KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — Kentucky is a rising star in tourism, and with Lexington and Louisville recently being named top destinations by Airbnb and USA Today highlighting Lake Cumberland as the top lake in the United States, there are plenty of reasons to spend your weekends in the Bluegrass State.
Kentucky is known for its natural tourism, hiking, bourbon, and freshwater fishing, but almost every Kentuckian has their personal favorite swimming hole. Here is a list of beautiful places to escape the summer heat.
1. Falling Rock Park Quarry, La Grange
Falling Rock Park Quarry is Kentucky Tourism’s top pick for Kentucky swimming holes.
Affectionately called “The Quarry” by locals, this swimming hole is filled only by rainwater and offers beauty and something different from typical lakes or swimming pools. The Quarry doesn’t have much shade or places to escape the sun, so bring sunblock and plenty of water.
The Quarry is for those 18 and over, is alcohol, drug, and firearm-free, and everyone is required to have some type of flotation device. There is a $10 cover fee per person.
For more information, visit frp-lagrangequarry.com. The Quarry is located at 2201 Fendley Mill Rd., La Grange.
2. Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky Lake
With a name like Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky Lake must be a great place to take a dip. Well, Kentucky Tourism and TripAdvisor think so.
“If you’re looking for some solitude in western Kentucky, then the pastoral, easily-accessible Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is the way to go,” reads Kentucky Tourism’s top five swimming holes list.
The Moss Creek day-use area has picnic tables, grills, and a pebble beach for swimming, along with other natural swimming holes scattered across the 170,000-acre park. Dogs on a leash are welcome at the park, with a special dog swimming area available too.
If you’re looking to pay a visit, head to landbetweenthelakes.us for more information. Land Between the Lakes is located at 238 Visitor Center Drive, Golden Pond.
3. Dog Slaughter Falls, Eagle Falls, at Cumberland Falls
Cumberland Falls is known for the waterfall and hiking opportunities, but locals will tell you there are great swimming holes nearby too.
Dog Slaughter Falls and Eagle Falls both have small pools of water and waterfalls, creating a small forest oasis after the short hikes it takes to get to them.
Learn more about the falls at parks.ky.gov. The falls can be found at 7351 Highway 90.
4. Cumberland Lake
A stunning picture of the glass-like water on a warm summer morning on Lake Cumberland in Kentucky. (Getty) 
Jet Skiing (Kentucky Tourism) 
Sunrise over the hills of Lake Cumberland in Kentucky. Extreme shallow depth of field. (Getty) 
Bass Boat Fishing. (Kentucky Tourism) 
Jet Skiing (Kentucky Tourism) 
Woodsend bend resort sorrounded by Lake Cumberland near Somerset Kentucky. (Getty) 
Tubing & Water Skiing. (Kentucky Tourism)
Lake Cumberland, created by the Wolf Creek Dam, spans Laurel, Clinton, Pulaski, Russell, and Wayne counties and was recently named the number one lake in the United States by USA Today.
Lake Cumberland is known for its great boating scene and was featured in a FOX 56 News story highlighting great fall color viewing sites. The lake and the attached park offer swimming, a beach, geocaching, hiking, fishing, and more.
Find more information about Lake Cumberland at parks.ky.gov. Lake Cumberland State Resort Park can be found at 5465 State Park Rd.
5. Cave Run Lake, Morehead
Cave Run Lake is Tripadvisor’s second-highest-rated body of water in Kentucky and one of its top things to do in Morehead.
Part of the Daniel Boone National Forest, Cave Run Lake is an 8,270-acre protected lake with a campground, hiking trails, and, of course, plenty of places to take a dip.
Those interested in more information about the lake can visit fs.usda.gov. Cave Run Lake is found at Kentucky 801 S.
