Natural swimming hole
Bork's Falls
Waterfall · Illinois
Community-reported spot. Details below are compiled from public sources and are reported to be accurate — always verify locally before visiting.
About this swimming hole
Bork's Falls is a roughly 30-foot waterfall in a separate, undeveloped section of Ferne Clyffe State Park, where the creek crosses Regent Lane and drops over a rock ledge, often splitting into two streams, into a blue-green plunge pool. Multiple independent hiking guides describe swimming and wading in the pool below the falls, and the state park's trail materials list Bork's Waterfall Trail as a 0.5-mile trail to the base of the falls. There are no facilities at the site and entry to the state park is free.
Good to know
| Water type | Waterfall |
|---|---|
| Best season | Late spring through summer, especially after rainfall when flow is strongest |
| Fees | Free |
| Reservations required | No |
| Parking | Very small roadside parking area on Regent Lane (room for about 2-3 cars) at the creek crossing above the falls. |
| County | Johnson |
| Nearest town | Goreville |
| Safety notes | Remote, unmaintained site with no lifeguard: the descent to the pool is steep and the rock is slippery. Do not attempt to drive or wade across the creek on Regent Lane during high water, and expect flow and pool depth to vary with rainfall. |
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Bork's Falls?
Yes — Bork's Falls is listed as a natural swimming spot in Illinois. Heads-up: Remote, unmaintained site with no lifeguard: the descent to the pool is steep and the rock is slippery. Do not attempt to drive or wade across the creek on Regent Lane during high water, and expect flow and pool depth to vary with rainfall.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Bork's Falls require reservations?
No reservations are required at Bork's Falls based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Bork's Falls?
Reported fee info: Free. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Bork's Falls?
The best season is typically Late spring through summer, especially after rainfall when flow is strongest.