Natural swimming hole
Pine Island Double Falls
Waterfall · Kentucky
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
Two cascades, one dropping around 20 feet and the other roughly 41 feet, meet in a single blue-green to aquamarine plunge pool on Pine Island Branch inside the Daniel Boone National Forest between Somerset and London. The falls are reached by an unsigned, roughly 1.4-mile trek that follows a creek past gorges, caves and rock formations. The falls are seasonal and frequently diminish or dry up without recent rain, so flow and pool depth are best after substantial rainfall. A major tornado caused serious closures across this part of the forest in 2025, so verify current Forest Service closure and reopening status before visiting.
Good to know
| Water type | Waterfall |
|---|---|
| Depth | Blue-green plunge pool where the two cascades meet; depth and size vary with seasonal flow |
| Best season | March-June, and after substantial summer rainfall |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | Daylight hours |
| Parking | Unmarked trailhead on the gravel Double Falls Trailhead Road; navigation apps have reportedly sent visitors to the wrong location, so use the falls coordinates and a downloaded map |
| County | Laurel County |
| Nearest town | London |
| Safety notes | No lifeguard. Unsigned trailhead and faint trail with a descent below the cliff line; the waterfall is seasonal and frequently dries up. Verify current Daniel Boone National Forest closures and reopening status before visiting, following 2025 tornado damage in this part of the forest. |
Map
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Pine Island Double Falls?
Yes — Pine Island Double Falls is listed as a natural swimming spot in Kentucky. Heads-up: No lifeguard. Unsigned trailhead and faint trail with a descent below the cliff line; the waterfall is seasonal and frequently dries up. Verify current Daniel Boone National Forest closures and reopening status before visiting, following 2025 tornado damage in this part of the forest.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Pine Island Double Falls require reservations?
No reservations are required at Pine Island Double Falls based on current information — but verify before you go.
When is the best time to visit Pine Island Double Falls?
The best season is typically March-June, and after substantial summer rainfall.
Is Pine Island Double Falls safe for swimming?
Reported safety notes: No lifeguard. Unsigned trailhead and faint trail with a descent below the cliff line; the waterfall is seasonal and frequently dries up. Verify current Daniel Boone National Forest closures and reopening status before visiting, following 2025 tornado damage in this part of the forest.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — swim at your own risk.