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Cranks Creek Lake is a 219-acre reservoir on the Martins Fork River in Harlan County, Kentucky, offering convenient water access for kayakers, canoeists, and boaters. The lake was completed in 1963 and provides a stable paddling environment suitable for recreational use. **To reach the Stone Mountain Boat Dock access point, take US-421 south of Harlan to Cawood, turn right on KY-987, then left on KY-3099.**
The lake supports a healthy fishery with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, and channel catfish, making it popular with anglers. The surrounding terrain is mountainous and heavily forested with steep slopes and deep hollows. Boat rentals are available at Stone Mountain Boat Dock. Note that the area has no camping facilities or internal roads—plan accordingly for day-use visits. Paddlers should expect scenic mountain views and relatively protected water conditions typical of a reservoir setting.