lat=36.66856, lon=-84.54767(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
KY
WATER
Big South Fork of the Cumberland River
TYPE
River
DESCRIPTION
Swimming hole in deep, clear pool in river under footbridge at Blue Heron picnic and camping area.
AREAS
Big South Fork National Recreation Area
(BSFNRA)
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
Unknown
FACILITIES
Picnic tables, Toilets
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
Blue Heron campground is at this site. Also, there are 2 campgrounds in Daniel Boone N.F. near Blue
Heron - Hemlock Grove and Great Meadow campgrounds ore both west of Stearns off RT 92.
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From London, go south on I-75 to Williamsburg. Then west on RT 92 past RT 27 to Pine Knot. From Pine Knot, take RT 1651 northwest to Revlo. From Revlo, take RT 742 southwest to "Mine 18 Road". Go west on Mine 18 Road into the Big South Fork N.R.A. and continue on to the Blue Heron to the picnicking and camping area. At the beginning of the trail to the Catawba Overlook, the trail crosses a footbridge. The swimming hole is beneath this footbridge (I think). LINK TO MAP OF AREA & TRAILS (PDF) .
Several creek/river swimming places right on the KY/VA state line in the Breaks Interstate Park. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREAS
Breaks Interstate Park
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
None
FACILITIES
All facilities at the State Park
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, Tubing, Jumping
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
In Breaks Interstate Park
BATHING SUITS
Varies- see below
DIRECTIONS
Directions are from Elkhorn City on the KY side (you can also get here from Haysi on the VA side): From Elkhorn City, take RT 80 east, then
RATLIFF HOLE [RATL]: A semi-official swimming and tubing area in the Russell Fork River at a State Park picnic area. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . Has bathrooms and picnic tables - sometimes inner tubes are rented here also. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=37.2973, lon=-82.3256(source: measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from RT 80 east of Elkhorn City, look for a Breaks Interstate Park Recreation Area sign (I don't belive it says Ratliff Hole but it is.) on the right side of the road. Turn right and drive down the paved steep incline and stay right. If you go during the summer there is a little shack that some people rent rafts and tubes out of. Very confident. Verfied 6/2006. Updated 6/28/2006.
POOL POINT [POOL]: Pool Point is also in the Russell Fork River and you walk there from Ratliff Hole. A fan says:"This is one of the best places I have ever been. I could not believe I did not see it on your site. Then again I could not find information about Pool Point anywhere on the net. Perhaps it's a secret. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3 , PHOTO 4. It is located on the Russell Fork River directly under the Pool Point Tresle. Cliffs range from 25-80 feet in height. Great for jumping and a spectacular rope swing. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=37.2931, lon=-82.3242(source: Topozone) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from Ratliff Hole, just ask for directions to the trestle from there. You cross over the river (swim) to a sandy beach and follow the trail around the bend downstream to spot the trestle. It's only about 150 yds away from Ratliff Hole." Very confident. Partially verfied 6/2006. Updated 6/28/2006.
GRASSY CREEK [GRAS]: Right near the VA/KY border, in Breaks Interstate Park, is Grassy Creek with several pools, some with jumping - all spectacular! The main one is 10 feet deep and has a rope swing about 15 feet over the water. The water is usually blue and fish can be seen swimming around. There are also good rocks for sunbathing. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=37.29638, lon=-82.31211(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
NOTE: This is not a long or strenuous hike but is only for sure-footed and very careful walkers. You must cross the creek several times in an area where there are steep, sloping and sometimes slippery rocks. People often fall trying to negotiate this section. If you get to a place where you do not feel safe or sure, turn back!
To get here from the KY side, take RT 80 southeast from Elkhorn City (past Ratliff Hole and Pool Point above). The driveway to the parking area is a very obscure road on the right in the middle of the 180 degree right hand turn before you cross the Virginia State Line. If you cross into Virginia, you have gone too far. (From the VA side, go north on RT 80 from Haysi. Keep going until you cross the Kentucky state line. Right after you cross the state line, you will go around a 180 degree left hand curve. The road will be on the left in the middle of this curve, and it is right across the street from a house.) At first glimpse the parking area looks like a downhill driveway, so drive slowly and look for the picnic shelter which is easily seen at the bottom. It is easy to miss or mistake for a driveway.
