Kentucky Ornithological Society

Birding Locations – Central Kentucky

This page focuses on birding locations in the central part of the state. You can explore the websites related to these spots for more information.

  • Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area – Located on the border of Kentucky and Tennessee, this Recreation Area has trails in both states. The website provides information on those trails, broken out by state. From southbound I-75, take KY 461 south to KY 80, take 80 west to U.S. 27, take 27 south to Oneida and follow TN 297 west into the park.
  • Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary – Located in Woodford County. Take exit 58 off I-64 to US 60. Go east (right) on 60 and (within 0.3 miles) turn right on Rt. 1681, Duncan Road. Stay on 1681 for about 2.5 miles. Turn left (south) onto Rt. 1659. Stay on 1659 for about 3 miles to Watts Ferry Road. Turn right onto Watts Ferry Road (Millville School is on the right), stay on this for one mile to Germany Road. Turn right onto Germany Road. The entrance to Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary will be on the left in 1.25 miles.
  • Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge – Located in Boyle County, off Highway 37 on Carpenter Creek Road near Parksville, Kentucky. From Parksville, turn left on 1822 and drive two miles. Next take a right on Hwy 37, for 0.6 miles. Take a left on Carpenter's Creek Road. It's another 0.6 miles down Carpenter's Creek Road before you'll turn left into the parking area for the Wildlife Refuge.
  • Cove Spring Park Nature Preserve – From I-64, take the Frankfort exit (U.S. 127 North). Follow U.S. 127 North signs through Frankfort and get off Wilkinson Boulevard where U.S. 127 goes north to Owenton. Proceed 300 yards north on U.S. 127 to the park preserve entrance.
  • Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill – Located in Mercer County, The Nature Preserve at Shaker Village protects 3,000 acres covered by restored native prairies, woodlands, fields, and canebreaks. A number of trails provide access to the preserve.
  • Thurston's Pond in Wayne County - From Bypass Hwy. 90 near Monticello, turn north at the light onto Hwy. 1275 and go 1.8 miles. Thurston's Pond will be on the left. –
  • Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery – Located in Russell County, 12 miles south of Jamestown on US 127. Follow signs to the hatchery.