Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve

2616 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary, NC 27518. Use the Stevens Nature Center entrance for exhibits, restrooms, trail information, and the primary trail network.

Use 2616 Kildaire Farm Road and arrive before the posted gate closing. Parking can fill during pleasant weekends and programs; do not leave a vehicle after the preserve gate closes.

The preserve is open daily 9 a.m. until sunset, with gates currently closing at 8:30 p.m. Stevens Nature Center is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m.

General preserve, trail, overlook, children's trail, and exhibit access are free. Registered programs, classes, and group activities may use separate fees or reservations.

Restrooms are currently open at the developed nature-center area. There are no continuous restroom facilities throughout the forest trail network.

The nature center and developed visitor area provide accessible options, but most preserve trails have mulch or natural surfaces, uneven terrain, slopes, boardwalks, and stairs. Contact staff for a route matched to mobility needs.

The preserve has about three miles of trails. Swift Creek Loop is 0.8 mile with roughly 100 stairs each way; Chestnut Oak Loop is 1.2 miles with uneven mild inclines; Beech Tree Cove and hemlock overlooks include optional stairs and steeper returns.

Stevens Nature Center exhibits and the children's nature trail can support a shorter visit, while older children may enjoy a carefully chosen forest loop. Stay together and on marked trails.

Pets must remain on a leash no longer than six feet, stay on trail, and have waste removed. Wildlife protection and narrow routes make close control important.

Picnicking is discouraged because this is a nature preserve rather than a recreation park. Use designated visitor areas without disturbing plants, wildlife, trails, or programs.

Look for Stevens Nature Center, Children's Nature Trail, East and West Bluffs, Swift Creek, Eastern hemlock stands, boardwalks, and the West Hemlock, Beech Tree Cove, and creek overlooks.

Swift Creek Trail is currently closed because of a fallen tree. Trail rehabilitation, storms, flooding, heat, damaged structures, and gate conditions can close individual routes while the nature center remains open.