There’s nothing like going for a swim in a Kentucky swimming hole – these natural pools are one of the most delightful simple pleasures of summer. But there’s one popular swimming hole in Bell County, Kentucky, that has a very tragic and terrible secret. Known as “Devil’s Garden,” this swimming hole in Kentucky is a haunting place where a terrible tragedy took place on a seemingly normal night not too long ago.

Middlesboro, Kentucky, is a place that, by all accounts, is your classic small town in the Bluegrass State.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Located in the heart of Bell County, Middlesboro is home to about 9,000 residents and boasts a beautiful downtown framed by the glorious Great Smoky Mountains.
Bell County KY Tourism/Facebook
A man-made canal flows through the heart of the city, and Fern Lake is located nearby. In addition, several small creeks and little cascades can be found along the trails and forests surrounding this small town -- Cumberland Gap National Historic Park is a popular place to hike near Middlesboro.
Internet Archive Book Images/Flickr

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But the wilds of Southeast Kentucky aren't as peaceful as they seem. Within Bell County, there is a small, local swimming hole simply known as "Devil's Garden."
Mingo Holler Outfitters/Facebook
One day, not so long ago, a group of teenagers were swimming here on a sticky summer night. At some point in the night, one of the kids slipped and hit his head on a rock in the shallows, an accident the teens thought was fatal.
Kentucky Unknown/Facebook
Panicking, the teens hid the body under the water, beneath a heavy rock. The next day, the kids returned to find the local authorities had already arrived and discovered the body.
Bell County KY Tourism/Facebook
To their horror, their friend had drowned during the night; he hadn't, as they'd believed, died from the fall.
They lived with their secret for over 15 years until they each started disappearing mysteriously. After carrying the weight of this secret for years, the remaining two teens - now adults - confessed and were sent to prison.
Proggie/Flickr
Ever since, on the night of every full moon, the moon's reflection casts a skull-like image on the water's surface -- a haunting reminder of a terrible tragedy.

Learn more about the story of Devils Garden Swimming Hole in Kentucky in this video:

Did you know the tragic history behind this Kentucky swimming hole? It sure sounds like the makings of a movie, doesn’t it?

There are some places in Kentucky that have borne witness to an unspeakable tragedy. The Pope Lick Bridge is another such place.

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More to Explore

More places to swim in Kentucky

Chris Muras | June 11, 2023

What are some of the best Kentucky swimming holes?

A Kentucky summer can get pretty hot and sticky. Finding a few places to swim can turn an unbearable day into an outstanding day. Here are some of the best Kentucky swimming holes to enjoy on a hot day:

  • Blue Heron, Daniel Boone National Forest, KY: In a secluded part of the Daniel Boone National Forest under a footbridge in the camping area off of Mine 18 Road you'll find this nice little swimming hole. It is nice and deep and the water is pretty clear - two great features of a good swimming hole.
  • Clifty Creek, Lake Cumberland State Park, KY: After a short walk from Clifty Creek Road you'll find this great spot to swim. It is part of Lake Cumberland Park. At one time it was a popular cliff-jumping spot, but it is now frowned upon. It is still a fun place to swim, kayak, and fish.
  • The Quarry, Pisgah Pike, KY: Just a ways past the Hillman’s Ferry Campground and Pisgah Bay you'll find this former quarry turned swimming hole. It is a deep, calm pool of water that makes for an excellent swimming hole.
  • Dog Slaughter Falls, Corbin, KY: This swimming hole with an ominous-sounding name has both a beautiful waterfall and a large pool of water - a perfect combination for cooling off in the summer. It takes a bit of a hike to get there but it is well worth the effort.
  • Falling Rock Park, La Grange, KY: This popular swimming hole is another former quarry-turned-swimming hole. You'll enjoy some of the cleanest water in the state at this rainwater-filled swimming hole. Not only is it a popular swimming hole but kayaking, paddle boarding, cliff jumping, and fishing for catfish can all be enjoyed here.

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