Temple Hill Area
Butler, Kentucky
Swim
Temple Hill — better known to locals as Happy Hollow — is a beloved old-fashioned swimming hole on the river near Butler, Kentucky, in the rolling countryside of the state's northern bluegrass region. Generations of families have come here to cool off on hot summer days, drawn by a deep, lazy stretch of river and a friendly little sandy beach right by the Happy Hollow Road bridge.
The setting is pure small-town summer. At the swimming hole, the river runs deep and slow, with cool, refreshing water that stays comfortable even through the dog days of summer. A small sandy beach makes for an easy place to wade in, spread out a towel, and relax, while the calm, deep water is great for a leisurely swim. There aren't any big jumping or diving spots, but you won't miss them — this is a place for floating, splashing, and unwinding.
It's an easygoing, free local favorite, found near the Happy Hollow bridge. As with any natural swimming hole, a few common-sense cautions apply: there are no lifeguards, so swim with a buddy and keep an eye on children; check the depth and current before wading in, especially after rain when the river can rise; and wear water shoes, since river bottoms can be rocky or muddy.
Summer is the season, when the water's warm and a cool dip is just the thing. Bring a picnic, sunscreen, and a tube or float for the slow water, pack out all your trash to keep this local gem clean, and enjoy one of northern Kentucky's classic, low-key swimming holes.
More Information
swimmingholes.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.html
- 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 Butler, Kentucky
- Head east on Braford Ct toward Cs-2002/
Matilda St (46 ft) - Turn left onto Cs-2002/
Matilda St (26 ft) - Turn right onto Front St (0.2 mi)
- Turn right onto Mill St/
State Hwy 177 E N Continue to follow State Hwy 177 E N(0.6 mi) - Turn right to stay on State Hwy 177 E N (3.3 mi)
- Turn left onto KY-467 W (0.6 mi)
- Continue onto KY-17 N (7.3 mi)
- Turn left onto KY-14 W (3.3 mi)
- Turn right onto US-25 N (0.6 mi)
- Turn left onto Eads Rd (1.6 mi)
- Turn right onto Eads Rd/
Salem Creek Rd Continue to follow Eads Rd(2.7 mi) - Merge onto KY-14 W/
KY-16 W (0.5 mi) - Turn right onto KY-14 W (1.8 mi)
- Turn left to merge onto I-71 S (14.6 mi)
- Keep left to stay on I-71 S (52.1 mi)
- Keep right to stay on I-71 S, follow signs for Louisville (5.0 mi)
- Take exit 1B on the left for I-65 N/
I-65 S toward Nashville/ Indianapolis (0.7 mi) - Keep right at the fork, follow signs for I-65 (1.0 mi)
- Keep left, follow signs for Nashville and merge onto I-65 S (4.9 mi)
- Keep left to stay on I-65 S (2.7 mi)
- Keep left to stay on I-65 S (85.3 mi)
- Take exit 43 for Louie B. Nunn-Cumberland Parkway toward Glasgow/
Somerset (0.8 mi) - Continue onto Cumberland Pkwy (13.4 mi)
- Take exit 14 for KY-90 toward Glasgow/
Burkesville (0.3 mi) - Turn right onto KY-90 E/
Burkesville Rd (3.2 mi) - Turn right onto Morrison Park Rd (2.0 mi)
- Turn left onto State Hwy 63 (3.7 mi)
- Turn right onto Happy Hollow RdDestination will be on the right(1.3 mi)
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