As the warmer months creep ever closer, so does the urge to be around water, and a swimming hole in Kentucky can be like heaven on earth in this case. If we are honest, we’ll admit it: our state gets downright muggy. Fortunately for us, our cool rivers and refreshing lakes provide a refreshing escape from the sticky weather. We covered some of the best swimming holes in Kentucky a while back, and now, we’ve got 10 more great places to add to the list. Here are (more of) our picks for the best swimming holes in Kentucky:

1. Blue Heron
Google Maps
Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky 40447, USA
Kristin Bobo/Flickr
The swimming hole is located under the footbridge in the picnic and camping area off Mine 18 Road leading towards South Fork. This is a part of the Daniel Boone National Forest near Stearns. The swimming hole is a pretty deep, surprisingly clear pool that was created via Big South Fork.
2. Clifty Creek
Google Maps
Lake Cumberland State Park Road, Lake Cumberland State Park Rd, Kentucky 42629, USA
Chris Conley/AllTrails
This area used to be popular for cliff jumping, but it has since been deemed it much safer just to swim here instead. It is located off Clifty Creek Road, at the end, after a short walk to the cliff area. It is part of Lake Cumberland Park.
3. Grassy Creek
Google Maps
Breaks Interstate Park, 627 Commission Cir, Breaks, VA 24607, USA
Joe Slone/Google
This little slice of heaven is just off Route 80 inside Breaks Interstate Park. At the parking and picnic area, look for the Center Creek Trail, which is visible and easy to find. Center Creek flows into Grassy Creek. There are several swimming holes along the way, but the rocks can be slick, so use caution and wear closed-toed shoes!
4. Happy Hollow
Google Maps
85°51'50.8", 36°52'41.3"
David Prasad
This long-time, favored by generations swimming spot is in the Skaggs River at the Happy Hollow Road Bridge near Temple Hill. This is a refreshing spot the locals have loved for decades. There are no major diving spots, but they really aren’t necessary if your goal is to relax and have fun.

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5. Lion's Club Park
Google Maps
Tompkinsville Road, Tompkinsville Rd, Glasgow, KY 42141, USA
Casey Marcum/Flickr
This swimming hole is in Glasgow, Kentucky. It is inside the Lion’s Club Park and Fairgrounds area, where water enthusiasts will also find a dock and picnic area. It is a perfect spot to gather with friends and family for lounging in the sun and, of course, some swimming.
6. The Quarry by Pisgah Pike
Google Maps
Pisgah Pike, Kentucky 40383, USA
Iris Shreve Garrott/Flickr
This is an old quarry about a mile or so on the west side of Pisgah Bay, past the Hillman’s Ferry Campground. This is a magnificent spot to relax and swim, but make sure and use safety precautions. The water is deep, and there are no lifeguards on duty. As always, use caution when traveling solo.
7. Dog Slaughter Falls
Google Maps
Dog Slaughter Falls, Kentucky 40769, USA
Sarah Altendorf/Flickr
This is part of the Cumberland Falls Resort Park. You will find this waterfall and swimming hole off Forest Road, I95, which is unpaved. Cross a small footbridge and continue on foot about a mile and a half to the Falls. It is a great place to relax, but know ahead of time that the hiking trails and the area surrounding the falls is a little steep. People with weak or sensitive ankles should be mindful.
8. Louisville Quarry
4220 South Park Drive, Louisville, Kentucky, 40213
w.Marsh/Flickr
Thus quarry-turned-swimming hole is in Louisville. It is a favored spot for those looking to cool off on a hot day, and it even has floating platforms scattered about for swimmers' convenience. The water is clear, and it goes down pretty deep. This area is for folks 21 and older, no exceptions, because of the lack of a lifeguard.
9. The Parklands at Floyds Fork
The Parklands of Floyds Fork, Beckley Creek Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40245, USA
Louisville Images/Flickr
Four separate parks come together as one along Floyds Fork, and Mother Nature’s artistic handy work is obvious. This area in Louisville is gorgeous, and the water is ridiculously refreshing. The Parklands at Floyds Fork is a perfect spot to swim with friends and family surrounded by nature's beauty.
10. Falling Rock Park Quarry
2201 Fendley Mill Road, LaGrange, Kentucky, 40031
Virginia Fuentes/Flickr
This gorgeous natural pool in LaGrange is a favored swimming spot for people in LaGrange, Louisville, and the surrounding areas. Falling Rock Park Quarry has a fee, but the water is clean and you can rent tubes or floats. It is a magnificent spot to lounge around on a hot Kentucky day. There will be people playing guitar and cooking out along the shore, so bring some goodies to eat!

Not every swimming hole in Kentucky has an address, so the provided maps should prove helpful for locating these spots. However, each one is a favored spot loved by the locals, and they will probably know a safe route to get there, too, if you ask politely. Of course, these are just a few refreshing swimming spots to check out if you are in these areas; there’s a lot more you could add! What do you think are the best swimming holes in Kentucky? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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Best Swimming Holes in Kentucky

Tori Jane | April 08, 2021

What are the best swimming holes in Kentucky?

The best swimming holes in Kentucky are:

  • Falls Campground
  • Falling Rock Park
  • Barren River Lake
  • Big Rock in Cherokee

 

Kentucky is a beautiful state with lots of epic swimming spots and holes to choose from. We strongly suggest visiting them all, though that might take a while - there're dozens! However, some of our favorites include "The Quarry" in La Grange (also known by its actual name: Falling Rock Park), where rainwater keeps this swimming hole full and fresh, and Gabe's Branch Falls, in Ages, where you'll find an epic waterfall on top of an outstanding swim spot. If crowds aren't really your thing, that's alright - we've also got plenty of lesser-known swimming holes scattered throughout the state. Eagle Falls in Corbin, for example, rarely has the throngs of people there that more popular spots will.

Are there any swimming lakes in Kentucky?

Yes! The best swimming lakes in Kentucky are:

  • Laurel River Lake
  • Lake Barkley
  • Lake Cumberland

 

Of course! Swimming holes, swimming lakes - we've got it all in the Bluegrass State. Laurel River Lake is home to some of the most crystal-clear water in the entire state, and of course, there's also always Kentucky Lake, which is the biggest lake east of the Missouri River. Lake Barkley is a great place, not just for swimming but also for watching the sunrise (or sunset). With over 1,000 miles of shoreline at Lake Barkley, you're bound to find a nice, quiet spot without a lot of other people there. Lake Cumberland offers some of the best fishing in the state, on top of clean, crisp water to take a dip in. There are 45 lakes and reservoirs sprinkled throughout the state, and they're all gorgeous!

What are the most beautiful lakes in Kentucky?

The most beautiful lakes in Kentucky are:

  • Laurel River Lake
  • Cumberland Lake
  • Dale Hollow Lake
  • Buckhorn Lake
  • Nolin Lake

 

Oh, boy, where to start? There's Laurel River Lake, which has water so clear you'll feel as if you can drink it (please don't). There are also heavenly lakes like Dale Hollow Lake, Cumberland Lake, Lake Barkley, Barren River, and so many more. With so many options to choose from, it can be a little intimidating at first, but no worries - there's plenty of time to explore every one of them if you so feel like it. In fact, we encourage it - there's nothing better than getting out of the house and adventuring around your home state. You never know what you'll find!

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