Cool Off This Summer With A Visit To These 7 Kentucky Waterfalls
There’s no better way to cool off on a hot summer day in Kentucky than taking a dip in one our cool, natural pools… except perhaps taking a dip in a waterfall swimming pool! Happily, the Bluegrass State is home to an abundance of glorious cascades, many of which plunge into pristine pools perfect for enjoying a little swim. Next time the mercury rises, cool off with a visit to these seven Kentucky waterfalls, all of which offer spectacular swimming areas, too.
A perennial Bluegrass State favorite, Dog Slaughter Falls is a 15-foot-tall cascade that plunges into an emerald green lagoon. This pool is a beautiful little oasis that feels absolutely divine on a hot summer's day in Kentucky -- especially after hiking the trail to get there.
One of Lake Cumberland's most surprising treasures, 76 Falls is a lesser-known spot that makes for a great swimming spot and a relaxing place to drop anchor and cool off. A stunning spectacle, this cascade's moniker refers to its 76-foot stature, and it's really one of the state's most wondrous hidden gem waterfalls.
Picturesque Eagle Falls is located at Parkers Lake, near its larger counterpart within Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. The force of the falls varies greatly with the weather and rainfall, but it always makes for an ideal spot to cool off on a blistering day in the Bluegrass State.
Grayson Lake State Park is a beautiful swimming spot in Kentucky that's home to stunning gorge canyons and winsome waterfalls. It's best experienced by kayak or canoe, which will give you the best views of the aforementioned features, as well as access to the lake's many hidden nooks where you can jump in and cool off.
Located in beautiful Daniel Boone National Forest, Flat Lick Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Kentucky. The 0.6-mile trail to the waterfall pool is simple and straightforward, and there's also an overlook that's wheelchair accessible. This glorious waterfall is also home to one of the most beloved swimming holes in Kentucky.
Bad Branch Falls is Mother Nature's very own splash park; it's a 60-foot cascade that plunges into a rock-filled pool, splashing and spraying as it lands. If you're up for an all-day adventure, Bad Branch Trail is a rugged trek that winds through some truly beautiful Bluegrass scenery, culminating at the cascade.
We'll start by saying that pictured here is *not* the titular Van Hook Falls; but rather, a smaller cascade that's located along the eponymous trail. While the 40-foot Van Hook Falls truly is a vision, you'll find several smaller waterfalls and swimming spots all along the 5.7-mile hike. Really, this entire area is a picture-perfect oasis to visit on a hot summer's day, and you can't go wrong with any of its falls.
Kentucky waterfalls really are Mother Nature’s sublime summer splash parks. Where’s your favorite spot to cool off when summer temps heat up in the Bluegrass State?
For a refreshing and tasty summertime treat, be sure to visit Big Mike’s Shaved Ice.
Address: Dog Slaughter Falls, Kentucky 40769, USA
Address: 76 Falls Cut, Albany, KY 42602, USA
Address: Eagle Falls, Kentucky 42634, USA
Address: Grayson Lake, Kentucky, USA
Address: Flat Lick Falls Recreational Area, McKee, KY 40447, USA
Address: Bad Branch State Nature Preserve, KY-932, Eolia, KY 40826, USA
Address: Vanhook Falls Trailhead, 13307 W Laurel Rd, London, KY 40741, USA