EXPLORING HEMLOCK BLUFFS NATURE PRESERVE IN CARY, NC

This 140-acre preserve along Swift Creek is home to a unique community of eastern hemlock trees and other plant species, and is a joint project between the North Carolina state park system and the Town of Cary.

There’s several nature trails, scenic overlooks of Swift Creek, wildlife watching opportunities, a children’s nature trail, and the Stevens Nature Center (currently closed due to Covid).

Beech Tree Cove Trail (0.9 Mile)

Beech Tree Cove is an easy 0.9 mile mulched trail and is generally flat with a few small inclines and is stroller accessible if you have young kiddies – there is an optional 41 set of stairs at the end down to a second overlook.

Chestnut Oak Loop Trail  (1.2 Miles)

The 1.2 mile Chestnut Oak Loop Trail which 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 to Swift Creek.

Swift Creek Loop Trail  (0.8 Mile)

The Eastern Hemlock is a common evergreen in the North Carolina Mountains and are present at this preserve along the north facing bluffs because the bluffs provide a cool, moist microclimate in which the hemlocks thrive. And they are in the same family as Pine trees.

So if you’re looking for free things to do in Raleigh and to get your kids out of the house on some nature trails in Cary that are well maintained, mostly flat with some small elevations, and minimal stairs, don’t miss Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve!.

Quick Facts:

- Gates open at 9 a.m. and close at sunset. - Bicycles, skateboards, roller-blades, motorized vehicles, and horses are not permitted on the trails.

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