Ed Mabry - Laurel Gorge WMA

WMA Overview

Size: 1486 acres
Location: Elliot
Contact: (606) 474-8535
Elevation: minimum 720 feet, maximum 1160 feet.
Entrance GPS coordinates: Latitude N 38.1290, Longitude W -83.1896
Area Habitat: open land 3.63%, forest 96.30%, wetland 0.00%, open water 0.00%.

Regulations

Spring Hunting: Open under statewide rules and regulations in effect for the county.

Directions & Description

From Morehead, take KY 32 east toward Sandy Hook. After crossing the Elliott county line, the WMA be accessed by Sand Gap RD, directly off KY 32 at the head of Clifty Creek, or from Stegall-Cold Spring RD (the only location to provide direct access to Laurel Creek).

The area is part of Laurel Creek Gorge and has rockhouses, waterfalls and moss-covered boulders shrouded by rhododendron and hemlock. The WMA stretches from cliff line to cliff line, making it a long, narrow piece of rugged property. Laurel Creek, which flows through the gorge, averages 15 to 20 feet wide. Although mostly shallow, it does offer some deeper holes. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources stocks 3,000 rainbow trout annually in April, May and June, along with 250 brown trout in early spring. The Ed Mabry-Laurel Gorge WMA is open under statewide regulations for all hunting and trapping seasons.

Owned by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.