Clifty Creek
Jamestown, Kentucky
Canoe, Kayak, and Swim
Clifty Creek is a beautiful location that lives up to its namesake. The orange slate cliffs rise are coated in lush green trees and reflect on the waters surface. This is a popular local swimming hole and boating spot. Bring your kayaks and canoes to explore the different and beautiful views up and down the creek.
One of the sights visitors shouldn't miss at Clifty Creek is known as hidden falls. The mossy rocky overhang creates a rainstorm in a cave effect that is breathtaking and unique. Hidden Falls can be found at the far end of Clifty Creek, and is definetly worth the trip.
Clifty Creek can be entered from several points that are all only a short distance (less than a quarter mile) from accessible parking lots on Clifty Creek Road.
More Information
Explore | Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
- Take the family to swim at our beautiful sandy beach.- Hike the Lake Trail, Clifty Creek Trail, or Indian Bluff Trail.- Explore the lake by canoe, kayak, pedal boat, and stand up paddleboard.- Stroll across the Dam and bring your fishing pole.- Remember to take your photo with amazing views from Fisherman’s Rock.
https://parks.ky.gov/explore/pennyrile-forest-state-resort-park-7798swimmingholes.org Kentucky 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/ky.htmlThe Top 5 Swimming Holes in Kentucky
Whether you’re looking for vacation ideas or are just interested in a particular topic, we’ve got all the information you need to plan your next trip.
https://www.kentuckytourism.com/trip-planning/travel-inspiration/articles/2023/07/25/the-top-5-swimming-holes-in-kentucky
- 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 Jamestown, Kentucky
- Head southeast on US-127 Business S/
N Main St Continue to follow US-127 Business S(112 ft) - At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto US-127 Business S/
E Cumberland Ave Continue to follow US-127 Business S(2.1 mi) - Turn left onto US-127 S (3.8 mi)
- Turn left onto Clifty Cr Rd (2.0 mi)
- Keep left to stay on Clifty Cr Rd (0.4 mi)
Other Swimming Holes, Canoeing Areas, and Kayaking Areas Nearby
Blue Heron
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Short Creek
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38.4 miles NEA 150-foot stretch of 56-degree spring water emerging from underground, shockingly clear against lush green woods — swim, picnic, or peek into the cave where it disappears.
Cave, Hike, Swim 1.0 mi
Gentleman's Swimming Hole
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Buena Vista
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Penns Store
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42.4 miles NA privately owned swimming hole on the North Rolling Fork River — named for one of the oldest country stores in the US, with multiple sandy beaches, sandbars, and slow cool water perfect for a summer float.
Swim 0.7 mi
Dog Slaughter Falls
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42.6 miles EA 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.
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Temple Hill Area
Butler, Kentucky
43.8 miles WA slow, deep, cool swimming hole on the Skaggs River with a small sandy beach near the Happy Hollow Bridge — a perfect summer spot for relaxing in the water all year.
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Big South Fork Area
Helenwood, Tennessee
45.3 miles SEMiles of trails, multiple named swimming holes, and five campgrounds spanning the Kentucky-Tennessee border in Big South Fork National Recreation Area — including Gentleman's Swimming Hole and Station Camp.
Camp, Hike, Swim
