Falling Rock Park aka The Quarry

Okay soooo this is a hard review for me, cause this place is beautiful. I want to continue liking this place, but today just turned me off to Falling Rock completely. I don’t like rules… I’m 34, I have a career, college educated, and can make intelligent decisions… that being said… if I can find a way to bring in an adult beverage (not a fifth, case, etc… two 24 ounce cans) on my vacation day off from work then I am going to. In the past, the staff will look in your trunk and cooler and let you move on. Today the only thing missing was a cavity search, no joke. She looked in the front of my car, in consoles, purses, etc… nothing found… then on to back seat and looked under the driver and passenger seats in pockets… nothing found… gets to the trunk and digs through beach bags, and coolers (and digs) not just a normal look inside and done this chick dug down into the ice moved things around etc (found the two 24 ounce drinks, oh and 2 airplane bottles of gin — let’s be honest no one is getting drunk on that small amount of alcohol in 5 hours) I know it’s her job, but really to be so thorough to the point of making me feel like a criminal is not cool. (I’m sure a long time ago one turd ruined it for everyone). she could not let me in because of what she found… I just told her I was fine with throwing it away and she went ahead and let us stay. I have never came to Falling Rock and been subject to a search like this before. That being said, that is my first and last time getting searched like that. Southside is where you go to not be treated like a criminal

What a fun way to cool off on a hot summer day. Closer and cheaper than a trip to the lake but I felt like I had a mini vacation. I’m an old lady but was comfortable on the quieter side (away from the jumpers). Every staffer was pleasant; they filled my raft up and answered all questions. Bring your float, your $ 10 cash, a cool drink and/​or snacks and a good book. I floated and read for two hours… cheaper than the therapist! Can’t wait for a day to go back!

Pros:
Easy access
Fun low-​key environment
Float rentals (if you don’t bring your own)
Air pumps to blow up floats you bring
Friendly staff
Clean warmish water
Port-​a-​potties on site
Tons of parking
Jumping platforms
volleyball area and basketball hoop
Cons:
$ 10 CASH per person (a little steep)
Teens playing loud music and smoking
Not enough jumping platforms (there’s only 2)
Needs a rope swing and slide
Slimy ladders
Confusing website
Muddy parking lot

My new favorite place in Louisville… seriously. There’s not a lot of places that remind me of home, but this local swimming hole sure is one of em. This quarry is fed only by rainwater, not muddy runoff from the surrounding area. It’s super clear water, there’s plenty of places to park, and they have pavilions and enough tables for everyone to set up for the day… or night, if you prefer to overnight camp on the weekend. The owner is awesome, as long as you’re respectful. If you’re a dick… don’t bother coming. You don’t deserve to enjoy this hidden gem.
The stacked rocks to do flips and tricks off of was my favorite. It would be neat if they could incorporate a few more platforms and maybe some that are higher!

From the moment I entered, I was uncomfortable. You have to sign your life away just to enter. There are about 10 disclaimers on the sheet. The staff are abrupt and condescending. I’m not exaggerating when I say one rule is ‘no swimming’. It’s too absurd to be believed.
They bark their many rules at you at every opportunity. They treat their guests like dumb drunks although between the car searches and the big signs as you enter, it is clear there is no alcohol allowed. But then why is it necessary to have a sign that says ‘absolutely no underage drinking’?Or ‘no drinking related games’? Doesn’t that imply an adult could drink a beer by the water? It is too much to hope for any logic.
During the 30 or so minutes we stayed, I was thinking that this would be a pretty nice place with about a quarter of the people and none of the attitude and rules. Too bad.

LOVED this place! I can’t believe it took me so long to come check it out, even though my friends have been raving about it the last few years. I was thinking it would be loud and obnoxious with a bunch of teens and that I’d feel out of place. Not that way at all. Yes, it’s more of a young crowd but there were several people over 30. I like that it’s 18+. Also, I like that alcohol is not permitted because A) you can still bring it in on the down low, and 2) It keeps people from making an ass of themselves because they have to use some self control. I only wish they let you take beverages into the quarry (you must get out of the water to drink anything). The water was clear and the setting is lovely. We plan on going back to camp soon.

This is one of those places you almost don’t want to Unilocal about because it will easily become everybody else’s favorite place too. I had heard about «The Quarry» for several years and just not made it out to see the place for myself. The weather was finally warm enough recently for me to make the trek.
Most reviewers have already hit on the high points: no kids, $ 10 entry fee, bring a floatie (they will inflate it for you if you need them to), and be prepared to use a port-​a-​potty (side note: there is hand sanitizer close to the one at the float inflating station; the employee said they used to keep it in all the potties but people would steal it).
This place is a guaranteed good time. The water is amazingly clear; I would recommend bringing goggles if you want to peer around at the fish and even the submerged car used for scuba diving practice. You’ll likely smell a few grills fired up, hear some music from various sides of the lake, and kick back, relax, and enjoy a little slice of heaven while you’re there. My day was completed when I went recently and the ice cream truck came by — nothing brings out the kid in me like hearing the tinny rendition of «Turkey in the Straw» that means that ice cream is near.

Went here for my birthday. This place is awesome. Exclamation point.
I was a little scared because my coworkers described it as «redneck paradise,» and I’m pretty much a yuppie… but this place was so much fun. You essentially have to jump in off high rocks to get in the water, which is super fun (and terrifying.) When we were there, there was a crowd in the water judging jumps on style.
We tailgated out of our cars. You’re not supposed to have any glass or alcohol. They searched some of our cars but not others. That said, we were probably about 10 years older than everyone else there :)
When you go you should be prepared to spend most of your time in the water, because there’s no beach or grassy areas to hang out in. We had a couple lawn chairs but could have used more.
Take a look at all the rules and restrictions so you don’t get there unprepared. You will need $ 10 cash, an ID, and a floatie.

$ 10 (in cash… very important. feels a little steep, but whatever.)
Requires you to have a floatie of some sort (though you can rent one for the day if you’d like)
18 and over is a definite plus (no screaming or crying… from children at least)
Can bring in your own food and drink («no alcohol» though, and in the 3 – 4 hours we were there we saw police come through at least once an hour, if not more) and no glass.
No showers or change areas (as far as I know) so be prepared.
Porta-​potties are the only facilities. You can deal.
Lay out, relax, swim, volley some ball. It was a wonderfully relaxing day.
You may want to bring flip flops or shoes to wear *into* the water. It’s a quarry… there are lots of rocks. My feet definitely hurt for at least a day after from the pointy-​ness of the rocks.

A true Kentuckiana Redneck Resort!
Notes: 18 or older, no glass bottles, MUST have a flotation device to get in the water, $ 10 cash for each person.
The height of quarry swimming!

Although I was a bit astonished at the $ 22 per person cost to camp overnight, Falling Rock was worth the price. The water was amazingly warm, and the docks and cliffs made for great lounging and terrific jumps.
Law enforcement rolling through to check for alcohol and drugs was a bit of a buzz kill, but I had my beverage in a plastic cup and wasn’t hassled.
At night, there are rumors of a special beach and I met lots of other campers who came to our site for music and to share drinks.
Pro tips:
1. Don’t camp if you expect rain. The whole place turns to mud, and it’s a mess.
2. Bring a serious flotation device. If you try to float just using a Fun Noodle, you’ll wind up pooped.