CARR CREEK STATE PARK
Carr Creek Lake was once home to some of the area's earliest pioneer settlements as early as the 1770s.
Carr Fork, a tributary of the North Fork of the Kentucky River, is located 8.8 miles below Carr Creek Dam, and is thought to have gotten its name from William Carr, a well-known Long Hunter who hunted in the area.
The marsh environment in the Carr Creek area is unusual for the Mountains of Eastern Kentucky, but provides a wide assortment of watchable wildlife. Wood duck, great blue and green heron, ruffed grouse, bobwhite, wild turkey, red-winged blackbird, warblers, raccoon and striped skunk may be found making their homes in this area.
Established in April 1997
Carr Creek State Park is located fifteen miles southeast of Hazard. Carr Fork Lake covers 750 acres and at 480 feet, has the longest sand beach in the Kentucky State Parks System. Considered to be one of the best campgrounds in southeastern Kentucky, the park has a full service marina located on KY 15, near the campground. The marina provides visitors with boating and fishing supplies. There are covered and open boating slips, and rentals for fishing boats and pontoons.
Located in Knott County, Carr Creek State Park is surrounded by history as well as nature. Formed in 1884, Knott County was named for Governor James Proctor Knott 1883-1887. Explorers such as Christopher Gist made note on the area as early as 1751. He observed large coal deposits in the area. The abundance of coal would play a large part in the economic development of Knott County and eastern Kentucky.
The Cherokee and Shawnee hunted in the forests of eastern Kentucky, including the region that would become Knott County. Settled in 1825, the Knott County area remained somewhat isolated for many years. The county had no railroad system until the 1960s.
Timber and coal became a staple of the areas economy. The countys hardwood forests provided timber for buildings and furniture, and the rich coal deposits helped fuel the industrial growth of the United States.
The scenery surrounding the park consists of tree-covered hills that showcase a variety of Kentuckys trees and plant life. These extensive woodlands bring to mind the grandeur of a bygone age when most of Kentucky remained a part of the forest primeval.
