Buena Vista is a scenic swimming and wading spot on the beautiful Rolling Fork River in the rolling countryside of central Kentucky, near the small towns of Calvary and Lebanon in the heart of the Bluegrass State. A favorite of local paddlers and swimmers — and a popular stop for those floating the Fork — it's a peaceful, natural place to cool off on a hot Kentucky afternoon.

Here the Rolling Fork meanders through limestone bedrock, which creates smooth stone surfaces and shallow, inviting pools that are perfect for wading and splashing. The spot is marked by a picturesque rocky cliff along the river and the old Lebanon Water Works intake structure — no longer in use — which give the area its distinctive character. It's a lovely place to swim, float, picnic on the rocks, or launch a lazy paddle downstream.

Getting there involves a short walk through a hayfield, which can be uneven or muddy after rain, and there are no facilities on site, so come prepared with your own water, food, and gear, and pack out everything you bring. As with any natural river swimming hole, there are no lifeguards: watch children closely, check the depth and current before wading in (the river runs higher and faster after rain), and wear water shoes for the rocky bottom.

Late spring through early fall, when the water is warm and the weather stable, is the best time to visit. Quiet, natural, and easygoing, Buena Vista is a delightful slice of rural Kentucky river country.