Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve (35.723464, -78.783564)

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Quick Facts

County: Wake
Acres: 150
Trails: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
Hours: 9 AM - Sunset

Trail Information
 
Trail Miles   Difficulty
Beech Tree Cove 0.9 Easy
Chestnut Oak Loop Trail 1.2 Moderate
Swift Creek Nature Trail 0.8 Moderate

Trail Map
(.jpg, .pdf)
Chestnut Oak Loop Nature Trail Guide
(.jpg 1, .jpg 2, .pdf)
Swift Creek Nature Trail Guide
(.jpg 1, .jpg 2, .pdf)
Photo Gallery
Overview
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve has nearly three miles of trails on 150 acres along Swift Creek in Cary. This preserve has plant species such as eastern hemlock and galax which are not common in the piedmont. Self-guided tour pamphlets are available for two short loops, Chestnut Oak Loop and Swift Creek trails. During business hours the Stevens Nature Center provides additional information and classroom with hands-on exhibits about the preserve.

Wildlife
White-tailed deer, beavers, muskrats, chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, foxes, fish, salamanders, newts, snakes, turtles, frogs, toads, lizards, skinks, songbirds, hummingbirds, hawks, owls, woodpeckers, ducks, butterflies, moths, dragonflies, damselflies, grasshoppers, and crickets.

Plant Life
Mountain laurel, galax, ivy, ferns, mushrooms, eastern hemlocks, chestnut oaks, hickory trees, pine trees, wildflowers, catesby's trillium.

Location
The Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is located off of Kildaire Farms Rd in Cary. From Durham, take I-40E to US 1S to the Tryon Rd exit. At the third light, turn left onto Kildaire Farm Rd. The Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve will be about 1.4 miles on your right.

Hours
Preserve Hours: 9 AM - Sunset

Stevens Nature Center Hours:
Mon - Sat 10 AM - 7 PM; Sun 1 PM - 7 PM May - Sept
Mon - Sat 10 AM - 5 PM; Sun 1 PM - 5 PM Oct - April


External Links
Cary's Hemlock Bluffs

 

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