Laurel River Lake

Quick Facts

Laurel River Lake

Kentucky

(606) 864-6412

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

Located in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest, this lake has clear water and excellent largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing. The 5,600 acres of deep, clear water and 192 miles of cliff-lined shore make it one of the most scenic lakes in Kentucky.The lake has an abundance of wildlife including Canadian Geese, bald eagles and many others.

Laurel River Lake, with its cliff-lined shores and quiet coves, is a favorite destination. The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for thousands of visitors each year. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors have numerous activities from which to choose, including: fishing, camping, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, diving and to relax at one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in Kentucky. Because of the lake's proximity to I-75 (20 minutes from Exit 25, 29, and 38) lakeside recreation can fit nicely into your other vacation plans.

Map of Laurel River Lake

Latitude, Longitude: 36.955653, -84.216042

Boating
Laurel River Lake provides boaters with a wide variety of opportunities to enjoy their respective recreational interests. Fishing, pleasure boats, and personal watercraft all share the waters, so each boater has a responsibility to respect other boaters and practice good boating ethics and launching etiquette. Laurel River Lake boaters should learn the lake by using available lake maps and charts, and identify and understand the buoys, shallow markers, and other navigational aids on the lake.
Camping
Please contact park services for more information.
Fishing
The lake provides excellent fishing for black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, and Kentucky), rainbow trout, walleye, bluegill, and catfish. Night fishing for trout is popular during the summer. Fishing licenses can be purchased at the county clerk's office, marinas, and many local stores.
Hiking
Laurel River Lake Laurel Loop trail is a 1 1/4 mile strenuous hiking trail located before the uncontrolled spillway and Laurel tail waters. This trail loops from a heavily forested natural area which include many prime examples of local floral and fauna. The trail includes several natural and developed overlooks for excellent views of the spillway inflow and tail waters area. The steep natural terrain limits the accessibility.

Sheltowee Trace National Recreation trail 94 miles of this trail are located within the Daniel Boone National Forest. Portions of the trail skirt the western edge of the shoreline.
Horseback Riding
Please contact park services for more information.Please contact park services for more information.
Hunting
Please contact park services for more information.
Picnicking
Picnic sites are available.
Water Sports
Swimming on Laurel River Lake is one of the more popular water-based activities. Swimming is prohibited at launching ramps, mooring points, marinas, public docks, and posted areas. It is allowed elsewhere, but for safety's sake please swim only in specifically designated areas. The Spillway Beach is much safer as it is off-limits to boats of all kinds. "Restricted area" buoys and a floating yellow pipeline surround the beach. Canoe trips can range from peaceful half-day family outings to challenging multiple-day trips. There are a number of options depending on the time of the year and the type of trip that you are looking for. The clear water and submerged rock formations make Laurel River Lake a popular destination for scuba divers. You can spot dive flags almost every weekend throughout the recreation season. Please operate safely within site of dive flags.