Texas can heat up fast, which makes droves of folk flock to the Hill Country rivers. The meandering, spring-fed waters make it a perfect setting for canoes and kayaks. The B&Bs summer camps and cabin rentals book quickly, so now is a great time to pre-plan for your next summertime Hill Country trek on the Guadalupe River between the towns of Ingram and Hunt along State Highway 39.
Things to Do
Hole Up on the Guadalupe River
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Schumacher Crossing
Photo: Texas: A Beautiful State of Mind
Often rated as one of the top ten swimming holes in the Texas Hill Country, Schumacher Crossing has long been a favorite for both locals and tourists. So named for the ranch once located up the road, now Canyon Springs Ranch, this pristine jewel seems almost untouched by time. The spring-fed river gurgles over the smoothed rocks, offering a much-needed relief from the scorching Texas summers.
Schumacher Crossing is conveniently found next to the picnic area, which the State of Texas wisely revamped to accommodate the influx of visitors. If you arrive early enough, there is room to park and even launch a canoe or kayak for a leisurely half-hour paddle southward toward Ingram Dam. Stop off and slide down it, if you dare.
Upstream, above a manmade rock dam, are private riverfront residences which, by a grandfathered law, actually “own” half of the river off their landings. Though most are friendly folk, paying a casual visit to their docks to swing off ropes is not recommended unless you ask permission. However, mild trespassing is allowed each year as the Hunt Historical Society members paddle and inner tube by on the way to the Hunt Crossing, another wading and swimming hole to explore a short mile up Highway 39 on the north fork of the Guadalupe River.
Hunt Hole
