Beginning from the Stevens Nature Center, we took a left and started with the Beech Tree Cove Trail which takes you to an 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 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.
We then continued on with the longest trail in the preserve, the 1.2 mile Chestnut Oak Loop Trail which winds through the upland forest with ridges, ravines and creeks.
The Swift Creek Loop Trail as 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 because the bluffs provide a cool, moist microclimate in which the hemlocks thrive.
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!