Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge.
Located in western Kentucky near Benton, this beautiful bottomland hardwood forest refuge lies along the East Fork of the Clarks River and is seasonal home to over 250 different species of migratory birds. The best time to bird here is during migration. In spring it attracts good numbers of warblers and other migratory songbirds. Waterfowl concentrate here in winter. To get to the refuge from Paducah, Kentucky, take I-24 east to exit 25, and go south on the Purchase Parkway. Take exit 43 off the Purchase Parkway and go right on Hwy. 348. Go to the intersection of Hwy 641 and turn left heading north on Hwy. 641. Go 1.2 miles and the Refuge Headquarters will be on the left at 91 U.S. Highway 641 North. The Refuge is open Monday through Friday except for Federal Holidays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.
Stretching for 20 miles along Cumberland Mountain and ranging from 1 to 4 miles in width, the park contains 20,500 acres of which 14,000 acres is proposed wilderness. The natural beauty of Appalachian mountain country, lush with vegetation, supports a wide variety of birds, with numbers peaking during migration, when up to 36 species of warbler have been recorded. The autumn hawk migration is usually spectacular and can be observed from numerous vantage points along the Ridge Trail and especially from the Pinnacle overlook.
John James Audubon State Park.
This park on the Mississippi flyway, a bird migration route, was established and dedicated to John James Audubon, the famed naturalist and wildlife artist, as he lived in this area for several years. With 7 miles of walking trails, made up of upland and bottomland hardwood forests and lakes, they provide a perfect opportunity to observe over 20 species of warblers in the springtime. Belted kingfisher, green heron, woodpeckers and many other waterfowl may also be observed. The 2-mile wilderness lake loop trail through the nature preserve offers the greatest habitat and bird species diversity. Also check out the observation center, which looks out over the feeding stations. Take time to visit the museum, which interprets Audubon's life through his art and personal memorabilia. The park is located on US 41 in the northern outskirts of Henderson, half a mile south of the US 41 bridge over the Ohio River.
Mammoth Cave National Park.
This park, situated between the scenic river valleys of the Green and Nolin rivers north of Bowling Green in the center of the state, mostly consists of second-growth woodland. Over 200 bird species have been recorded here, with the highest numbers recorded during spring migration. While here, take the opportunity to visit the caves, after which the park is named. Mammoth Cave is the most extensive cave system in the world, with more than 365 surveyed miles of cave passageways. To get there, take the Interstate 65 and take Exit 53 if coming from the north, or Exit 48 if coming from the south.