Hemlock Bluff Nature Preserve
Natural Areas: Hemlock Bluff Nature Preserve
State Designated Nature Preserve [#44; 1977]
Hemlock Bluff. Click to enlarge
Hemlock Bluff includes a high north-facing bluff along Guthrie Creek that is home to an impressive stand of hemlock trees, including one of the largest hemlocks in the state. The trail starts out to the west, passing through a nice deciduous forest before doubling back and descending a bit along the steep slope to your left. At points, the trail is steeply slanted and seems ready to send you tumbling down toward the creek far below. The path passes by and through several areas thick with hemlock; in one place the foliage is so thick it’s downright dark inside. Before long, the trail turns uphill and makes its way back to the parking area. Just east of the preserve a very steep county road descends to the north toward Guthrie Creek; a parking area may or may not be evident at the base of the bluff, affording access to interesting layered rock formations along the creek.
Trail Map
Click to enlarge
Directions
Jackson County. From US 50 X Leesville Road (about 0.3 miles west of the Lawrence-Jackson county line), south 2.4 miles to Sparksville Rd., then left 1.3 miles to a gravel lot on the left.
GPS: N 38 50.749 W 86 15.667
Facilities
None
Finder Sketch
Click to enlarge
Nearby Natural Areas (miles)
Starve Hollow State Recreation Area (11.8)
Spring Mill State Park (17.4)