This Walk-Behind Waterfall And Swimming Hole In Kentucky Must Be On Your Summer Bucket List
By Sarah McCosham|Published June 04, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
There’s no shortage of fabulous falls in Kentucky, a state that really is a waterfall chaser’s dream. From jaw-dropping tall falls and double falls to our very own Niagara Falls, all sorts of waterfall chasing adventures await in the Bluegrass. With summer well on its way, we’re heading out on a seasonal adventure today, to a waterfall swimming hole in Kentucky that’s almost too beautiful for words.
Have you ever seen anything more magical? This is Dog Slaughter Falls, a gorgeous waterfall oasis complete with its very own swimming hole -- and it's hiding right here in Kentucky.
Accessing these falls requires an easy, 2.6-mile out-and-back hike, and it's one of those hikes where the scenery along the trail is almost as beautiful as the destination waiting at the end.
There are actually two different trailheads you can choose from depending on where you’d like to start. You’ll find a shorter one on Forest Road 195 about 2.8 miles from where the road passes KY-90. If you choose to start here, you’ll reach the waterfall in just about a mile. That makes the full trip just about two miles.
No matter which trail you choose, you're in for a treat. Both wind through the immensely scenic landscape of the Daniel Boone National Forest, one of the most celebrated regions of the Bluegrass.
Both trails boast the resplendent rock formations and geological features for which Kentucky is well known, and you'll lose track of the miles as you enjoy pure, unadulterated awe and wonder.
Of course, that theme will continue upon discovering Dog Slaughter Falls. The waterfall is about 15 feet tall and no matter what the season, it looks unbelievably picturesque. You’ll want to bring a camera on this hike for sure.
This is one of those amazing waterfalls in Kentucky you can actually walk behind, too, and if there's been significant waterfall recently, prepare for some serious spray!
And if you feel so inclined, the cerulean blue swimming hole at the base of this Kentucky waterfall is simply sublime on a hot summer afternoon. What a marvelous reward for your efforts!
And yes, with a name like Dog Slaughter Falls, you can bet this waterfall trail and pool in Kentucky is dog friendly. Share this summer waterfall chasing adventure with your furry BFF!
When was the last time you swam in the basin of Dog Slaughter Falls? Did you know this walk-behind waterfall in Kentucky *also* had its own glorious swimming hole at the basin? What a perfect summer adventure, we say.
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