Once you arrive at the parking/picnic area, take the Center Creek Trail (there is a trail sign visible across the creek from the picnic area). Shortly, while following this trail downstream on the right side of the creek, you will come to a place where the creek is hemmed in by a rock cliff - here you cross the creek and walk on the other side then cross back as soon as you can (be very careful of steep slopes and very slippery rocks here.) At .25 miles from the parking area, Center Creek will flow into Grassy Creek. At this point, go to the right and follow Grassy Creek downstream on the right side of the creek. You will see several obvious swimming holes along the way PHOTO , PHOTO but these are not the main one. At about .2 miles from the junction with Center Creek, you will see about 3 trees down across the trail and the trail forks downhill to the left. Go to the left (it's a downhill trail that goes to the creek) and walk along the rocks at the shore. The swimming hole is just ahead. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2, PHOTO 3. Very confident. Verfied 6/2006. Updated 6/28/2006.
lat=37.51331, lon=-85.28931(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
KY
WATER
Rolling Fork River
TYPE
River
DESCRIPTION
River swimming hole (locals say "Byoona Vista")features a stairway of rock at the end of which is a decent-size rock to sit on, jump from, or fish from. Water is 15 feet deep at this point. It is next to an old (discontinued?) water pumping station. The river usually flows freely between two damns about a mile apart. Only when it's very dry is there a film on the water that is not very enticing.
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
None
CAMPING
None at site
BATHING SUITS
Customary
DIRECTIONS
From Danville, go west on RT 150 to Perryville. Then go southwest (left turn) on RT 68 (passing near "Penns Store" swimming hole) and go through Lebanon. Just west of Lebanon, take RT 208 south (left turn)(set odometer). In about 2.5 miles (before Calvary) take Lovers Lane west (left turn). This from a local:" Park your car by a cattle gate on Lover's Lane (unknown exact location) and walk a short distance through a hay field. The spot is, I think, still owned by the water company, so the owner of the field is happy to let people pass through." PLEASE RESPECT THE WISHES OF THE OWNER OF THIS FIELD IF THEY DO NOT WANT YOU TO PASS!
lat=36.9370, lon=-85.0745(source: Topozone) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
KY
WATER
Lake Cumberland
TYPE
Lake/Cliffs
DESCRIPTION
High cliffs rise above a very deep arm of Lake Cumberland. An
outstanding jumping place! Very high (and lower) jumping into very deep, emerald blue
water.
NOTE THIS received in 5/2011: "Due to the Wolf Creek Dam repairs this arm of Lake Cumberland is low. Jumping off the cliff is no longer safe. It is still possible to swim although the the swimming area is also limited. Thought I would update since the repairs seem to be lasting a lot longer than expected."
AREAS
Lake Cumberland
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Jumping, Swimming
PHONE
None
CAMPING
Nearby at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park.
BATHING SUITS
Customary
DIRECTIONS
From Danville, go southwest on RT 127 to Jamestown. Continue 6 miles
past Jamestown on RT 127 then turn left on Clifty Creek Rd.. Follow this road for 2.3 miles
to the end of the road at a boat ramp on Lake Cumberland. Park and take the path to the right
along the lake, beginning at the very end of the road. It is a short walk to cliffs high over the
lake.
lat=36.8582, lon=-84.3112(source: Topozone) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
KY
WATER
Dog Slaughter River
TYPE
Falls
DESCRIPTION
Pretty falls with large dark water pool at the bottom. Spring time would be best for swimming; later in summer there is not much water. Below Cumberland Falls, the Cumberland River has a 16 mile stretch before it reaches the backwaters of Lake Cumberland. In this stretch of river there are several falls, including Dog Slaughter Falls on the Dog Slaughter River which runs into the Cumberland River. Swimming hole is in the pool
at the bottom of Dog Slaughter Falls.
