Denning Creek Wildlife Management Area Adventures

Denning Creek Wildlife Management Area is a protected natural space spanning over 6,000 acres in Appalachian Kentucky, located primarily in Perry and Breathitt counties. The area features a landscape of rolling hills, hardwood forests, creeks, and wetlands centered around Denning Creek and its tributaries. The WMA provides vital habitat for a variety of wildlife species including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, and several species of songbirds and waterfowl. Established to support conservation, Denning Creek offers opportunities for hunting, trapping, wildlife observation, and hiking with multiple access points and unimproved roads for exploration. The forest composition includes oaks, hickories, maples, and mixed hardwood stands reflecting the Appalachian region's biodiversity. The area is managed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, focusing on sustainable wildlife populations and habitat enhancement projects such as controlled burns and invasive species control. Recreational visitors appreciate the blend of rugged terrain and serene natural settings. Although there are no developed campgrounds or formal visitor centers within the WMA, the surrounding communities and nearby state parks provide additional amenities. The WMA attracts hunters primarily during deer and turkey seasons, as well as birders and nature photographers year-round. While rugged and minimally developed, Denning Creek WMA offers a quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience for those seeking to explore eastern Kentucky’s forested hills and native wildlife.