If you’re looking for a unique outdoor adventure in Kentucky, I highly recommend this paddle to a hidden waterfall
The hidden grotto at Grayson Lake is tucked away in an area that’s easy to pass by, but once you discover where it is, you’re in on the secret.
I’m sharing more about what you need to know before visiting Grotto Falls so you can have a great day on the water.
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Are There Kayak Rentals at Grayson Lake?
There aren’t any kayak or stand-up paddleboard rentals available on-site at the Clifty Creek boat launch at Grayson Lake.
Kayak rentals are available from Grayson Lake Marina, but you aren’t allowed to transport them to a closer location.
You must put the kayaks in the water at the marina, and it’s recommended to have a full-day rental because it can take around 2.5 hours to reach the grotto from their location.
Guided Tours to Grotto Falls at Grayson Lake
A guided tour is another option for reaching Grotto Falls if you don’t own kayaks or SUPs.
You’ll want to book in advance if you prefer to have a guide take you to Grotto Falls.
Dragonfly Outdoor Adventures offers guided kayak tours, and SUP Kentucky offers guided SUP tours.
What Gear to Bring to Grayson Lake
If you don’t own a regular kayak, inflatable stand-up paddleboards, and double inflatable kayaks also work great for this paddle.
For this trip, I preferred having an inflatable stand-up paddleboard that could also double as a kayak when I wanted to take a break from standing up.
I also wanted an option that was easy to get in and out of the water on my board. We used the portable SUP inflator to save our energy.
I recommend bringing a dry bag and attaching it with carabiners. You’ll be in full sun while on the water, and a rash guard, hat, and sunscreen make a big difference.
We wore our swimsuits because we wanted to easily cool off in the water. I wore strappy sandals for entering the water, and took them off once we left the boat launch.
You may want to bring a strap for your sunglasses if you’re concerned about possibly falling off your board.
I’d also recommend bringing snacks and a small cooler attached with bungee cords for drinks to keep you hydrated. We also attached life jackets to our boards just in case.
If you bring an inflatable stand-up paddleboard or kayak, there aren’t great grassy areas nearby for when it’s time to roll it back up.
We chose to carry the boards straight to my friend’s minivan. We deflated them but didn’t roll them back up into their bags until we got home, so that we could roll them up in the grass. I didn’t want to risk damaging them on the gravel.
Directions to the Clifty Creek Boat Launch
You’ll want to start your paddle adventure to Grotto Falls at Clifty Creek Boat Launch.
Travel on KY 7 S of Grayson, pass the dam on Grayson Lake, and turn right on the gravel road just before the bridge. Be on the lookout for the sign for Clifty Creek Boat Ramp on the right.
An upper and lower parking lot is available at the boat launch at Clifty Creek.
We visited during the week and lucked out with a parking space in the lower lot closer to the water.
The water was pretty clear at the boat launch. It was still rocky as we entered the water, so I’d recommend wearing some sort of water shoes.
This area is also a popular place for locals to go swimming on a hot day.
Paddle to the right, away from the bridge on the left side as you enter the water.
The bridge is also a helpful marker during your return paddle back to the Clifty Creek boat ramp.
This section of the lake is a no-wake zone, which makes it even easier for paddling.
In fact, we were pretty amazed at how flat the water was during our time on the water.
Grayson Lake has incredible sandstone canyons that you’ll pass by along the way to Grotto Falls.
Grayson Lake Map to Screenshot
Before we started our journey, we stopped by the US Army Corps of Engineers building by accident.
We thought it was a welcome center near the park, and they must get a lot of people who make a similar assumption.
They had a few maps on hand, and I took a screenshot to use as an additional point of reference during our paddle to Grotto Falls.
Where is the Hidden Grotto Located at Grayson Lake?
The GPS coordinates to Grotto Falls are 38°13’43″N, 83°02’33″W.
Start at Clifty Creek Boat Ramp. Enter the water and paddle to the right, traveling away from the bridge on your left.
Hidden Cove is 2.3 miles on the left, taking you to Grotto Falls.
It’s approximately a 6.5-mile loop on flat water, and it takes around 2.5-3 hours total to paddle to Hidden Cove and back to the Clifty Creek boat ramp.
We started around 12:15 and returned to the boat ramp around 5:30 after spending additional time relaxing by another waterfall and exploring more parts of Grayson Lake.
Additional Help Finding the Hidden Grotto on Grayson Lake
It’s easy to see how someone could pass the hidden grotto. In fact, we originally passed it.