This e mail in 2006 from a visitor:"Just thought I drop an email and verify this is still a very viable swimming hole... Some info you might want to add is the trail to Dog Slaughter is no where near "moderate" there are lots of steep inclines and boulders to traverse, and if you decided to continue to the river the remaining .25 mile is definitely strenuous, with many near vertical climbs requiring edging with boots. People with weak ankles and knees should not attempt the remaining .25 miles of the trail beyond the Falls. As for swim suits, early in the season they probably aren't really needed, but during the summer this is a stopping point for the white water rafting groups. So in this case I would say follow whatever everyone else is doing. But, I would imagine suits would be customary. As for the directions to the trailhead they are dead on, and there are camping spots at three different places along the trail with fire-pits already built."
AREAS
Daniel Boone N.F.
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
None at site. All facilities nearby at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
None
CAMPING
There are 3 campgrounds in Daniel Boone N.F. near Dog Slaughter
Falls - Alpine, Bee Rock and Natural Arch Scenic Area campgrounds are all in the N. F., south of
Somerset. Hemlock Grove and Great Meadow campgrounds are both west of Stearns off RT 92.
There is also camping nearby at the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From London, go south on I-75 to the area of Corbin and take RT 25 west. Then go west on RT 90. Before you get to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, you will see Forest Rd. 195 (unpaved) on the right. Turn right and go about 2.7 - 3.0 miles on this unpaved road and see a wide spot in the road to park. Park here and take the trail on the left. Cross a small footbridge and go right. It is a 1.5 mile hike to the falls.
lat=38.7172, lon=-84.3122(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
KY
WATER
Licking River
TYPE
River
DESCRIPTION
A "great therapeutic little riffle" on the main branch of the Licking
River between Butler and Falmouth that is better than any hot tub. It is accessible only in low flow, as in July, August and September. It is accessible only by canoe, tube or
raft.
AREAS
None N.F.
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, Tubing, Canoeing
PHONE
None
CAMPING
Unknown
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From Covington, south on RT 27 to Falmouth. Then on the Licking
River via tube, raft or canoe to the riffles. (No better directions
available)
lat=36.88036, lon=-85.85664(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
KY
WATER
Skagg's Creek
TYPE
Creek
DESCRIPTION
Swimming hole in creek at Lion's Club Park and Fairgrounds,
which includes a camping area.
AREAS
Lion's Club Park and Fairgrounds
SANCTION
Unknown
FEE
Unknown
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
There is camping at the Park and Fairgrounds.
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From Bowling Green, go east on RT 68 to Glasgow, then south on RT 63 to
Temple Hill. The swimming place is at the Lion's Club Park and Fairgrounds in Temple
Hill. There may be an admission fee for swimming and/or for camping.
lat=38.36969, lon=-85.94464(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
IN
WATER
Little Indian Creek
TYPE
Creek
DESCRIPTION
OK, this one is actually in Indiana, but it is not far from KY and I have so few places in KY that I stretched it a bit. It is a long-time local swimming hole in bend in creek below bluff. Apparently still exists. Access unknown. Exact location unknown. Tell me if you find it.
AREAS
Unknown
SANCTION
Unknown
FEE
Unknown
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
Unknown
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From Lousiville, cross the river to New Albany, IN. Take RT 150 northwest to Galena. Near Galena, take Navilleton Rd. north to a bridge over the Little Indian River. I think it is near here. From here on, you are on your own. Ask around.
lat=37.54994, lon=-85.02389(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
KY
WATER
Little South Creek at North Rolling Fork River
TYPE
River
DESCRIPTION
Popular family swimming hole at junction of two rivers. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING RECEIVED FROM THE PENN FAMILY IN 2005:
"The PENN HOLE property no longer belongs to the Penn Family (the still own the store itself). Another person bought the property several years ago. The following is their policy: NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES allowed on their property leading to the creek and NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES in the creek bed at the PENN HOLE. [ 4 wheelers were destroying not only the area for others to enjoy, but destroying the new property owners crops, gates and fences.] HOWEVER ... people wanting to SWIM, FISH, PICNIC, and enjoy the river is fine. There are some places along the road where one can park to go to the creek."
