Cranks Creek Wildlife Management Area is a vast 8,000-acre protected area in Harlan County, Kentucky. The area is situated on the Cumberland Plateau and offers various recreation opportunities like hunting, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching.

One reason to visit Cranks Creek is its diverse wildlife, including squirrel, deer, turkey, and elk. The area is also home to several rare and endangered species, such as the Indiana bat, Virginia big-eared bat, and the red-cockaded woodpecker.

Another point of interest in Cranks Creek is the Cranks Creek Lake, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating. The lake has a wide variety of fish species, including bass, crappie, and bluegill.

Cranks Creek is also steeped in history with several old coal mining towns located nearby, such as Harlan and Lynch. Visitors can explore the area's rich coal mining heritage by visiting the Kentucky Coal Mining Museum or the portal to Portal 31, a retired coal mine.

The best time of year to visit Cranks Creek Wildlife Management Area depends on the visitor's preferred activity. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking and exploring the area's flora and fauna, while fall is perfect for hunting and observing migrating birds.

In conclusion, Cranks Creek Wildlife Management Area is an excellent destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts, with its vast natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich coal mining heritage.