Dripping Springs, on U.S. Highway 290 twenty-five miles west of Austin in northern Hays County, emerged as a community center before the Civil War.
Today, Dripping Springs is often referred to as the "Gateway to the Texas Hill Country." Rolling hills, beautiful rock bottom creeks, abundant wildlife and majestic views make up this Hill Country town.
Annual events include the Founders' Day celebration each spring, the Cajun Shrimp Boil and Pound House Fall Festival in September, chili cook-off and Gathering Festival of Fine Arts in October, and the "Christmas in the Hills" Tour of Homes.
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a historic swimming hole which was designated a preserve by the Travis County Commissioner's Court in 1990. Located 3/4 mile upstream from its confluence with the Pedernales River, HamiltonCreek spills out over limestone outcroppings to create a 50 foot waterfall as it plunges into the head of a steep box canyon. The waterfall never completely dries up, but in dry times it does slow to a trickle. However, the pool's water level stays pretty constant, even during periods of drought.
The preserve is home to the Golden-Cheeked Warbler, and a great variety of other birds. The diverse vegetation of Hamilton Pool ranges from semi-arid species in the uplands to riparian species in the canyon. The uplands of the preserve are a juniper and oak savannah with a variety of native grasses and wildflowers. Several rare plant species including canyon mock-orange, red bay (western-most colony of this eastern species), and chatter box orchid are known to occur in the canyon areas along Hamilton Creek.
You can spend the day in Dripping Springs touring area spots of interest or, visit local vineyards, sample locally produced jellies, jams, or salsa and much more. Just down the road you can hike, swim, or enjoy the scenery of Hamilton Pool, Pedernales Falls State Park, and more.
Having the word Dripping in your town’s name has contributed some amusing anecdotes over the years. Locals are used to it, but outsiders do a double-take when they read a headline stating: “Dripping Native to run for Office.”
Hamilton Pool is approximately 30 miles southwest of Austin. Take Highway 71 west of Austin through the town of Bee Cave and turn left onto FM 3238 (Hamilton Pool Road). Travel 13 miles to the Preserve entrance, on your right.
Housing Cost
Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $168,100
Demographics
Estimated population in July 2005: 1,666. Dripping Springs covers 3.3 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 1,156 feet above sea level.
Zip codes: 78620 - Area code: 512
Climate
Dripping Springs, TX climate is hot during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 80's and cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 40's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 96.00 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 32.70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 26 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 29 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Dripping Springs is 31.66 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is May with an average rainfall of 4.39 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
bottom creeks, abundant wildlife and majestic views make up this Hill Country town.