We happened to paddle by a few families swimming at another waterfall, and we asked them if we were close, and learned we had just passed it.
We didn’t have cell service for the majority of our time on the lake, so keep that in mind when you’re planning your time on the water. That’s also where the map and the GPS coordinates come in handy.
Grayson Lake will remind you more of a river than a lake because of the way it winds and turns.
In hindsight, the grotto was located behind the big opening on the lake that we had passed, tucked away on the left side.
It was on our right side when we backtracked from the other waterfall.
To get to Hidden Cove, you’ll paddle past the large opening of the lake on the right side.
Next, you’ll paddle to the very far left to enter the grotto area.
The grotto is narrow, so you’ll need to enter this area in a single file.
You won’t be paddling in this narrow space for very long if you’re not a fan of tight spaces.
We were more in amazement at what we had discovered.
It was a bit surreal that we actually found it because this adventure had been on my summer bucket list for a few years.
There isn’t a lot of space in the area once you reach the hidden waterfall.
We were fortunate to be the only two people at Grotto Falls at that moment.
The cove could easily get very crowded quickly with multiple kayaks or paddleboards arriving around the same time.
Your best bet to avoid the crowds at Grotto Falls is to visit Grayson Lake midweek.
Summer and fall are the best times to see the falls. The water levels are too low in the winter, and then start to get better by late spring.
It rained the evening before our visit, and we enjoyed a bonus waterfall in the cove.
We also noticed a lot of fish in this area underneath our boards.
You can technically hike to Grotto Falls, but it’s known that the best views of the falls are from the water. I also wouldn’t recommend climbing on the rocks in the cove because they can get really slippery.
Discover More Waterfalls at Grayson Lake
Allow more time if you want to explore more of the lake, including additional waterfalls.
We found another area nearby with a waterfall farther up the lake on the right side. This is a great area to swim or wade in the water.
It was also fun to paddle our SUPs through the waterfall as a refreshing way to cool off quickly in the chilly water.
I highly recommend this adventure because it’s a great mix of unique landscapes and is an easy paddle.
Lodging Options Near Grayson Lake
The closest lodging option is the campground at Grayson Lake State Park.
Other hotels/resorts in the area with a high customer review score include:
- Days Inn By Wyndham
- Carter Caves State Park Resort
- Greenbo Lake State Resort Park
- Hampton Inn Ashland
Restaurant Recommendations Along the Way to and From Grayson Lake
If you’re visiting Grayson Lake as a day trip from Cincinnati, I have a few dining recommendations to add to your list. These are perfect options if you don’t want the hassle of packing food for the day.
Parc Cafe
35 E 2nd St, Maysville, KY
We stopped at Parc Cafe in Maysville, KY, as our breakfast stop on the way to Grayson Lake. It’s a great halfway point to break up the drive if you’re coming from Cincinnati.
A few years ago, we stumbled upon the cafe on our way to Huntington, WV, and this was a great excuse to come back.
The portions are very generous. Their omelette may have been one of the largest I’ve ever seen and could easily be shared.
Their Goetta + Shishito hash is also a noteworthy dish, featuring eggs prepared your way, along with goetta, onions, and peppers.
All of their bread and pastries are made in-house. It’s a great excuse to try something on the sweeter side or as a treat “to go.”
For a boost of caffeine, try one of their specialty coffees. You can’t go wrong with one of their flavored lattes.
Tres Hermanos Núñez
502 E Main St, Grayson, KY
After our paddle, we worked up an appetite. I asked a local at the boat ramp for restaurant recommendations, and she suggested Tres Hermanos Nunez.
Let’s be honest, you can never go wrong with Mexican food. There’s always something for everyone on the menu. I tried their “Quesabirria,” a fusion of birria tacos with even more cheese.
The dish is made with three handmade tortillas, meat, Oaxaca cheese, onions, and cilantro, accompanied by green sauce, hot sauce, and birria consomé.
If you order this dish, try dunking the tacos in the birria consomé.
My friend ordered their fish tacos, and we also enjoyed their chips and salsa.
More Adventures Nearby
Grayson Lake is only 45 minutes from Huntington, WV, and Ashland, KY.
Here are additional things to do in the area
- The Best Things to Do in Huntington, West Virginia
- Heritage Farm in Huntington, WV
- Why Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage, WV is a Restaurant to Try!
If you want to explore more of Maysville, here are a few ideas from our group tour with “Tour with Us KY.“
More Outdoor Adventures in Kentucky
For more outdoor recreation in Kentucky
