Ratliff Hole
Elkhorn City, Kentucky
| Address: | Ratliff, KY 41522, USA |
| GPS: |
37°20'29.4"N 82°25'35.5"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Kentucky |
Restrooms Picnic Tables Rivers Fishing
Swim
Ratliff Hole is a popular swimming hole on the Russell Fork River. This secluded swimming spot has beautiful rock cliffs that create a magnificent view for swimmers in this area.The rock formations, flowing water and greenery provide beautiful views for visitors to this area.
In addition to swimming, visitors can enjoy fishing, canoeing and kayaking along the river. The water at Ratliff hole is smooth and calmer than other parts of the river, making it perfect for wading for fishers. The river rushes faster in other areas, creating an adventurous journey for paddlers.
Ratliff Hole is one of several swimming holes in Breaks Interstate Park. The park charges a $2 entry fee per vehicle.
More Information
If You Didn’t Know About These 9 Swimming Holes in Kentucky, They’re a Must Visit
Some days, the best swimming holes in Kentucky become Heaven on earth. Here are our picks for nine sweet swimming spots!
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nature/kentucky/11-swimming-holes-in-kyRatliff Hole (Potters Ford) — Kentucky Hiker
This is among the top swimming holes in Kentucky with some amazing riverside views framed by towering cliffs. Pool Point is located just downriver, and Ratliff Hole also serves as a great place to start a beautiful paddle on Russell Fork.
https://www.kentuckyhiker.com/latest/2020/9/12/ratliff-hole-potters-fordThe 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-kentuckyThere’s A Secluded Lagoon At Breaks Interstate Park In Kentucky
Breaks Interstate Park is a beautiful, underrated park in Kentucky that features wondrous geological formations and a secluded lagoon.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nature/kentucky/secluded-lagoon-breaks-interstate-park-ky
- 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 Elkhorn City, Kentucky
- Head northwest on Patty Loveless Dr toward W Russell St (0.2 mi)
- Patty Loveless Dr turns right and becomes KY-80 W/
Elkhorn St Continue to follow KY-80 W(3.0 mi) - Turn left onto US-460 W (4.9 mi)
- Turn left onto KY-195Destination will be on the left(2.5 mi)
Other Swimming Holes Nearby
Pool Point
Elkhorn City, Kentucky
6.5 miles SEA long rope swing, 25-ft-deep river pools, and a famous high rail bridge draw cliff divers and swimmers to this scenic Kentucky swimming hole at Breaks Interstate Park.
Canoe, Dive, Hike, Kayak, Swim 0.3-1.5 mi
Breaks Interstate Park Area
Haysi, Virginia
8.1 miles SEStraddling Kentucky and Virginia, this "Grand Canyon of the South" delivers 20+ miles of trails, natural river swimming holes, and a full water park on Laurel Lake.
Camp, Canoe, Hike, Horseback, Kayak, Mountain Bike, Swim
Little Stony Falls Area
Dungannon, Virginia
32.7 miles SA large pool beneath a 25-foot waterfall, framed by sunning rocks, makes Little Stony Falls a relaxed and likely clothing-optional destination in the Virginia mountains.
Swim
Cedar Creek Falls
Honaker, Virginia
33.3 miles SEAlso known as 'Big Falls' — a sun-warmed swimming hole with a 50-foot-wide pool roughly 10 feet deep at the base of the falls, with a safe jump spot on the eastern end.
Swim 6.6 mi
Devil's Bathtub
Duffield, Virginia
38.5 miles SA 7.2-mile rocky loop through Devil's Fork's extremely cold crystal-clear swimming holes, culminating in the famous Devil's Bathtub — a deep waterfall pool beneath steep rippled cliffs.
Hike, Swim
Pickle Fork
Oil Springs, Kentucky
43.7 miles NWDeep blue-green water backed by dramatic cliffs makes Pickle Fork a striking cliff-jumping spot on Cane Branch — always check water depth before leaping.
Swim
