If you’ve got a case of cabin fever and you need to get your nature detox, then Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is where you want to go.
It’s one of the few nature preserves in the State of North Carolina, and is made up of 140 acres of unique plant life, such as the Eastern Hemlock trees (hence the name Hemlock), as well as native wildlife.
We love Hemlock Bluff because of its easy, family-friendly nature trails, which are a combination of natural surface and boardwalks, each taking you through the enchanted forest landscape.
In this guide, we share our favorite nature trails in Hemlocks Bluff which are all kid-friendly and showcase the best of this nature preserve’s natural wonders.
About Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is located in Cary, in the Piedmont of North Carolina. It can be accessed just off Kildaire Farm Road close to the Whole Foods store, just a 10 minute drive from downtown Cary, and 20-minutes from downtown Raleigh.
This 140-acre preserve, which connects to Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve (separated by Kildaire Farm Road) is home to a unique collection of Eastern Hemlock trees and other plant species more commonly found in the Appalachian mountains.
There are 235 Eastern Hemlock trees in this forest in Cary, which are typically only found in Western North Carolina, making it a very unique place to hike in Wake County.
The preserve is a joint project between the North Carolina state park system and the Town of Cary, but the majority of the preserve is managed by the North Carolina state park system.
Inside this nature preserve, you will find three lovely nature trails, scenic overlooks of Swift Creek, wildlife watching opportunities, a children’s nature trail, and the Stevens Nature Center, which offers environmental education programs and contains a museum of historical exhibits and nature interpretations.
Visitors should take note of the following:
- Gates open at 9 a.m. and close at sunset.
- Bicycles, skateboards, roller-blades, motorized vehicles, and horses are not permitted on the trails.
- Pets must be on a 6 foot leash. Cary ordinances require that you clean up after your pet.
- Picnicking is discouraged.
- Restrooms are located next to the Stevens Nature Center.
- Address: 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd. Cary
Hiking Trails in Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
Beech Tree Cove Trail (0.9 mile)
Beginning from the Stevens Nature Center, take a left and you’ll walk onto the Beech Tree Cove Trail, which takes you to West Hemlock overlook of Swift Creek and connects with the Chestnut Oak Loop Trail.
Beech Tree Cove is an easy 0.9 mile mulched trail and is generally flat with a few small inclines.
It’s stroller accessible if you have young kiddies, though there is an optional 41 set of stairs at the end down to a second overlook.
Chestnut Oak Loop Trail (1.2 miles)
The Chestnut Oak Loop Trail is the longest trail in the preserve. The 1.2-mile Chestnut Oak Loop Trail starts at Stevens Nature Center and winds through the upland forest with ridges, ravines, and creeks.
Again, this is a mulched trail with some light inclines and an overlook with views of Swift Creek.
The trail takes no more than 30-minutes to complete and is forest heaven. The path is surrounded by lush vegetation and towering hemlock trees. It’s a popular trail but still doesn’t feel congested.
The Chestnut Oak Loop Trail can easily be extended by combining it with the Swift Creek Loop Trail, which you can loop back onto when you return to the Stevens Nature Center.
Swift Creek Loop Trail (0.8 mile)
The Swift Creek Loop Trail is our favorite trail in the park because it includes views of the Hemlock trees, East Bluffs, and Swift Creek.
The Eastern Hemlock is a common evergreen in the North Carolina Mountains and are present at this preserve along the north facing bluffs.
This is because the bluffs provide a cool, moist microclimate in which the hemlocks thrive. And they are in the same family as Pine trees.
Each of the nature trails are well maintained, mostly flat with some small elevations, and minimal stairs, which is why we love Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve!
Other Things to Do in Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is one of our favorite free things to do in Raleigh because it’s a quick and easy way to get out into nature, and keep our kids active.
Stevens Nature Center and Outdoor Education Facility
As well as hiking, be sure to take your kids to the Outdoor Education Facility, which is part of the Stevens Nature Center at the entrance of the preserve.
This 3700 square foot facility has an exhibition hall full of educational nature exhibits, and classrooms where you can engage in nature education programs. Next to the center is the outdoor education shelter, which is also used for programs and group workshops.
The Nature Center staff are on hand to chat with visitors and sign you up for programs.
Children’s Nature Trail
Also next to the Nature Center is the Children’s Nature Trail, which is designed for young children to explore nature in a fun way.
They can hop on toadstools, run through log tunnels, and step on lily pads.
This nature trail is undergoing renovations at present.
VIDEO: Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
Click play to see the hiking trails of Hemlock Bluffs in our short video:
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