Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary and Audubon Center
A sanctuary offering peaceful nature walks, birdwatching, and a chance to spot local wildlife, managed by the Life Adventure Center.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer visitors, more solitude
Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary and Audubon Center
Best Time
Fewer visitors, more solitude
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary offering peaceful nature walks, birdwatching, and a chance to spot local wildlife, managed by the Life Adventure Center.
"A quiet escape for nature lovers, though trail maintenance and tick awareness are key considerations."
Tick Check is Crucial
Overgrown trails mean more ticks. Do a thorough check after your hike to avoid bringing them home. :bug:
Bring a Trail Map
Trail markers can be unclear on some routes. A map ensures you stay on track and don't get lost. :world_map:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
3.9 · 105 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Red Trail Birdwatching
Red Trail
A well-maintained 2-mile loop offering quiet woods, bird sounds, and occasional panoramic views. Ideal for birdwatchers.
Wildlife Blind Experience
Wildlife Blind
Spend time in the blind observing local birds and wildlife. A peaceful spot for nature enthusiasts seeking solitude.
Deer Sightings
Various Trails
Recent sightings of Whitetail Deer have increased, offering a chance to spot these graceful animals in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Tick Awareness
Fees and Donations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Tick Check is Crucial
Overgrown trails mean more ticks. Do a thorough check after your hike to avoid bringing them home. :bug:
Bring a Trail Map
Trail markers can be unclear on some routes. A map ensures you stay on track and don't get lost. :world_map:
Hike Longer Than Expected
Some trails are longer than marked. Be prepared for a more extensive walk than your app might suggest. 🏃
Donation Appreciated
While not a strict fee, a donation helps maintain the sanctuary. Consider contributing if you enjoy the nature. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Tick Check is Crucial
Overgrown trails mean more ticks. Do a thorough check after your hike to avoid bringing them home. :bug:
Bring a Trail Map
Trail markers can be unclear on some routes. A map ensures you stay on track and don't get lost. :world_map:
Hike Longer Than Expected
Some trails are longer than marked. Be prepared for a more extensive walk than your app might suggest. 🏃
Donation Appreciated
While not a strict fee, a donation helps maintain the sanctuary. Consider contributing if you enjoy the nature. :moneywithwings:
Seek Solitude
This is a great spot for quiet nature walks with very few visitors on most days. :earofrice:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary for its peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for quiet nature walks and birdwatching. However, concerns have been raised about inconsistent trail maintenance, leading to overgrown paths and increased tick exposure. The parking and access fee has also been a point of contention for some, particularly when trail conditions are not ideal.
"Hiked there last Saturday. I had hoped management of trails would be better with new management group. I was dissapointed that the trails were not well maintained at all. Trails are overgrown. Ticks have always been an issue but they are more prevalent now because rubbing on overgrowth is inevitable which increases tick exposure and pickup. Had to spend a lot of time after hiking picking off ticks before getting in the car. Also as mentioned in another post I paid the $10 plus parking and access fee. I am willing to pay these fees if the trails are maintained but not if they are not. I am very sad to say I won't be returning soon under these conditions. If the conditions are improved I would love to return and hike more often."
Chris Simmons
"We took the red trail It's well maintained and very manageable for the beginner. This is a quiet woods walk, you hear the many birds and catch glimpses. There are a few openings to expansive fields and some panoramic views. The red trail makers are not clear at some turns because of the unmarked maintenance trails. So bring the trail map. Also my step app clocked this walk closer to 3 miles than one and half. You should not get lost."
Doris Cahill
"This is a nice place to come for a walk. There are very few visitors most days. Today there were only three cars when I arrived. I only saw two people on the trails. I hiked the Red Trail today, which is a nice 2 mile walk when combined with the yellow Trail. For a Wildlife Preserve though you see very little wildlife. I saw evidence of owls and heard a woodpecker and heard a few wild birds, but that was it. There is no entrance fee though they suggest a donation of $4. Also the Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary is now run by Life Adventure Center of Woodford County. Basically this is a good place to come if you want to get away from it all for a little while and just have some solitude in nature.
EDIT: Definitely more wildlife now, as Whitetail Deer have come back. I see a few every time I'm out there!"
Paul Krueger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary is accessible by car. Specific directions can be found on their website or by using GPS navigation. Parking is available on-site, though fees apply.
Information regarding public transportation options to Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary is limited. It is generally recommended to travel by car.
It's advisable to bring a trail map as some trail markers can be unclear, especially on less maintained routes.
The Red Trail is described as well-maintained and manageable for beginners. However, some trails can be longer than indicated and may have overgrown sections.
Parking is available at the sanctuary, but visitors should be aware of an associated parking and access fee.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a parking and access fee. Some visitors have noted it as $10.55. While not mandatory, donations are suggested to support the sanctuary. +1
Specific operating hours for Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary are not detailed in the provided information. It's recommended to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current hours.
Donations are welcomed and appreciated to help maintain the sanctuary. A suggested donation amount is $4, and there's a donation well on-site.
There is no explicit refund policy mentioned. Visitors who are dissatisfied with trail conditions have expressed a wish for refunds.
Yes, Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary is now run by the Life Adventure Center of Woodford County.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
While it's a wildlife preserve, sightings can vary. Recent visitors have noted seeing Whitetail Deer, evidence of owls, woodpeckers, and various wild birds.
Trail maintenance can be inconsistent. Some trails are well-maintained, while others are overgrown and can increase tick exposure. +1
The Red Trail is recommended for its manageable length and maintenance. Combining it with the Yellow Trail offers a nice 2-mile walk. +1
Yes, it's considered a great place for birdwatching, with a wildlife blind available for observation.
Wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking. Given the potential for overgrown trails and ticks, long pants are advisable. :athletic_shoe:
📸 📸 Photography
The open fields and panoramic views along the Red Trail offer good photographic opportunities. The wildlife blind is also ideal for capturing birdlife.
Yes, photography of wildlife is encouraged. However, sightings can be intermittent, so patience is key. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
With recent deer sightings and the presence of various bird species, there are opportunities to photograph local fauna.
Early mornings and late afternoons are generally the best times for wildlife photography as animals are often more active.
A camera with a telephoto lens would be beneficial for capturing wildlife from a distance. Binoculars are also highly recommended for birdwatching. :camerawithflash:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit