Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Nolin River Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) encompasses over 2,800 acres surrounding Nolin River Lake in Edmonson and Grayson counties in central Kentucky. The area features rolling hardwood forests, open fields, rugged limestone bluffs, and over 22,000 acres of lake waters and wetlands managed cooperatively by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This diverse landscape provides important habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and a variety of small game species, as well as an impressive fishery with largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. The WMA serves as a popular year-round destination for anglers, hunters, boaters, and wildlife enthusiasts. There are multiple public boat ramps, fishing piers, and areas set aside for hunting including archery, gun, and small game seasons. Several maintained parking areas and accessible shoreline spots allow visitors to experience the lake’s scenic views and wildlife. The landscape’s natural limestone formations attract outdoor photographers and hikers who appreciate the peaceful setting and chance to spot wild animals. The WMA and the adjacent Nolin River Lake were established in the early 1960s following the construction of the dam for flood control and recreation, with the WMA created to preserve and manage the wildlife habitat around the reservoir. Nolin River Lake Wildlife Management Area is a key regional resource for natural resource conservation, outdoor sports, and wildlife watching, offering visitors a tranquil environment and varied recreational opportunities close to several local communities.
