Red River Gorge is a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing for outdoor lovers year-round.
If you visit during the warmer months, you may want some options to cool off after a day of hiking in the heat.
I’m sharing more about great places to cool off, wade, and swim at Red River Gorge in east-central Kentucky.
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Swim at the Public Pool at Natural Bridge State Resort Park
2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY.
If you prefer to swim in a pool, your best option is the public pool located at Natural Bridge State Resort Park.
The outdoor pool is open seasonally, Monday – Friday, and for lodge/cottage guests from 11 AM to 7PM. The last day of the season is Labor Day.
The swimming pool is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM to 7 PM.
Pricing for the General public is $6 per adult, ages 13 and up, and $5 per child ages 3-12.
The pool is first-come, first-served with a limited pool capacity. The pool features a generous supply of lounge chairs, and changing rooms are available for guests.
The pool features a zero-depth entry and a kiddie pool for younger guests.
The operational schedule can change over the season. Call to confirm hours and pricing in advance (606) 663-2214)
Go Wading in the Waterfall Area at Mill Creek Lake
2135 Natural Bridge Road, Slade, KY
Mill Creek Lake can be a fun spot to cool off if you just want to wade or play in the runoff waterfall that feeds from the lake.
Unfortunately, Mill Creek Lake only allows fishing and light boating.
You can book kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals from Red River Adventure.
The overflow water, not pictured above, does get even deeper towards the bottom.
A Popular Swimming Hole at Red River Gorge
If you prefer a swimming hole, a popular spot at Red River Gorge is “Jump Rock,” located near the Sheltowee Trace Trail Parking lot.
Red River Gorge Parking Lot for the Sheltowee Trace Trail is a short walk from Jump Rock.
The parking lot for Jump Rock can fill up quickly. It’s a popular spot for swimming and hanging out, so you may have better luck finding a parking spot later in the afternoon.
Jump Rock is where thrillseekers of all ages face their fears before jumping off the giant rock into the water.
I would definitely recommend checking the depth levels below on the day of your visit before jumping.
A Beautiful Waterfall at Red River Gorge
Creation Falls is another hidden gem at Red River Gorge.
The waterfall is located off the Rock Bridge Trail loop in the Cumberland Ranger District in the Red River Gorge.
The sandy beach located next to the waterfall is one of the most surprising things to discover at this hidden gem.
You can read about all the tips for visiting Creation Falls here.
Guests Can Swim at Cliffview Resort
Cliffview Resort doesn’t have a swimming pool, but it does have a pond on-site where you can swim.
A word of caution: if you’re fishing, check your pockets before you sit down. My son and husband ended up swimming in search of something that fell out of his pocket.
They didn’t find it, but they did find several cell phones from previous guests in the water.
Go Kayaking Underground
2478 Glencairn Rd, Rogers, KY
Cave kayaking is a great way to beat the heat and stay out of the elements.
Paddlers can go on a guided tour through an abandoned flooded limestone mine at The Gorge Underground.
This is the coolest place to go at Red River Gorge on a hot day with 52-degree temperatures year-round and over five miles of tunnels dating back over 100 years.
You can read more about this underground cave kayaking adventure here.
