The last English colony in the United States, Rugby was founded by English writer Thomas Hughes as a home for second sons of English gentry. When Hughes visited the colony in 1880, he awoke the first morning to the sounds of young men gathering. “In a few minutes,” he wrote, “several appeared in flannel shirts and trousers, bound for one of the two rivers which run close by...They had heard of a pool 10 feet deep…and a most delicious place it is, surrounded by great rocks, lying in a copse of rhododendrons, azaleas, and magnolias.” The pool the young men were bound for was the Gentlemen’s Swimming Hole.

-100 Trails of the Big South Fork: Tennessee & Kentucky, 4th Edition Written by Russ Manning

Overview. This is a terrific short hike while visiting the region. Enjoy a seasonal waterfall, sandstone arch, and idyllic swimming hole in the Clear Fork River. I imagine in the dog days of Summer, this is the place to be in Rugby.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 0.88 miles
Elevation Gain | 229 feet
Overall Difficulty | Easy to Moderate

GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 36.369175, -84.698286
Sandstone Arch | 36.369867, -84.701039
Seasonal Waterfall | 36.370014, -84.700883
Gentlemen’s Swimming Hole | 36.370741, -84.701194
Rugby TN BSFNRRA Trail Map

Parking. Limited parking is available at the trailhead near Laurel Dale Cemetery. Bathrooms can be found at the Visitors Center on the south side of Rugby Parkway.

Trail Navigation. There are two trailheads - take the western trail and descend moderately into the Clear Fork River Gorge below. Take in the double-breaking waterfall that is particularly nice after some fresh rains and notice the sandstone arch on the left. This arch’s geology is uncommon, and I can only recall one other arch with similar make-up - Tomb Arch in Red River Gorge. Continue downhill until reaching the marked spur to the swimming hole. Take a dip here when river conditions allow or walk upstream to enjoy a trio of very scenic bent trees. Retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.

HIKER NOTE - Make It a Loop. This out and back is a portion of the longer loop that circles out to the confluence of Clear Fork River and White Oak Creek. Take the full tour clockwise by continuing the loop or take the east trailhead for a counterclockwise tour of an estimated 1.7 miles.

HIKER NOTE - “Historic Trail”. There is an old trail that goes past the arch across the drainage. Russ Manning referenced this trail in his guide, so I’ll make a point to see where it goes on my next visit.

CAUTION - Flooding, Fast Water. Avoid this hike when river conditions are unfavorable, when flooded, or when flash flooding is forecast.

CAUTION - Cliffs Present. While the trails are safe, cliffs are present if you get off the path. Be sure to stay away from the edges of cliffs, as this is a leading cause of death for hikers.

CAUTION - Poisonous Snakes. Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes can be found in the area. Should you encounter one, stop and slowly back away. Always give venomous snakes a wide berth. Know Before You Go => University of Kentucky Venomous Snake Guide

CAUTION - Black Bears. Ursus Americanus - a.k.a. the American black bear is growing in population throughout much of Kentucky. Know Before You Go => US Forest Service Black Bear Safety Tips