Facility Activities

Hatchery Creek

In 2016, the Service completed an extensive rehabilitation and extension of Hatchery Creek. The creek provides pristine habitat for trout spawning and rearing and features riffles, pools, and runs, as well as a series of step pools for fish to enter from the Cumberland River. It extends over one mile, meandering through various habitats, and providing water/food sources for native wildlife.

Rainbow trout caught at Hachery Creek
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Proud angler shows off his catch of the day!

Catch your limit in the upper section of the creek or explore the lower stretches with catch and release techniques. The upper section is accessible, equipped with reserved parking for individuals with handicap permits.

The creek is stocked three to four times per week. The creek limit in the Upper Section is five fish per person per day.

Map of Hatchery Creek
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KY fishing license & trout permit required for individuals 16 years old and over. Visit the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources for more information. 

Kendall Campground

Kendall is a multi-use recreation area enveloping 70 acres alongside the Cumberland River on the downstream side of Wolf Creek Dam, adjacent to Wolf Creek NFH. It is the largest recreation area managed by the Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Cumberland. Because of its amenities and location, it is quite the desirable destination for camping recreation. Making reservations in advance is highly recommended.

Kendall Campground, including Kendall Forest Campground (Kendall Annex), will be open for the 2020 recreation season beginning March 26 and will remain in operation through November 30, 2020. To reserve a site visit recreation.gov, or call 1-877-444-6777. Please contact the Lake Cumberland Resource Manager’s Office at (606) 679-6337 with any questions. To reach the Gatehouse, call (270) 343-4660. Learn more about Kendall Recreation Area.

Hiking and biking

Take the Nature Explorer Hiking Trail Hike or bike the 3⁄4 mile trail, experiencing a variety of habitats just outside the Visitor Center. Challenge yourself with the nature trail scavenger hunt. Check with the front desk in the Visitor Center for more information. 

Fishing

There is plenty to do when you visit Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, including fishing. Nearby Hatchery Creek provides healthy aquatic habitat that attracts trout, including larger, trophy-size fish from the Cumberland River, and there is a wheelchair-accessible fishing ramp. Fishing the...

Hiking
The Refuge System offers hundreds of miles of refreshing trails and boardwalks. Whether you want a short, easy walk or a challenging hike, you’re likely to find what you want. Some trails are paved and universally accessible. Some trails include displays on visual arts, local history and culture or environmental education.
Birding
From bald eagles to spoonbills, from condors to puffins, birds abound on national wildlife refuges. Refuges provide places for birds to nest, rest, feed and breed making them world-renown for their birding opportunities.
Education programs
School program activities are available at a number of facilities.
Fly fishing
Photography
Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. Wildlife photography is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges, so you’ll find wildlife drives and blinds and overlooks to help you get the images you’re after.
Picnicking
A few sites allow picnicking at designated areas.
Running
Many multi-purpose trails are open to runners and joggers as well as walkers and, in some cases, bicyclists. Some sites host annual fun runs. Check individual refuge websites for details.
Wildlife watching
Many refuges champion wildlife viewing as a key recreational activity.