Carr Creek Lake, body of water
Carr Creek Lake is a large reservoir in Knott County created by damming Carr Fork River. The water covers approximately 710 acres and is held by an earthen dam built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which reveals distinctive layered rock formations at its spillway.
The lake was created in 1976 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built a dam across Carr Fork River to control flooding and provide recreation. The region itself was settled by pioneers starting in the 1770s, with William Carr among the early hunters who gave his name to the creek.
The name "Carr Fork" comes from William Carr, a well-known hunter from the early settlement days in this region. Today, the lake serves as a gathering place where local families and visitors connect with nature through fishing, boating, and quiet reflection by the water.
The best time to visit is early morning when the water is calm and wildlife is most active. The park is easily accessible via Kentucky Route 15 and offers a marina with boat rentals, 39 campsites with water and electrical hookups, hiking trails along the shoreline, and picnic areas suitable for day trips or longer stays.
The lake's spillway reveals layered rock formations that tell the geological story of ancient seas and mountain-building events spanning millions of years. These exposed stone layers offer visitors an unexpected window into the deep past of Kentucky's landscape without requiring additional travel.
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