Big South Fork Area
Helenwood, Tennessee
| GPS: |
36°23'16.1"N 84°37'44.5"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Kentucky |
Restrooms Picnic Tables Rivers Trails Fishing National Park
Camp, Hike, and Swim
Big South Fork is a National Recreation Area that straddles the boarder between Kentucky and Tennessee. This large park provides miles of trails, forests and riverfront making it the perfect place to spend the day exploring. With several swimming holes, hiking trails and campgrounds there is no limit to what you can discover here.
A trail list and map can be found at any of the visitors centers, that also shows how to get to the designated swimming holes. Burnt Mill Bridge, Gentleman's Swimming Hole, Brewster Bridge, Leatherwood Ford, O and W Hole, and Station Camp are the most accessible swimming holes to see out while you are there.
Big South Fork has five established campgrounds available, some with more amenities and full RV hook-ups and others as established primitive sights. There are campsites here to perfectly fit any styles of camping.
More Information
swimmingholes.org Tennessee Swimming Holes and Hot Springs rivers creek springs falls hiking camping
THE web site for beautiful, natural places for a cool dip or hot soak.
https://www.swimmingholes.org/tn.htmlBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Helenwood, Tennessee
- Head east on Keeton Ln toward Helenwood Loop Rd (46 ft)
- Continue onto Helenwood Detour Rd (259 ft)
- Continue onto Main St (0.3 mi)
- Turn right onto US-27 S (4.4 mi)
- Turn right onto Old US Hwy 27 (1.4 mi)
- Turn right toward Mountain View Rd (171 ft)
- Turn left onto Mountain View Rd (2.3 mi)
- Turn right onto W Robbins Rd (210 ft)
- Continue onto Al Martin Rd (0.5 mi)
- Turn left onto Honey Creek Loop RdDestination will be on the left(0.4 mi)
Other Swimming Holes and Hiking Trails Nearby
Gentleman's Swimming Hole
Oneida, Tennessee
7.1 miles NClear Fork River runs slow and deep through Big South Fork, making Gentleman's Swimming Hole a rare chance for a real swim at the end of an easy 2-mile family trail.
Hike, Swim
Frozen Head State Park
Wartburg, Tennessee
19.1 miles SESwim near Wartburg, Tennessee
Swim
Turley Hole
Pioneer, Tennessee
19.7 miles ESwim near Pioneer, Tennessee
Swim
Blue Heron
Stearns, Kentucky
19.9 miles NA forested swimming hole on the Big South Fork Cumberland River — shallow at the edges, deeper in the center, with a picnic area nearby and Mine 18 museum a short walk away.
Swim
Obed Scenic River Area
Kingston Springs, Tennessee
22.1 miles SRemote swimming holes along Obed Wild and Scenic River hide in and around Wartburg — stop at the visitor center for a map before heading out, as GPS is unreliable here.
Swim
Ozone Falls
Rockwood, Tennessee
36.5 miles SSwim near Rockwood, Tennessee
Swim 0.7 mi
Dog Slaughter Falls
Williamsburg, Kentucky
37.0 miles NEA 15-foot waterfall plunging over a mossy overhang into a bright blue pool in Daniel Boone National Forest — a shaded two-mile round trip with creek views the whole way.
Hike, Swim
Clifty Creek
Jamestown, Kentucky
45.2 miles NWOrange slate cliffs cloaked in green trees reflect on the water's surface at this local swimming and kayaking spot — don't miss Hidden Falls at the far end, a mossy-rock cave-waterfall hidden gem.
Canoe, Kayak, Swim
Piney River Area
Rockwood, Tennessee
48.7 miles STen miles of remote backcountry trail link several swimming holes along the wild Piney River — a true through-hike with very likely optional swimwear in the wilderness.
Swim
