The BIG BOOK of the

LONE STAR STATEby Kenneth Moore

EDGE FALLSNamed after William Edge of Madison County, Alabama who settled the area around the Curry Creek Community. Located on Curry Creek, Edge Falls as it came to be known was 35 feet high with cliffs surrounding a pool that many thought was bottomless, but found to be only 30 feet in depth.

On private land owned by Edge's descendant, Amy Edge Harwell, it became a popular place and a $1 admission could get you in. Many a young daredevil jumped into the pool from the cliffs in the attempt to impress their female companions. Others could hike, fish, swim or camp. Natural scientist often spent time studying the various plants with the Edge Falls anemone being the only type of its kind found only at this location. For decades people visited an enjoyed this natural Texas wonder but in 1975 it was closed to the public due to insurance requirements and an ever increasing litigious society.

Sad but true the Falls have stopped running due to drought and increased water usage. However, the pool remains filled due to natural springs that still keep flowing, but no longer can the laughter of people enjoying themselves be heard thanks to a few selfish self centered individuals who did not want to take responsibility for their actions. I am fortunate to be one who enjoyed and remember the good times at Edge Falls. It was and I am sure still is a place of beauty, just no longer accessible. ONLY IN TEXAS.

HAMILTON POOL PRESERVE

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, Hamilton Creek 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.

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP). The BCP is a 30,428-acre system of endangered species habitat owned by Travis County, the City of Austin, The Nature Conservancy, the Lower Colorado River Authority, Travis Audubon Society, as well as privately owned lands. The BCP represents a regional effort to balance protection of endangered species habitat with economic development. For more information about BCP, call the Travis County BCP coordinator at (512) 854-9383

What To Know Before You Come

1. Calling the Public Information Line will let you know the current status of the preserve, whether we're allowing swimming and hiking. Remember the preserve somtimes closes due to recent rain and hazardous trail conditions. The phone number is 512-264-2740

. It is updated daily at 9 am, or when rain changes our status during the day.

2. We accept cash and local checks. We do NOT accept credit cards.

3. Fees are $15 per vehicle, or $5 per vehicle if vehicle has a senior citizen (62 years) or a disabled vet (60%).

4. Pets are prohibited. No exceptions, not even if the pet is on a leash or kept in your vehicle. Please do not bring them.

5. No Lifeguard is on duty. Swim at your own risk, when