Grayson Lake, body of water
Grayson Lake is a narrow reservoir carved into the land along Kentucky's Little Sandy River, with steep sandstone cliffs that rise as high as 200 feet in places. The water covers more than a thousand acres and is lined with densely forested shores featuring beech and hemlock trees, with several waterfalls flowing into the lake.
The lake was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1960s to control flooding on the Little Sandy River, using an earthen and rock dam roughly 120 feet tall. The flooding required the relocation of cemeteries, including the Old Mobley Cemetery in 1966, and changed traditional settlement patterns in the region.
The lake bears the name of the nearby town of Grayson and serves as a gathering place for outdoor enthusiasts and local communities today. Families and nature lovers regularly visit to paddle, hike, and observe wildlife, making it a focal point for people seeking time in nature.
The lake is accessible from the south via Kentucky Route 7 and offers free access without entrance fees or boat rentals on site. Bring your own boat, pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and visit during warmer months when water levels are highest and conditions are ideal for paddling activities.
Paddlers report discovering hidden caves and waterfalls such as the Grotto and Hidden Falls, where secret coves hide behind fractured sandstone rocks. These tucked-away spots are unmarked and require local knowledge or exploration to find.
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