G1 – Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary
Exit 58, I-64 to US 60 Versailles Road in Frankfort. Go East on US 60 look for sign for Sanctuary, turn right onto RT. 1681 - Duncan Rd. for 2.5 miles. Turn left onto Rt. 1659 for 3 miles to Watts Ferry Rd. Turn right for 1 mile to Germany Rd., turn right. Entrance to Sanctuary is 1-1/4 miles to the left.
Observe wildlife at the bird blind, hiking trails and numerous event. Operated by the National Audubon Society, the fields, forests and wet areas are a haven for birds, mammals and wildflowers. Hiking trails meander about this 374 acre nature center nestled along the Kentucky River among the gently rolling hills of the inner Bluegrass Region. Picinic area available.
Habitat and Trail Information: oak, hickory, cedar and cropland. From thistle, buttercup and figwort to lily, orchid and fern, the area is a virtual plant viewing paradise. Three walking trails totaling 3.25 miles (red-2.0 miles, blue-1.0 mile, white -.25 miles)
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Deer, gray and fox squirrel, eastern cottontail rabbit, raccoon, groundhog, little brown bat, rose-breaasted grosbeak during spring migration, hooded warbler along Germany Road to the Sanctuary. Snapping turtle, box turtle, eastern fence lizard, spring peeper and gray tree frog are common. Bird blind offers good opportunity to view songbirds up close. Monthly environmental programs and events; and a nature center are available.
Visit several sites in Frankfort that provide the opportunity to reconnect with wildlife including the KY Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Game Farm, Peter Pfeiffer Fish Hatchery, civil war park, Leslie Morris Park on Fort Hill, Cove Springs Park and two wildlife management areas.
G2 - Game Farm
I-64 West. Exit 53. Take Exit 53 to US 127 North, to US 60 West for 2.5 miles to right on Game Farm Road.
The Game Farm is the headquarters for the KY Deparmtent of Fish & Wildlife Resources and home of the Salato Wildlife Education Center where you will find a state-of-the-art visitor center with permanent and temporary wildlife related dioramas and exhibits.
Habitat and trail info: The Game Farm was once part of the Bluegrass Savanna found in Central Kentucky. This habitat type of giant bur oak and blue ash with mixed native grass stands was once home to large herbivores, bison and elk. A remnant of Savanna still exists across from US 60 from the Game Farm on private property.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The theme Reconnecting People with Wildlife is the focus of indoor exhibits, monthly educational events, and the outdoor exhibits with paved trails that take you to simulated native habitats to view some of Kentucky's wildlife up close and personal. See bison, elk, deer, black bear, bobcat, bald eagles and wild turkeys. Is also an excellent place to see and hear some of Kentucky's native birds such as Baltimore and orchard orioles, warbling vireos, tree and barn swallows, Eastern bluebirds, Carolina wrens, eastern tufted titmice, common yellow throats, Canada geese, mallards, red-tailed and broad-winged hawks.
G3 - Leslie Morris Park on Fort Hill
From US 60 at Game Farm go East to US 127 turn left. Cross the Kentucky River Bridge on US 127 and take a left onto Thornhill Bypass. Then a right onto Holmes St., the right onto Henry St. Take Henry St. to left on Cliffside. Follow signs to park.
Habitat and trail info: A walking tour brochure leads visitors through the forts, the 1864 skirmish site and a portion of the park's 150 acres of mixed oak, hickory, ridge top forest and meadows. Panoramic view of historic downtown Frankfort. Visitor center open to the public, no restroom facilities. Call 1-800-960-7200.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Deer, raccoon, red-tailed hawk and a great site for resident songbirds.
G4 - Cove Springs Park
From Leslie Morris Park make your way back to Holmes St., take a left on Holmes St. Continue to Cove Springs Rd. Take a right to entrance.
Was home to a functioning trout hatchery and now is home to Frankfort's newest park. Site has been designated as a State Nature Preserve to protect the federally endangered plant, Braun's rock-cress that has been found here. 25 acres of wetland habitat adjacent to Cove Springs has been purchased but access to site not yet available.
Seasonal activities such as wildflower walks, bird walks and historical interpretations of the site are provided during spring through fall. (502) 227-4326.
G5 - Peter W. Pfeiffer Fish Hatchery
From Cove Springs Rd. take a right onto US 127 North. Continue for 8.5 miles. Take a right onto Hwy 2929 (Indian Gap Rd.), travel 1.5 miles to hatchery entrance.
The hatchery has 46 ponds with a combined total of 41.5 surfaces acres. The water for its operation comes from the Elkhorn Creek, a tributary of the Kentucky River. Primarily, a facility for warm-water species such as largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill and redear sunfish, the hatchery also produces species that prefer cool water such as walleye and striped bass.
Visitors are welcome to view the ponds and display pool. The display pool is filled with numerous species of fish during the warmer months. Call (502) 564-4957.
It is also an excellent place for birding.
G6 - John A. Kleber Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
From the Hatchery, take US 127 North to Swallowfield. Then continue on US 127 North to a right onto Hwy 368 (Cedar Rd.). Owen and Franklin Counties.
Habitat and trail info: Abundant hiking trails are available within this 2,556 acre area and are located along rock-bottom creeks and high ridges. The main trails are passable in dry weather (4 wheel drive recommended).
The terrain consists of steep hillsides, narrown ridge tops and flood plains with a combination of woods, brush, grasslands and wildlife food plots. Primitive camping is allowed throughout the area. Bluegill fishing is allowed in a small pond and at Cedar Creek.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Quail, deer, squirrel, rabbit, turkey, groundhog and raccoon can be found here. Resident, migrant and nesting neotropical songbirds can be found there including prairie, Kentucky, worm eating warblers and oven birds, red-eyes and white eyed vireos, scarlet and summer tanagers, northern parula, acadian and great crested flycatchers, Louisiana waterthrush. Red-tailed and broad-winged hawks are also found there. This area is the site of the annual Christmas Bird Count by Frankfort Bird Club and Frankfort Audubon Society. Call (502) 535-6335.
G7 - Kentucky River Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
From Kleber WMA take Hwy368 to US 127 North to Monterey. At Monterey take a left on Hwy 561. Henry and Owen Counties
Habitat and Trail Info: This 1,604 acre area contains river flood plain and associated uplands. old fields and oak-hickory forest. Mobility impaired access to permit holders in designated area. Contact (502) 535-6335.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit and dove can be found here. Resident, migrant and nesting neotropical songbirds can be found including prairie, Kentucky, worm-eating warblers, oven birds, red-eyed and white-eyed vireos, scarlet and summer tanagers, northern parula, acadian and great crested flycatchers and Louisiana waterthrush. Red-tailed and broad-winged hawks are also found in this area.
G8 - Twin Eagle Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
From Kentucky River WMA take Hwy 561 to Monterey. Take a left on US 127N to left on KY 355 to Gratz. Continue on KY 355 to Perry Park. Twin Eagle WMA is located 4 miles NE of Park on KY 355 in Owen County.
Habitat and Trail Info: This 166 acres area has adequate roads and trails. The steep Kentucky River terrace terrain consists of woods, croplands, grasslands and sloughs. There are opportunities for hiking, climbing and fishing. No camping is allowed. Contact (502) 535-6335.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Dove, rabbit, quail, squirrel, deer, turkey and occasionally ducks can be found here. Neotropical songbirds including oven birds, scarlet and summer tanager, Eastern wood peewee, white eyed and red-eyed vireo, prothonotary warbler, Northern parula, woodthrush, yellow-billed cuckoo, yellow breasted chat can be found here in spring and summer.
