Overview. On the west side of the dam on KY-7 is a small tower, spillway, and trail. We popped in to checkout the tower and spillway and while the view from the tower is less than pristine, it does provide excellent birdwatching. And the spillway had a little manmade “waterfall” with a blue heron perched on the rocks - so not too bad for a quick stop on the way home.

GPS Waypoints
Tower | 38.254267, -82.986917
Spillway Waterfall | 38.254722, -82.989862
Grayson Lake Wildlife Management Area Map

Parking. Four parking spots are available at the tower with additional parking below short of the spillway and another lot past the spillway near the restrooms and picnic area.

HIKER NOTE - Sunset. While the tower’s views are spoiled by plenty of manmade eyesores, sunset here would still be pretty sweet in a region with limited options for views from high places.

HIKER NOTE - Picnic Area and Playground. There is a decent sized picnic shelter below the tower and past the spillway with restrooms and a playground. Shelters can be reserved in advance online.

HIKER NOTE - Grayson Lake Nature Trail. This is a 1.75 mile lowland hike just off the picnic area. I’ll stop in another time to walk the trail, as it’s likely the perfect length for littles to burn off some energy.