Most everyone has some favorite swimming holes in Kentucky, whether from childhood memory or more current. As a kid, there was a farmer that had a river running through his property we all swam in, but those spots are few and far between now. Modern swimming holes tend to be at quarries, lakes, and rivers, and flowing through state parks.

Check out these awesome Kentucky swimming holes:
11. Barren River Lake is an awesome beachfront lake that can give swimmers the feel of being oceanside, minus the sharks.
Barren River Lake, Kentucky, USA
Wiki
Learn more about Barren River Lake, an excellent Kentucky swimming hole.
10. Big Rock in Cherokee is a great place to cool off during the hot summer months. There is plenty of wading water for the little ones and deeper spots for adults, making it one of the best swimming holes in Kentucky.
Cherokee Park, 745 Cochran Hill Rd, Louisville, KY 40206, USA
D. Light
Discover more about Cherokee Park.
9. Big South Fork River is in the midst of 125,000 acres of the beautiful Cumberland Plateau.
Big South Fork of the Cumberland River, Kentucky 42518, USA
Wiki
Get more information on Big South Fork River.
8. Buckhorn Lake has a beach side bath and changing area, making it convenient for visitors looking to cool off in a swimming hole in Kentucky.
Buckhorn Lake, Kentucky, USA
ParksKY
Discover more about Buckhorn Lake.
7. Carr Creek is a 750-acre lake that offers a cool swim on a hot day in Eastern Kentucky.
Carr Creek, KY 41847, USA
Wiki
Learn more about Carr Creek, an awesome Kentucky swimming hole.

Related Stories

This Swimming Spot Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water In Kentucky

This Swimming Spot Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water In Kentucky

 The Hidden Beach In Kentucky With Clear Waters That Rival The Caribbean

The Hidden Beach In Kentucky With Clear Waters That Rival The Caribbean

 The Clearest Lake In Kentucky Is Almost Too Beautiful To Be Real

The Clearest Lake In Kentucky Is Almost Too Beautiful To Be Real
6. Green River is 8,200 acres of glorious water to cool off in during the summer.
Green River, Kentucky, USA
Code Poet
Find more reasons to head to Green River.
5. Lake Barkley is Kentucky’s largest man-made lake, making it a supreme Kentucky swimming hole.
baxter65/Trip Advisor
A great place to stay in the area is Lake Barkley State Resort Park.
4. Nolin Lake has been a favored swimming hole in Kentucky spot for centuries, or so it has been said.
Nolin Lake, Kentucky, USA
Huw Williams
Read further on about Nolin Lake.
3. Red River Gorge has the best of everything from swimming to rafting and canoeing.
Red River Gorge, Kentucky 40387, USA
JarekT
Get yourself more acquainted with what the Red River Gorge has to offer.
2. Rough River gives plenty of room to swim on its 5,000-acre lake.
Rough River Lake, Kentucky, USA
Wiki
Find out more about Rough River and its Kentucky swimming hole possibilities.
1. Lake Malone is a 788-acre lake with shower and bath facilities, making it a convenient place to swim. It is a great place to go swimming in Kentucky.
Lake Malone, Kentucky, USA
State Parks
Learn more about Lake Malone.

If you had been wondering where to go swimming in Kentucky, now you have it! These lakes and rivers may seem a bit bigger than one might envision as a swimming hole, but they do the trick. They are each big enough so that overcrowding is not a problem, and if you tire of swimming, you can move down a bit and fish or sunbathe. Kentucky is full of beautiful lakes and rivers. Do you have any favorite swimming holes in Kentucky? Tell us in the comments below!

Another great way to cool off here in Kentucky? Check out these water parks in Kentucky.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Kentucky Outdoors

Rachel Raimondi | June 04, 2023

Which hikes in Kentucky are short and sweet?

Want to do a hike but don’t have a lot of time? Check out these short and sweet Kentucky hikes: 

  • Three Bridges Trail: This trail is located in Carter Caves State Resort Park in Olive Hill. It is a 3.1-mile loop trail that features three natural bridges. While there are some elevation changes, it is a relatively easy hike with views of sandstone cliffs and Smoky Valley Lake along the way.
  • Highland Cemetery Forest Preserve: Located in Fort Mitchell, don’t be turned off by the name. There is nothing spooky about this 3.6-mile trail. It’s actually a peaceful woodland walk, fit for just about anyone!

 

What are the best waterfall hikes in Kentucky?

Swimming holes in Kentucky not enough for you? Try out some of these waterfall hikes in Kentucky: 

  • Yahoo Falls: At 113 feet, this is the tallest waterfall in the state. It is located in the Big South Fork National Recreation Area. You can reach the falls via a 4.2-mile out-and-back trail or a shorter 1.2-mile trail (but this one has over 200 metal steps).
  • Cascade Cave: Not your average waterfall, at this spot in Carter County, you’ll need to go underground to see waterfalls. Take the .75-mile Cascade Cave Tour to see the underground falls as well as other remarkable cave features.

 

What are some Kentucky natural wonders?

Check out these amazing Kentucky natural wonders:

  • Mammoth Cave National Park: Located in west-central Kentucky, this 52,830-acre national park is home to the very longest cave system in the world. Choose from a variety of cave tours as well as opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.
  • Natural Bridge State Resort Park: This 1,188-acre park is located in Slade. Take in the 75 x 65-foot sandstone arch that was formed millions of years ago and then find another adventure here, like hiking 22 miles of trails, birdwatching, and fishing.

Related Articles

Explore Kentucky