Clifty Creek
Swimming hole in Lexington, Kentucky · Lake
Clifty Creek is a lake/cliffs swimming hole. It is near Lexington, Kentucky. Access is free. Best season: Spring through early fall (April to October) is a strong choice for swimming, cliff-jumping, and enjoying lush green surroundings.
Typical season: Spring through early fall (April to October) is a strong choice for swimming, cliff-jumping, and enjoying lush green surroundings
About Clifty Creek
Near Lexington in Kentucky, Clifty Creek offers a straightforward outdoor swim on Lake Cumberland.
There are no ticket booths, no snack bars, and no lifeguards. What you get instead is raw, unfiltered nature at its most inviting. Standing at the edge of the cliffs, you'll understand immediately why people make the drive from Lexington, Danville, and Jamestown to reach this place. The bluffs command sweeping views of Lake Cumberland's blue-green expanse, its fingers of water reaching back into densely forested coves.
The surrounding hillsides are thick with hardwood trees. Oaks, maples, and sycamores. That drape the landscape in deep green from spring through early fall, then ignite in amber and crimson as October arrives. Birdsong and the occasional splash of a jumping visitor are the only sounds competing with the wind off the water. Wildlife is abundant here; keep your eyes open for herons fishing the shallows and hawks riding thermals overhead. Visitors can leap from the rock ledges into water that, fed by the vast reservoir, stays refreshingly cool even during the height of summer.
Treat Clifty Creek as a wild swim: no lifeguard, variable depth, and rules that can change by season.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Lake/Cliffs
- Water body
- Lake Cumberland
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Lexington
- State
- Kentucky
- Coordinates
- 36.93700, -85.07450
- Best season
- Spring through early fall (April to October) is a strong choice for swimming, cliff-jumping, and enjoying lush green surroundings. Autumn offers stunning foliage views, while winter provides solitude and tranquility.
- Access difficulty
- Moderate. The trail to the .
- Parking
- Designated area
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Cliff jumping
- Reported
- Camping
- Nearby at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park.
- Activities
- Jumping, Swimming
- Facilities
- No on-site facilities. You should bring water, snacks, and any necessary supplies. Nearby Lake Cumberland State Resort Park offers camping and amenities.
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Spring through early fall (April to October) is a strong choice for swimming, cliff-jumping, and enjoying lush green surroundings. Autumn offers stunning foliage views, while winter provides solitude and tranquility.
- Access Moderate. The trail to the .
- Facilities No on-site facilities. You should bring water, snacks, and any necessary supplies. Nearby Lake Cumberland State Resort Park offers camping and amenities.
- Camping nearby Nearby at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park.
Highlights & features
- Clear waters with cliff-jumping opportunities
- Scenic views of Lake Cumberland
- Short hiking access
- Rich biodiversity and wildlife
- No fees or facilities for a natural experience
- High cliffs for jumping
- Unspoiled natural setting
- Stunning views of Lake Cumberland
How to get there
Clifty Creek lies in Kentucky near Lexington, Danville, and Jamestown. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
-
Starting Point: Danville, KY
Begin your journey in Danville, KY. Head southwest on US Route 127 South toward Jamestown, KY. This route will take you through scenic countryside and small towns. Continue on US Route 127 South for about 40 miles until you reach Jamestown, KY. Jamestown is a small town near Lake Cumberland and serves as a helpful waypoint. After passing through Jamestown, stay on US Route 127 South and continue driving for an additional 6 miles. Look for Clifty Creek Road on your left. Turn left onto Clifty Creek Road. This is a narrow, rural road, so drive carefully. Follow Clifty Creek Road for 2.3 miles until you reach the end of the road at a boat ramp on Lake Cumberland.
-
Parking and Trail Information
At the end of Clifty Creek Road, you will find a parking area near the boat ramp. Park your vehicle here. The parking lot is unpaved but spacious enough for visitors. From the parking area, locate the trailhead to the right of the boat ramp. The trail begins at the very end of the road and follows the shoreline of Lake Cumberland. Walk along the trail for a short distance to reach the cliffs overlooking the lake. The trail is well-trodden and easy to follow, but wear sturdy shoes as the terrain can be uneven in places.
-
Helpful notes
The cliffs provide stunning views of Lake Cumberland and are a popular spot for . Exercise caution near the edge of the cliffs and supervise children closely. Bring water, sunscreen, and any supplies you may need, as there are no facilities at the site. Have a safe visit to Clifty Creek and the natural beauty of Lake Cumberland!
Plan your visit
Clifty Creek works well as a day trip from Lexington or Danville. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Buena Vista or browse more Kentucky lake spots in our directory. For the full list in Kentucky, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Access is via an unpaved parking area at the end of Clifty Creek Road. This is an unofficial site with no managed facilities, fees, or services. The terrain can be uneven; appropriate footwear is advised.
Top picks for this trip
Willit Rashguard Swim Shirt UPF 50+
The best all-around sun shirt for swimming holes — light enough to swim in, dry enough to hike out in.
Check price on
Outward Hound Granby Splash Life Jacket
The best all-around dog swim float for natural water — as long as the hole is calm and you stay hands-on.
Check price onDisclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
What to pack for Clifty Creek
Gear we compare side by side for lake swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
Disclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Clifty Creek?
Yes. Clifty Creek near Lexington, Danville, and Jamestown in KY is a lake/cliffs swimming spot on Lake Cumberland. Scout depth and current before entering — no lifeguards at most natural access points.
Is Clifty Creek free?
Access is generally free (fee listed as “No”). Confirm any parking or day-use rules on site, and pack out trash.
How do you get to Clifty Creek?
Clifty Creek is in KY within day-trip range of Lexington, Danville, and Jamestown. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
Nearby swimming holes
Map & location
Culture & history
Located near Danville, a town rich in historical significance, Clifty Creek adds to the tapestry of Kentucky’s natural and cultural heritage. Nearby attractions offer insights into regional history and traditions.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the area’s fragile ecosystem. Avoid littering and stay on marked trails to minimize environmental impact.
Sources & updates
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.