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Last Modified: 12/8/2007
Passive Recreation Opportunities
The Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission maintains a system of nature preserves, whose primary function is to protect rare biological resources and natural communities. For this reason, only passive recreation is appropriate on a nature preserve. The majority of the preserves are open to the general public, and many of these showcase excellent examples of Kentucky's biodiversity. These preserves are open year round from sunrise to sunset for passive recreational activities such as hiking, photography, bird watching and nature study. Trails are open to foot traffic only and visitors must stay on them at all times. In order to protect the natural and cultural resources occurring on state nature preserves, motorized vehicles, horseback riding, bike riding, artifact gathering, plant gathering, hunting, climbing, rappelling, camping, picnicking, building fires, radios/tape decks and pets are not permitted.
Staff availability limits our ability to provide regularly scheduled hikes on all of the nature preserves. Each year, a series of hikes led by commission biologists is offered. Periodically, guided hikes are arranged for preserves that are closed to the general public. Two preserves under the management of onsite custodial partners offer a variety of programming for children and adults. The Louisville Nature Center is adjacent to Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve and is open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Blackacre Foundation offers public access and programs at Blackacre State Nature Preserve on Sunday afternoons, 1-5 p.m. April through June and September through November. Several of our other partners, such as the Floracliff Board and Friends of Lower Howard’s Creek may offer outings on their properties as their time and staff allow. Watch this page for notices on upcoming hikes and other programs planned for the state nature preserves.
 A list of 2007 State Nature Preserve Hikes and Events is available via our Events Calendar page.
Photographs from State Nature Preserve Hikes
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Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission - Joyce Bender
801 Schenkel Lane
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-573-2886
Fax: 502-573-2355
E-mail: Joyce.Bender@ky.gov
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