Dog Slaughter Falls
Swimming hole in London, Kentucky · Waterfall
Dog Slaughter Falls is a falls swimming hole. It is at Dog Slaughter Falls Trail / KY 90 corridor, Corbin, KY. Access is free. Best season: Dry-weather weekdays May–October.
Typical season: Dry-weather weekdays May–October
About Dog Slaughter Falls
Dog Slaughter Falls is a ~**15-foot** woodland cascade on Dog Slaughter Creek in Daniel Boone National Forest near **Cumberland Falls State Resort Park**. a free alternative when the main state-resort crowds feel overwhelming. The reward is a cold rock pool and spray beneath rhododendron and hardwood shade.
Most hikers cover about **3 miles round-trip** on the Dog Slaughter Falls Trail (easy, moderate with roots and creek noise) and wade carefully when flow is friendly. After heavy rain the creek turns pushy and the rocks ice-slick; treat high water as a photography-only day. Combine with Cumberland Falls for a classic Corbin, Williamsburg weekend without paying for a gated swim park. Pair it with Cumberland Falls after lunch if you want both the roadside famous overlook and a quieter forest pool the same afternoon.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- Dog Slaughter Falls Trail / KY 90 corridor, Corbin, KY 40701
- Water type
- Falls
- Water body
- Dog Slaughter River
- Fee
- Free — Daniel Boone National Forest day-use; no entrance fee for the falls hike
- Nearest town
- London
- State
- Kentucky
- Coordinates
- 36.85820, -84.31120
- Best season
- Dry-weather weekdays May–October
- Access difficulty
- Easy–moderate ~3-mile round-trip hike
- Parking
- Roadside / pull-off
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Dogs allowed
- Yes
- Camping
- Nearby Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and Daniel Boone NF campgrounds
- Land manager
- U.S. Forest Service
- Activities
- Hiking, cautious swimming/wading, photography
- Facilities
- Trailhead parking only — no amenities at the falls
- Last verified
- July 15, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Dry-weather weekdays May, October
- Access Easy, moderate ~3-mile round-trip hike
- Facilities Trailhead parking only. no amenities at the falls
- Camping nearby Nearby Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and Daniel Boone NF campgrounds
Highlights & features
- Scenic 1.5-mile hike to the falls
- Crystal-clear swimming pool
- Rich wildlife and plant life
- Photography opportunities year-round
- Proximity to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
- Haunting historical name
- Refreshing swimming experience
- Less crowded compared to other attractions
How to get there
Near Cumberland Falls / Corbin in southeastern Kentucky (Daniel Boone National Forest). Confirm trailhead status after winter storms. blowdowns are common in the Daniel Boone.
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1. Use KY 90 toward Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and follow local/forest signs for Dog Slaughter Falls Trail parking.
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2. Park only in designated lots — do not block Bark Camp or forest-road intersections.
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3. Hike the marked trail ~1.5 miles one-way to the falls and creek pool.
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4. Return the same route; bring footing-friendly shoes for wet rock.
Plan your visit
Dog Slaughter Falls works well as a day trip from London or Corbin. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Gabes Branch Falls or browse more Kentucky waterfall spots in our directory. For the full list in Kentucky, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Unofficial, unmaintained site. No fee is charged for access, but there are no facilities at the trailhead or falls. Parking is an unmarked pull-off on Forest Road 195. The trail is for hiking and swimming only.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Dog Slaughter Falls?
Yes in the creek pool below the falls when water is calm. There are no lifeguards; skip swimming after storms.
How long is the Dog Slaughter Falls hike?
About 3 miles round-trip (~1.5 miles each way) on a wooded forest trail.
Is Dog Slaughter Falls free?
Yes — national forest trail access with no entrance fee for the hike itself.
How far is Dog Slaughter Falls from Cumberland Falls?
A short drive between trailheads near Corbin — easy to pair the waterfall park overlook with this quieter forest hike.
Why is it called Dog Slaughter?
Local/historical naming for the creek and hollow — the falls themselves are a standard Appalachian cascade, not a canine hazard zone.
Are dogs allowed on Dog Slaughter Falls Trail?
Leashed dogs are typically allowed on Daniel Boone NF trails — pack out waste and keep pets off fragile creek banks.
Is Dog Slaughter Falls good for kids?
Capable kids who handle roots and wet rock can manage the hike; swimming supervision must be constant.
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Map & location
Culture & history
Rumored to be named for tragic incidents involving dogs, the area reflects Kentucky’s wild heritage. Nearby London celebrates local culture with events like the World Chicken Festival.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles. Protect the delicate ecosystem by avoiding littering and staying on designated trails.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.