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Springs eternal.

Article Excerpt
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Key

* crowded on weekends

** picnic tables

*** shade

**** rope swing

***** lifeguard

****** grilling

******* camping

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When the temperature hits 100 the best place to get wet is always the closest place. But if you're willing to travel, we know 25 great spots where you can cannonball, belly flop, or do the can opener (instructions included) into cold, clear, flowing freshwater. (Our definition of "swimming hole" excludes salt water and any pool that isn't spring-fed.) So grab your goggles, throw a towel and a magazine (we can think of a good one) in your backpack, and prepare to have your core temperature lowered. If only for an afternoon.

1) Barton Springs Pool

AUSTIN

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Now that it has been blessed twice--by Taoist monks from China and Tibetan monks from India--maybe the springs will survive the whirl of progress that continues to transform the capital. It's long been the jewel in the city's violet crown, and rightly so. Just below the diving board, the spring that feeds the pool--named Parthenia after one of "Uncle Billy" Barton's daughters--pushes out an average of 27 million gallons a day, making it the largest of the many that flow out of the Balcones Fault in this area. The combination of a beautiful setting, beautiful people, and cold, refreshing water makes Barton Springs the best swimming hole in the state. Recipe for a perfect afternoon: Combine towel and sunscreen, add people-watching and shade to taste, and bake until ready for refrigeration. Repeat until sunset. For best results, add your honey. If you're hungry: burgers and shakes at P. Terry's. In Zilker Park, at 2101 Barton Springs Road. 512-476-9044. Open year-round; hours change seasonally. $3.

2) Blue Hole

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WIMBERLEY

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This gorgeous spot on Cypress Creek in the heart of Wimberley Valley is probably the quintessential Texas swimming hole. Tall old-growth bald cypresses and other trees cast pools of shade so picture-perfectly that one might imagine this to be a mirage constructed to taunt the hot and sticky. After a battle with developers in 2005, the Village of Wimberley purchased the 126-acre tract and designated it a regional park, with plans for tennis courts and a soccer field. Hmmm. All I ask is that they leave the swings. If you're hungry: black bean tacos at the Cypress Creek Cafe. 333 Blue Hole Lane. 512-847-0025. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, Sun-Thur 10-6, Fri, Sat, & holidays 10-8. $5.

3) Brinks Crossing

CENTER POINT

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Shady trees, a sandy beach, a large rocky area for sunbathing, and the deep brown river make this a top-notch swimming spot. To sniff this place out, I used Guerrilla Swimming Tactic No. 2, according to which you explore anything named River Road to see where it leads (Tactic No. 1 is a secret I will take to my grave). Never has Tactic No. 2 paid such dividends! A hidden gem, and the ground was noticeably freer of beer cans and other detritus than most public spots. Gold stars to those who keep it that way. If you're hungry: Bring a picnic. Where Center Point River Road crosses the Guadalupe River. Free.

4) Balmorhea State Park

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TOYAHVALE

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The San Solomon Springs push out 22 million to 28 million gallons a day at Balmorhea,...

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