Natural swimming hole
Flat Lick Falls
Waterfall · Kentucky
About this swimming hole
Flat Lick Falls plunges roughly 30 feet into a pool surrounded by sandstone cliffs and large boulders at the Flat Lick Falls Recreation and Scenic Area near Gray Hawk. A paved trail leads from the parking area to an overlook above the falls, and additional trails provide access to the base. The pool below is a popular place to wade and swim during the summer, and a smaller, shallower area above the falls offers a gentler place to splash around.
Good to know
| Water type | Waterfall |
|---|---|
| Depth | Pool below the falls is deep enough for swimming in summer; shallower splash area above the falls |
| Best season | May-September |
| Fees | Free |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | Daylight hours |
| Parking | Parking area at the recreation area, 3042 U.S. 421, Gray Hawk, reached by following signs off Lower Hays Road |
| Amenities | picnic tables, restrooms, campground |
| County | Jackson County |
| Nearest town | Gray Hawk |
| Safety notes | No lifeguards on duty. Swimming conditions vary with rainfall and water levels; low-lying areas can flood after heavy rain and swift currents can create hazardous conditions. Rocks near the pool can be slick. |
Map
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Flat Lick Falls?
Yes — Flat Lick Falls is listed as a natural swimming spot in Kentucky. Heads-up: No lifeguards on duty. Swimming conditions vary with rainfall and water levels; low-lying areas can flood after heavy rain and swift currents can create hazardous conditions. Rocks near the pool can be slick.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Flat Lick Falls require reservations?
No reservations are required at Flat Lick Falls based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Flat Lick Falls?
Reported fee info: Free. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Flat Lick Falls?
The best season is typically May-September.