Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve

Beautiful park. Conservatory habitat, learning experiences for everyone.
Peaceful pLace to visit in cary, NC

Don’t forget your bug repellent! Apart from those bugs trying to find a feast, this is a really nice spot to hike and get away from all the cars, a nice retreat. There are several walking trails, some with lots of stairs. The path we took had lots of stairs and some «rest stops» with benches. Just remember that you’ll need to retrace your steps back up when you’re ready to go!
Once you’re on the trails, you really can’t hear cars or any road noise. It’s crazy to think you’re near one of the busier streets in Cary! Lots of trees, lots of flora all around. I’m excited to visit at different times of the year to see how things change.
The children’s path wasn’t complete when we were there, but I think it’ll be a great spot for kiddos to go on a short exploration outdoors. The little statues they’re putting in look like fun too.
Really, though, this is a *NATURE* preserve, so there are bugs here. There are even creepy crawlies so keep an eye out if you’re squeamish and don’t want one attached to your shoe or something. Bug repellent is a must here too. I saw some signs for children’s classes involving the various animals here — without even attending, I know it would be a huge hit for any kid interested in the outdoors (so most kids!).
I really like this spot. Lots of opportunity and inspiration for some good pictures too. There are so many trees that dappled light isn’t really an issue, but the light does stream in nicely at certain times in the day.
A great spot for an easy hike or stroll through nature!

So I went here after the town of Cary spread the news of this new children’s nature area… I was pumped. I could take my 2 year old and he would have a blast…
Oh was that one of the most underwhelming things I have seen. Do not make the trip just for that…
First the park opens at 9am. If you want to beat the heat and humidity, this is not the park to go to.
If you have a stroller, you have limited options.
The nice thing is the trails are very well maintained. Lots of signs and benches which is very nice.
It appears to be dog friendly which is also very nice.
If your kids are a bit older, this place is very nice.

Visited this preserve recently after checking out the website. It is a perfect place to get in a few walking miles plus with the added stairs you can get your heart rate up a bit more! The stairs are not full steps meaning they are about half steps which makes it easy for all ages plus there are overlooks and benches throughout the different loops. If you are just getting back to walking you will find easy short loops or as you gain stamina you can easily add on loops until you can walk the full length including all the stairs. As others have mentioned this is not a tough hiking or jogging trail. But it is a wonderful peaceful area for either a leisurely stroll or fast walk. there is a fun outdoor covered area for educational events plus a few extra climbing things for kids. a low balance beam, big mushrooms to sit or climb on, etc. be sure to go inside the main building to discover the history of the preserve and make a donation! This would not exist without continued funding from the community and the exhibits are fun to look at! There are bathrooms but they are only ooen when the offices are open. Sadly the preserve opens at 9am… wish it was open earlier especially during the hot summer months.

neat visitors center. restrooms and water fountains and water bowel for dogs. walking trails (several loops to choose from) hilly and can be strenuous for those with medical conditions. Walk, Run or just smell the roses.
Programs for kids.
FREE

What a beautiful nature preserve! y family and I went for a hike the other day and we had the best time! The trails are clearly marked and located through out are information plaques with the different plants and wildlife found there. Plenty of parking and conveniently located off of Kildaire Farm Road. They have bathrooms and a visitor center in the front.

This is my new park. I recently moved to the neighborhood and happily visited Hemlock Bluffs. The trails are very well-​maintained, and while they are not too challenging, they are beautiful and not too busy. There are some overlooks that I’m excited to see change with the seasons. I like to combine the loops on either side of the nature center and make it a 2 mile walk. I haven’t been into the nature center, but they have a compost display outside, and a cool recycle garden. You have to see it to appreciate it. Even the doggie pick up bags are just repurposed grocery bags stuck in empty water bottles along the trail. There are garbage cans throughout the park too. Some parks just have them at the parking area, but they are all along the trail here, which is convenient. I will definitely be frequenting Hemlock Bluffs.

My family is new to the Raleigh area, moving from the SF Bay Area. As such, we’re hugely into the outdoors, and are enjoying exploring all the «RTP» has to offer. After 16 years of golden hills and chaparral, we feel we’ve moved to the jungles, ha ha.
A friend recommended Hemlock Bluffs both for its gentle hikes and varying flora. So far we’ve visited twice and I know it’ll become a favorite both for it’s easy accessibility right within Cary as well as the great paths and beauty. We can’t wait until fall color comes in and also to see how it changes when all the deciduous leaves are off the canopy.
The Nature Center is a great resource for learning about the animals and history of Kildaire Farms, too. My children particularly enjoy the «recycled garden,» full of ideas for clever repurposing of ordinary items into quirky garden features.
I include many photos of the recycled garden and Hemlock Bluffs’ trails here:

I used to visit Hemlock Bluffs pretty regularly while living in Cary for a quick mid day hike or to walk our pup. The park is ideal for a quick trip given its easy accessibility (right off of Kildaire Farm Road) and ample parking.
The nature preserve itself is a little oasis in the middle of the ever increasing hustle and bustle of Cary. Though the preserve is by no means huge or expansive, it does offer three loop trails (Chestnut Oak, Swift Creek, and Beach Tree Cove) which are all mild in terms of intensity and range from 0.8 to 1.2 miles in total loop distance. Some portions of the trail are boardwalk (which is always awesome) and all are well-​maintained. There are also numerous observation decks that allow you to look down into valleys or off into fields of wildflowers. Don’t be surprised should you run into a few of nature’s critters such as chipmunks, foxes, rabbits, snakes, or skinks as you traipse through the preserve. While you won’t be doing any cross country hiking here, you definitely can get in a few good miles.
There is also a small education center and gift shop for your perusal. Plus there are some volunteer opportunities here, and I believe Hemlock Bluffs is one of the local spots that REI has funded for preservation and maintenance activities (nice!).
Hemlock Bluffs is one of those gems that are all so important to preserve in the face of ever increasing industrialization. Kudos to the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs group for doing what they do to ensure that preservation!