co.hays.tx.us/jwna.aspx.