Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is a 140-acre project of the Town of Cary and North Carolina state park system. If you're looking for a nature reserve in the Research Triangle area, this is the place to visit. You'll find everything you need for an excellent family day out at this park. You can walk, run, or bike the trails to find the best views and wildlife.
The trails are accessible year-round. The Stevens Nature Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Discover More about Cary, NC here. The only days the preserve is closed are Town of Cary recognized holidays. This area is home to the rare Eastern Hemlock tree, a type of mountain plant. The flaky bark of this tree makes it a unique sight to see.
The Preserve is home to statuesque eastern hemlock trees and a variety of bird species. Visitors will enjoy the three-mile nature trails and scenic overlooks. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including rabbits and deer. Wildlife viewing is another highlight. Taking a family out to this nature preserve will make your day! This family-friendly park is near downtown Cary, NC.
The rocks at Hemlock Bluffs are 500-600 million years old. They originate in volcanic material and were deposited over two hundred million years ago. The formation of large faults in the area happened 220 million years ago. Hot water passing through the fractured rock deposited quartz. The rocks were much smaller and cooler then, but the resulting erosion resulted in large white blocks of quartz that are visible near the tops of the bluffs.
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset. The Friends of Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve manages the park. The preserve is located at 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd. in Cary. For more information, visit the website. There are various ways to donate to the preservation effort. One way is to volunteer at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve.
Check this out. For hiking enthusiasts, there are three loop trails available at Hemlock Bluffs. You can start your hike from the courtyard of the Stevens Nature Center. The three trails have 15-point self-guided brochures. The longest trail is the Swift Creek Loop, and the least-traveled is the Chestnut Oak Loop. The trail features stunning views of the Eastern Hemlock trees and a boardwalk that runs across the forest floor.
For families with children, Hemlock Bluffs is a great place to visit with the whole family. The preserve's nature center offers exhibits about nature and hands-on activities. A gift shop is also available to buy items related to nature, such as books, stuffed animals, and toys. While there are rules against off-trail activities, there's nothing to stop you from enjoying the natural beauty of the preserve.
Another park near Cary NC is the Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve. This preserve contains a beech bowl and is a three-quarter mile-long walk. It is bordered by the Lochmere Golf Course to the west and a housing development to the south. It also features a Stairway to Heaven, which leads to a beech bowl on a ridge top.