Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve

2616 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27511, USA

Related:	half day forest preserve
Address:	2616 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27511, USA
Phone:	+1 919-387-5980
Site:	townofcary.org
Rating:	4.7
Working:	9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 29

Sidney Chow

This "nature preserve" is an excellent, shaded preserve with a few excellent walking / hiking trails. On the one side, there is a trail that goes down to the river with just enough steps to get you some exercise. The whole place is heavily shaded and just feels cooler than the rest of town. The other side has meandering trails that is pleasant to walk around in. The trails are always well maintained with mulch, which is easy on the feel and no roots to deal with. They partner with the scouts and others to have volunteers "mulch" the trails. There is a building where they have activities and a young kids play area. This is worth an hour or two of just walking around.

Gregory Buys

A very pretty place to hike. You dont hardly know you are in town until you approach the boarders, then you might hear a little road noise, or leaf blowers running in the surrounding neighborhoods. Superbly maintained mulch trails make hiking easy and safe for all ages. Some locations require descending / ascending stairs, but there are trails with no stairs involved for those with accessibility needs.

wdhughes

Beautiful place to escape to and reconnect with nature during all four seasons. Interesting geological history related to the last period of glaciation in North America if you are into that. Just remember to keep your dogs on a leash. Ive seen more than one copperhead while hiking there and they can deliver a nasty bite to dogs and humans!

Kyle Kozlowski

I took my dog for a walk here. The whole trail is completely shaded which is a plus, but there were A LOT of bugs, mosquitoes, etc. so bug spray is necessary. There are also a lot of stairs (around 75) so if you have an older dog or a dog with arthritis, then I would take that into consideration. Other than the stairs, the walk was pretty moderate.

Abigail Nickels

When Im missing the mountains but only have an hour, I go to Hemlock Bluffs. What a beautiful nature preserve! There are long, shady, well-maintained trails to walk and wander. Theres also an adorable playground for my kid, all shady and cool. When theyre open, I recommend going inside to see the displays and learn more about the preserve.

Tom deFig

Its kinda pretty in that middle of the country plain way. I was unhappy that you are on rails the whole time there is plastic netting on the sides so you cant go 2 feet in either direction from center. This is not nature this is a tunnel through nature. Good for people from cities who dont know any better. Also staff is rude.

A Private User

Great place for a quick one-on-one with nature. Mulch trails will either take you on a breath-taking get-away or an educational trip through the forest. Many places for sight-seeing. Dog-friendly and children-friendly. Paths are usually wide enough for runners to breeze right by. Hemlock Bluffs is a great stop to make.

Brian Newberry

Our family has enjoyed several trips to hemlock bluffs. Kids like running on the trails and I like letting them get all that energy out. Its refreshing to walk in the woods and forget you live deep in the suburbs. Parking can be a tad tight but I dontind that too much because it means it cant get too crowded.

Stephanie Raeman

We love Hemlock Bluffs! There are two trail loops with numerous scenic overlooks, an education center, childrens play area, and three separate gardens for exploring. My family participates in several different programs here through Town of Cary Parks & Recreation. 4 pokestops & 1 gym.

Nadia C

I came here with my dog, and we both had a great time. The scenery is wonderful, I felt like I was in a fairy forest. There is a kids playground, and they have a lot of activities for them, they keep a calendar. If I lived closer I would visit this place a couple of times a week.

Catherine Pate

I have had the priviledge of experiencing hemlock bluffs from the perspective of a teacher on a field trip and mom whose children and going to camp or go for a walk. Every interaction with the staff has been nothing but exceptionally pleasant and helpful. Love this place.

Jack Blase

Paths that twist, curve and undulate through such a peaceful woodland. And on a good day you can smell the aroma of wood chips that cover the paths. And you wont leave unlearned if you stop in the center. History and the sciences converge in an engaging narrative.

Robert Bodnar

A nice oasis of forest surrounded by suburban Cary. Short trails are easy for beginners. The hemlock trees were common in the entire area during the ice age and this one place still has several due to a north facing bluff keeping temperatures cooler.

Clifford Johnsen

Its a nice, quiet park with long trails. You can spend most of your walk without running into too many people or a boisterous group. I would recommend applying bug spray and bringing a water bottle. The trails can get hot and muggy.

Amanda Murphy

Hemlock Bluffs has beautiful hiking trails and neat overlooks so you can stare at the giant hemlock trees. It is fascinating to go hiking here because it feels like you are in the mountains, not in the middle of Cary.

Michael Belew

It is a wonderful place for the family (dog included), you could easily spend as much as a half day or as little as an hour. The park is well taken care of, and there are many organized activities to take part in.

Christian Perry

The trails are well maintained, but not very long. There are markers along the way to identify trees, plants, etc. The lookout areas are mostly obstructed, however. Great for a quick nature hike.

David Howard

Absolutely awesome place in the middle of town. Nice quiet trails, saw some wildlife, and a wide variety of trees and other plants. Nice flat trails and some nice trails with hills.

Amanda Markert

Great place to walk some trails and hang out. The trails are fairly easy, nothing rigorous, unless you count the stairs going back up haha Will definitely be stopping here again!

Matthew Taggart

Very well maintained trails. This is an excellent park for short hikes with pets and children. Our toddler had no problem waking and running on the mulched trails.

Steven Thomas

The trails are short but well maintained. We had a great time with my 3 year old niece and 7 year old son. The stairs and board walks make the hike very easy.

Scott Watkins

Great little hidden gem. Live this quiet refuge from the city. Very well maintained, great trails, nice parking. Hemlock trees in the Piedmont, wow.

Sahasranshu Panda

The encroachment of residential complexes takes away some of the charm of the place, but it is very well maintained and pretty. Mulch trails FTW!

Angela Hofnagel

Hemlock bluffs is lovely and quiet with a gentle and relaxing vibe. The trails are easy. Fewer birds and wildlife than you might expect.

Robert Austin

It was very pretty and all I just didnt like that u cannot get off the trail and explore the beauty up close. Love all the quartz.

Joni George

I wonderful place to walk especially when the leaves are changing. Our family of 4 had a great time on the Swift Creek Loop Trail.

Adam Klingenberger

Beautiful natural scenery with lots of great educational opportunities for the public. Might be a good place for field trips.