Kentucky is a nature lover’s dream with many parks and recreation areas to explore. Western Kentucky has a unique landscape in our state and also has a lot to offer those who want to spend time outdoors. Many know of The Land Between the Lakes, but nearby you’ll find our state’s only National Wildlife Refuge. Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge in Kentucky is a great place to learn, explore, relax and spend time in nature for an otherworldly experience.
Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge is located in Benton in western Kentucky.
Facebook/Clarks River This area of our state is known for its diverse landscape, waterways, variety of wildlife and plantlife. This refuge is actually newer to the system, as it was established in 1997, and it is the only one of its kind in Kentucky.
As you can see from the map below, our country has many wildlife refuges that are working hard to maintain and learn from these environments.
Facebook/Clarks River That one dot in western Kentucky is Clarks River and it is home to many unique features that can’t be found anywhere else in this area of the country. The bottomland hardwood forests are particularly special as they are one of the largest collections in the region.
The water within the refuge is a lovely habitat for many species of wildlife and is also a beautiful place to visit.
Facebook/Clarks River The refuge offers events throughout the year where you can learn and explore the land or you are free to visit on your own.
There are many activities within the park and the park’s headquarters are open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. if you have any questions.
Google/Melanie Wright You can use this sign to help explore the seasonal hiking trails and other areas of the refuge. As with all parks and protected areas, always visit with respect and remember that this is first and foremost the home of wildlife and plantlife.
You will very likely experience a variety of wildlife during a visit, both on the land and in the water.
Facebook/Clarks River Look for birds, ducks, geese, and fish around the water and always check the trees for owls, eagles, and other animals throughout the forest. Don’t forget your camera as Clarks River is a great spot for nature photography in Kentucky.
The Environmental Education and Recreation Area (EERA) is an area of the refuge that is popular for hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing.
Facebook/Clarks River This area is open everyday during daylight hours. You must obtain a permit to fish and you can read how to do so here.
Hunting is also popular on the refuge and it also requires a permit.
Flickr/Michael Johnson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service This is used to maintain and manage the wildlife on the refuge. If you’ve been looking for a unique and lesser known place to visit to experience the natural beauty of western Kentucky, check out the only wildlife refuge in our state.
As the only National Wildlife Refuge in Kentucky, Clarks River has a lot to offer visitors. When you’re in this beautiful area of our state, don’t forget to stop by and spend time here for a unique and otherworldly experience. Did you know about this one-of-a-kind refuge? Let us know in the comments!
Facebook/Clarks River
This area of our state is known for its diverse landscape, waterways, variety of wildlife and plantlife. This refuge is actually newer to the system, as it was established in 1997, and it is the only one of its kind in Kentucky.
That one dot in western Kentucky is Clarks River and it is home to many unique features that can’t be found anywhere else in this area of the country. The bottomland hardwood forests are particularly special as they are one of the largest collections in the region.
The refuge offers events throughout the year where you can learn and explore the land or you are free to visit on your own.
Google/Melanie Wright
You can use this sign to help explore the seasonal hiking trails and other areas of the refuge. As with all parks and protected areas, always visit with respect and remember that this is first and foremost the home of wildlife and plantlife.
Look for birds, ducks, geese, and fish around the water and always check the trees for owls, eagles, and other animals throughout the forest. Don’t forget your camera as Clarks River is a great spot for nature photography in Kentucky.
This area is open everyday during daylight hours. You must obtain a permit to fish and you can read how to do so here.
Flickr/Michael Johnson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
This is used to maintain and manage the wildlife on the refuge. If you’ve been looking for a unique and lesser known place to visit to experience the natural beauty of western Kentucky, check out the only wildlife refuge in our state.
Address: 91 US-641, Benton, KY 42025
For more information on Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge in Kentucky, visit its website here and follow along on Facebook here.
And if you would like to learn more about Land Between the Lakes as well, check out our previous article here.
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