Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge

Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge is mainly bottomland hardwood forest habitat along the East Fork of the Clarks River in western Kentucky. This makes it a popular location for upland game, turkey and deer hunting. The most-hunted species at the refuge is deer, with significant use by...

Anglers can expect to find crappie, sunfish, bluegill, largemouth bass and catfish in the Clarks River. However, river access is limited. Seasons and creel limits are in accordance with state regulations.

The refuge’s Environmental Education and Recreation Area, just outside Benton,...

The spring and summer months are a good time to view nesting song birds, wildflowers, turkey poults, and amphibians. While the fall and winter months are good viewing for white-tail deer and migratory birds such as waterfowl. The Refuge is also known to have Bald Eagle sightings during the...

Whether you have expensive equipment or just a cell phone, Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge has a variety of locations good for wildlife photography. From spring and fall migration to beautiful summer wildflowers and even crisp snowy landscapes, each season will bring new beauty for...

One of the most popular places for visitors to take a refreshing run is at the Environmental Education and Recreation Area off Hwy 408, just east of Benton, KY. On the northern end of the refuge, the gravel road leading to the Mallard Point Waterfowl Hunt Unit is a mostly shaded gravel road that...

Horseback riding is permitted on refuge-graveled roads and the portions of the abandoned railroad tracks owned by the refuge for access purposes while engaged in wildlife related activities only. Horses and mules are not permitted off these secondary access routes for any purpose. Horses and...

Dog walking is allowed at Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge. However, for the safety of wildlife, your dogs, and other visitors, all dogs must be detained by leash or chain if not being legally used for hunting. 

Bicycles are permitted while engaged in wildlife related activities on refuge graveled roads and portions of the abandoned railroad tracks that are owned by the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge.

Picnic tables are located under the Environmental Education Pavilion at the Environmental Education and Recreation Area off of Hwy 408 just east of the city of Benton, KY. When the pavilion is not being used by groups for environmental education programs, visitors are encouraged to use this...

There are lots of opportunities to bird watch on the refuge with over 200 species of songbirds expected. The refuge plays an important role in providing bottomland hardwood habitat for forest interior songbirds. Among those species are the imperiled Cerulean warbler, Swainson's warbler, and...

Painting, drawing, and journaling are not just a relaxing activities for many, it can also be a great teaching tool for educators and group leaders. For this reason, we encourage visitors to take the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge through...

The most popular location to take a hike is at the Environmental Education and Recreation Area (located off of Hwy 408, east of Benton, KY) where there are interpretive signs, observation decks, and an informational kiosk. This area is also closed to hunting, making it a safe choice during the...