Laurel River Lake Scouting and Information for the HCKC laurel river lake click here Distance: 292 miles; 4 hours 20 minutes Alternate to Grayson Lake. Campground: Holly Bay Campground— water, electric and primitive Holly Bay campground click here Caping fees: 32-70$ with double sites available, Primitive sites are very nice especially in the B loop “A” sites are on the main trafficked road and I don’t recommend. Laurel lake is an 19 miles long reservoir with numerous fingers and a sandstone shore Line ac- cessible by kayaks. It is considered one of the clearest and most beautiful lakes in Kentucky. It is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest. It is a high boat trafficked area in the late spring and summer but very little traffic in the fall (ac- cording to the locals) Campground: Holly Bay was the best in the area offering multiple camping loops and 2 primi- tive loops with about 14 primitive sites that are very accessible. Bear boxes and bathroom are located in primitive areas. Bathrooms are clean with good showers within each loop of camp- ing. Put-ins/ Launch sites: • Can launch from the campground— (A- section) but the Marina is a couple hundred yards away and this my not be the best launch • Craigs Creek— is about 2 miles outside the campground (193N to 192). It is a free launch site. • Marsh Branch access— launch is a 3$ cost to launch and is about 5 miles away. • Laurel bridge access is a more river like access (about 25 min away)—narrower part of the lake resembling a river —can launch and go up 5 miles and back…The access is in- teresting as you can access the lake immediately and unload but then you have to drive back up the hill a short distance to park…Then walk down 182 steps the water (of course, all your gear will have been unloaded at the ramp below). Returning may be a treat. But we could bring paddlers to their cars in one person’s pick up, if we have one. • High Top access—26 miles from campground • Beach Access— large beach with long carry…a good visit with a rock walk that over- looks the gorge. Not recommend as a Put-in • Bark camp creek was recommended by a ranger who kayaks. (Will try to find it) Costs • Launch fees are 3$/day or 5$/3days. You can purchase passes at gas stations and mari- nas. • 2 free launch sites: Craigs creek and campground Groceries: • Nearest grocery is 16 miles away in London (plan on bringing in all supplies) • Ice is available nearby Hiking in area: • Beautiful hikes in the area, I am told • Nice trail around the river right from the campground • Cumberland falls is bout 25-30 min away • Yahoo Falls is recommended • About a 1.5 miles outside the campground is a 5 mile waterfall hike • Check trails on line and on All Trails • Recommended by Ranger: Dog slaughter Falls Laurel River Lake Ranger office # 606-864-4163 for more information. App recommendation by the river ranger at laurel river Use Avenza Maps (river maps, also) ® on your mobile devices to locate yourself without the Internet or network connections. Take Avenza Maps hiking, biking, climbing, camping and anywhere you need a map outdoors. Use your device’s built-in GPS to stay safe, on track, on the trail, and aware of where you are on any map, even in the most remote places. We should check this out…I’m trying! I will add to this as info becomes available, Mariann .