Cool Off This Summer In Some Of The Clearest Water In Kentucky At Laurel River Lake's Spillway Beach
By Sarah McCosham|Published August 11, 2021
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
There are near-endless options when it comes to enjoying a day on the water here in Kentucky. The Bluegrass State boasts 45 major lakes and reservoirs, and has more navigable miles of water than any other state except Alaska. But when you’re looking for a swimming experience with crystal-clear waters that aredownright tropical, there’s one Kentucky lake that dazzles above the rest. Laurel River Lake is well-known as having some of the clearest water in the state, and the lake’s Spillway Beach is the perfect place to cool off and enjoy an authentic beach day this summer in Kentucky.
Located amid Kentucky's wondrous Daniel Boone National Forest, the 5,600-acre Laurel River Lake has water like nowhere else in the state, which makes it a popular destination, especially in the summertime.
With water so clear you can see all the way to the bottom, and sand so soft it rivals a Caribbean beach, Laurel River Lake's Spillway Beach is one of the best summertime spots in Kentucky.
The beach at Laurel River Lake is maintained by the Corps of Engineers at the spillway of the Laurel River Dam, and is an excellent place to spend a lazy summer afternoon in the Bluegrass State.
Its quiet coves, lush surroundings, and cliff-lined shores offer plenty of peace and relaxation, as well as unrivaled opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation.
At Laurel River Lake, adventure seekers enjoy incredible boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming, in one of the deepest, cleanest, and clearest lakes in Kentucky.
Stand-up paddle boarding is another popular pastime at Laurel River Lake, and you'll frequently find community classes and events happening here during the summer.