PLEASE RESPECT THEIR WISHES OR DON"T GO!!
Here is some great information sent to me from the owners of Penn's Store:
"First off, let me give you a little more information about the store. Since 1850, the Penn family has owned Penn's Store, the oldest country store in America in continuous ownership and operation by the same family. We are on the National Registry of Historic Places and are also a Kentucky Centennial Business. Penn's Store is a working country store and we also have arts and
crafts made by Kentucky artists as well as books and writing by Kentucky and national authors. For more detailed information on Penn's Store, including a map and driving directions, you may go to our website PENN'S STORE WEBSITE."
Penn's Store now has PICKING & SINGING on some Second & Third Sundays each month.
"Penn's Store is situated at the junction of two rivers, the Little South Creek and the North Rolling Fork River. Originally known as the "Hickory Hole," this area was a very popular site for swimming and fishing. As a young child, my grandmother (now 85 years old) and her 9 siblings enjoyed the 9'-12' deep pools of clear water. Because of its location near the store,
the swimming hole became known as the "Penn Hole" to younger generations. It still provides old-fashioned water fun for people from all walks of life. "Rock-hounds" often walk along the gravel banks searching for unusual rocks, relics, and geodes. Many people bring picnic lunches or dinners to enjoy along the banks, taking in sun during the day and looking at the wide open star-lite skies at night."
"Thank you for including us on your website. We'd like to invite you and your family to visit us at Penn's Store."
Dawn Osborn-Graas
The Penn's Store Family
257 Penn's Store Road
Gravel Switch, Kentucky 40328
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
Store is nearby
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
859-332-7715
CAMPING
None at site
BATHING SUITS
Customary
DIRECTIONS
From Danville, go west on RT 150 to Perryville. Then go southwest (left turn) on RT 68 and then south (left) on RT 243 through Gravel Switch. Where RT 337 goes straight and RT 243 goes left, follow RT 243 to the left. Follow RT 243 as it turns to the right and crosses the bridge then turn right immediately after the bridge and see Penns Store. (See also "BUENA VISTA" swimming hole nearby)
lat=37.85244, lon=-82.89696(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
KY
WATER
Paintsville Lake
TYPE
Lake
DESCRIPTION
Cliff jumping place (ranges from low to VERY high) into impounded lake below.
This note from a visitor:"Always look into the water before jumping for the first time, but this place seemed to be a safe place to jump. It's well known to a lot of people in the county and people have been jumping here for years. There were also several local people there when I went and all of them jumped very safely. There are some obvious underwater trees to the right and maybe to left of the high cliff (I can't remember if they were to the left as well), and there may have been some on the low cliff, but I don't remember. Either way, I had plenty of room on both cliffs and didn't have to worry about any underwater obstacles. You can see the branches that are sticking up from the water, so stay in between them and you'll be fine. If you jump off of the 30 foot cliff, you have to swim to the lower ledge of the 25 foot cliff to get out of the water. I was also shown a 10 foot cliff which is to the left of the 25 foot cliff, but I dind't go off of it. There's an 80 foot cliff across the lake that you can see when you're standing on the 25 foot cliff. "
AREAS
Paintsville Lake S. P. is nearby
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, Jumping (verify safety first)
PHONE
None
CAMPING
Paintsville Lake S. P. (on the east side of the lake, near Saffordville) has camping.
