Five Mile Dam
You can swim, float or paddle upstream of the dam or wade or do some horizontal immersing on the rocks downstream. Remember, when horizontal immersing it typically is better to keep your feet downstream. Below the dam can be a nice low water area if the locals tend to their dogs. You’ll see what we mean. Above the dam is a fairly large pool where you can swim or float around and just relax. Heading south on IH 35 from Austin, take Yarrington Road exit and follow the frontage road until you can veer right onto county road 140. Follow that until you can take your first right after you pass the apartment complex that will be on the left side of the road. After turning right you will go under a train trestle and you will need to then take your first left and it will take you to the county park. If you want to do some tubing later in the afternoon, consider taking the short drive to San Marcos and visit the Lion's Club tube rental service.
shrek (January 8, 2008, 4:10 pm)
This is a great place to hang out relatively early in the day on the downstream side of the dam, but do not wait too long to come out here because it can get real crowded.