Luckily for locals and tourists alike, the cool waters of our lakes and rivers offer a welcome respite from the oppressive heat. Here are our selections for Kentucky’s top swimming holes to beat the scorching heat!
Clifty Creek
Clifty Creek is a stunning area that bears up to its name. The beautiful green trees that cover the orange slate cliffs shimmer on the water’s surface. This is a well-liked swimming and boating area in the neighborhood. Take your boats and kayaks to the creek to explore the various stunning sights. Hidden Falls, is one of the attractions in Clifty Creek that visitors shouldn’t miss. The magnificent and unusual downpour in a cave effect is produced by the mossy stone overhang. At the extreme end of Clifty Creek is Hidden Falls, which is definitely worth the journey. There are a number of places, all within a quarter mile of public parking lots on Clifty Creek Road where one can reach Clifty Creek.
Short Creek
The fact that Short Brook is the shortest creek in the world is well known. An underground river gives way to a 150-foot length of watercourse. The water pouring from beneath enables this water flows at 56 degrees all year around. People who want to discover unusual water features or refresh by swimming on a warm summer day frequent this location. This is a distinctive and unexplored spot to explore because of the clear blue water’s stunning contrast with the encircling luscious green forest. Although the area is privately owned, tourists are welcome to explore Short Creek. Guests are asked not to tent, repel, or kindle fires nearby. In order to protect this oasis for the owners and other tourists, people should respect the natural beauty of the area. Short Creek is located in eastern Pulaski County, just off Kentucky Highway 80.
Rockcastle River
One of Kentucky’s top whitewater streams is the Rockcastle River, which divides the counties of Rockcastle and Laurel. Whether it’s calm water for fishermen and family outings or difficult whitewater for kayakers, it has something to offer everyone. After the hamlet of Livingston, where the Middle Fork and South Fork of the Rockcastle meet, the floatable stretch of the river starts. Anglers, novice boaters, families, and canoe campers can all enjoy a relaxing float on the Rockcastle River portion from Livingston to Billows. While floating Rockcastle River, all boaters should be wearing life jackets, or have enough on board for everyone.
The Quarry by Pisgah Pike
The “Party Cove” or Rock Quarry is popular among outdoor enthusiasts at Kentucky Lake. In recent months, the water level was very low, giving locals the chance to hike to the quarry. The Rock Quarry, which is eight miles south of Kentucky Dam close to Pisgah Bay, is a well-liked summertime destination for boaters. The 16-acre quarry is frequently overrun with boats, many of which tie up there to lounge around and have fun. At the quarry, thrill-seekers and daredevils occasionally plunge off the cliffs, plummeting 30 feet to the ocean. During the summer, the majority of visitors use boats to travel to the rock quarry. The Hillman Heritage Trail at Hillman Ferry Campground offers access to it on foot, but you must register at the gatehouse.
Dog Slaughter Falls
In the Danial Boone National Forest, there is a stunning 15-foot waterfall called Dog Slaughter Falls. Despite its unappealing moniker, this is the ideal spot to play on a beautiful day. A stunning overhang is where the waterfall plunges into the watery pool below. This is a beautiful area to get back in touch with nature because of the vibrant hues of the boulders and vegetation. 2.7 miles from the KY 90 junction, on Forest Service Road 195, is where the climb to Dog Slaughter Falls begins. Hikers should proceed in the direction of Dog Slaughter Creek after parking on the Forest Service Road. The footbridge that spans the creek and has a sign identifying it on the other side marks the path. The walk to the waterfall is about a mile long once you pass the footbridge, bringing the hike to two miles roundtrip. The clean waters just downstream from the falls are a great place to cool off for hikers who visit the falls. There are sandy beaches nearby where you may relax, and the water is shallow and still. When choosing a swimming location, swimmers should exercise caution and ensure the current is appropriate for them to swim in. Mountain water, which is present here, is quite chilly all year long.
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The fact that Short Brook is the shortest creek in the world is well known. An underground river gives way to a 150-foot length of watercourse. The water pouring from beneath enables this water flows at 56 degrees all year around. Where is a popular place for outdoor enthusiasts? The “Party Cove” or Rock Quarry is popular among outdoor enthusiasts at Kentucky Lake. In recent months, the water level was very low, giving locals the chance to hike to the quarry.