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
Take I-64 to the Bert T. Combs Mountain PKWY. Stay on I-64 until it becomes RT 460 (You'll drive all the way through the Daniel Boone Forest). When Bert T. Combs Mountain PKWY becomes RT 460 turn left at the RT 460 junction towards Salyersville. Take RT 460 into what I think is downtown Salyersville and the road will T at RT 40, which is also a traffic light. Go Right on RT 40 towards the town of Oil Springs - You'll stay on RT 40 for approx. 15-20 minutes. From RT 40 go left on RT 580. (There's a white church building called Oil Springs United Methodist Church right on the corner of RT 40 and RT 580. This is where you'll be turning onto RT 580.) Take RT 580 for approximately 8 miles. You might see some signs for the Paintsville Lake Outdoor Education Center. You'll be passing this place on your left.
Keep going on RT 580, and watch for county route RT 2318. Turn left on RT 2318, and follow it about 1/4 mile. (Note, if you pass Colvin Branch Road, you've passed the Route 2318 turnoff.) Route 2318 will curve to the left. A little past the curve you will see a white gate on the right. There is a no parking sign on the gate, but you should be able to park somewhere else along the side. Walk down the path about 100-200 yards. Right before you get to the end of the path be looking to your right for a break in the trees that will take you to a thirty foot cliff and a twenty five foot cliff.
Swimming holes in the Red River Gorge area. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREAS
Red River Gorge, Daniel Boone N.F.
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, Jumping (verify safety first)
PHONE
None
CAMPING
There are several campgrounds in Daniel Boone N.F. Nearest is
Koomer Ridge (pretty primitive), near town of Pine Ridge. More developed (swimming,
boating and crowded) but further away are Zilpo and Twin Knobs on Cave Run Lake, still
in the N.F.
BATHING SUITS
Customary
DIRECTIONS
From Lexington, go 18 mi east on I-64 to Winchester, then take the Mountain Parkway southeast to Exit 33. Go north (the opposite direction from Natural Bridge state park) on RT 11 to Nada, continue north on RT 77 for 5 miles, then east on RT 715 into the Red River Gorge National Geological Area. Then:
SUSPENSION BRIDGE [SUSP]: Swimming place in the Red River (near the Suspension Bridge Trailhead) with a sandy beach. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=37.8258, lon=-83.6282(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from where RT 715 enters the Gorge area (above), go about another 4 or 5 miles on RT 715, park at the Suspension Bridge trailhead. As you face the far end of the parking lot, take the trail to the left, so the stream is on your right, for less than 1/4 mile. There is a sandy swimming area. Pretty confident. Not verfied. Updated 2/2011.
THE ROCKS [ROCK]: Swimming hole in river below high rocks. Huge rock to jump - check first before jumping for safety. PHOTO , PHOTO. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=37.82511, lon=-83.58592(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from the Suspension Bridge (above) continue east or RT 715 (an unknown distance - maybe 5 miles) and look for a sign indicating Mile Post 1. There, on the south side of RT 715, are the high rocks (visible from road) and swimming hole
below. Pretty confident. Not verfied. Updated 12/8/2008.
lat=37.1501, lon=-84.43125(source: web site) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
KY
WATER
Short Creek
TYPE
Creek
DESCRIPTION
This is a one-off swimming hole - a creek that emerges from the ground, goes 100 feet (enough to form a small, shallow swimming hole) then dives back into the earth. LINK TO PHOTOS AND INFO . Cold water! Strong currents possible after rains.
This place is on private property - it belongs to Elwood Taylor and his wife who live in Stab. They don't mind people going to the property as long as they don't trash the place. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not abuse this privilege!
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
None
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Swimming (shallow and cold)
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
None at site
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From Somerset, take RT 80 east almost to Buck Creek. You can see the old bridge on the right, and some buildings and houses. That is Stab. A little before that, turn right at the last right turn before the bridge on RT 80. After turning, you will quickly come to a T, which is the old road. Turn left and go through Stab and up a slight hill and take the first turn to the right, which is Short Creek Rd. It winds down to Short Creek, and the entrance to Short Creek Cave, which is on the right. There is a little parking area. This place belongs to Elwood Taylor and his wife who live in Stab. They don't mind people going to the cave property as long as they don't trash the place. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not abuse this privilege!
A Family-Friendly 
