Last year’s Grayson trip had great weather, and the foliage was just starting to turn. This year we will should have more color, and hopefully more good weather. The lake has amazing cliff lined sections, and waterfalls if it rains a day or two before the trip. This trip is a Canoe and Kayak version – we will not go as fast or as far, but will still get to paddle very scenic sections.
We will be camping at Grayson Lake State Park, 314 Grayson Lake Park Rd, Olive Hill, KY 41164, Friday and Saturday nights. We will be “car camping”, so feel free to bring as much warm gear as necessary since we will not need to haul camping gear in our boats. Two tents and two vehicles are allowed per site, so sharing sites will cut down on expenses. It is a nice, modern campground with showers and flush toilets. Be sure to make your camping reservations as soon as you can, since it is a popular place on the weekends.
The HCKC requires all paddlers participating in Club events to wear a PFD at all times while on the water. COVID-19 social distancing will be in effect along with HCKC waivers/Covid self-screening. This trip does not require a shuttle.
Note: Before attending, participants are requested to complete a Waiver/COVID Screening Form and e-mail it to the Judy Thompson (judy_thom@hotmail.com) - doing this "on-line" will limit required contact during the event
Grayson is about a 4 to 5-hour drive from Indianapolis. It is one my favorite paddling locations, and I feel it is well worth the trip. Please contact Judy Thompson judy_thom@hotmail.com for more information.
UPDATE – THERE ARE VERY FEW CAMPSITES LEFT TO RESERVE AT GRAYSON LAKE STATE PARK. There are only a few reservable sites left – if you would like to go, please make your reservation. I will be on campsite 23. There are also 7 walk up (non-reservable) sites if you would like to take your chances. At Grayson, each site can accommodate 2 vehicles and 2 tents, or a camper and a tent, so if you are willing to share your site please do so. If you can’t get a reservation, but would like to share a site, let me know, and I will try to match you up with someone. There is a commercial campground quite close, Shady Valley (606) 474-0103. That would be a good alternate place to stay. Since some people may not be able to stay at the State Park, here are the meeting plans for the paddling:
Friday – Meet at 1:30 pm at the Grayson Bruin boat ramp/beach: On Rt. 7 (east side), 11.9 miles south of the interstate exit. We will NOT be launching from this ramp, merely meeting there because there is a large parking lot there. The turn for the ramp will be on the East side of the road and is about 0.8 mile south of the Entrance to the State Park which is well marked. NOTE: This is not to be confused with the main marina at the dam, which you will pass a few miles north. We will then drive to the Newfoundland Ramp to launch.
Saturday – Meet at 9:30 am at the Grayson Bruin boat ramp/beach: On Rt. 7 (east side), 11.9 miles south of the interstate exit. We will NOT be launching from this ramp, merely meeting there because there is a large parking lot there. The turn for the ramp will be on the East side of the road and is about 0.8 mile south of the Entrance to the State Park which is well marked. NOTE: This is not to be confused with the main marina at the dam, which you will pass a few miles north. We will then drive to the Caney Creek Ramp to launch.
Sunday – We will meet at Clifty Creek ramp at 9:30 am. The launch ramp is on Rt. 7 about 10 miles south of the interstate on the west side of the road and north side of the creek (if you get to the golf course, you overshot about a mile). This ramp is on the west side of the road and just about 1.3 miles North to the Entrance to the State Park on Rt. 7.
Friday and Sunday will be shorter paddles, Saturday will be most of the day (bring a lunch).
