Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve Reviews

Lovely scenery, peaceful, quiet, easy access and plenty of parking.
It is an easy trail and you can take a stroller

You feel like you are miles from anything, but, it's actually very close to everything. They have a cute gift shop and very convenient parking. I love to take my dogs there for a walk!

Great walking trails with adequate places to rest. The trails are very well kept and it is such an awesome, peaceful experience to walk around, see nature and be outdoors!

We come here all the time to hike. We live nearby and we even bought a pavement stone with our name and sentiment on their trail entrance walkway. Pretty cool. The trails are not that long about 1 mile so it's a nice quick hike when you don't have a lot of time. We see a lot of volunteer workers sometimes putting down the mulch etc. Love this small community.

Hemlock Bluffs is an excellent place for both adults and children to explore nature at its best. A good place to take children, young and old, to explore different plant life, insects, etc

Nature trails lead to creek with rolling hills ...nice playgrounds and picnic tables...Anture center has guided tours.( Seasonal). Just a mile off Tryon Rd...close by everything in Cary

Another place I love to take my dog and my dog loves to go! The longest trail is 1.2 miles, but there are several so you can combine them. It's beautiful, and once you've started your walk you feel like you've really gone somewhere. I've never been there when it's crowded. There are usually a few people out there for a run, but mostly you're by yourself. The trails are slightly elevated at points, but nothing even close to strenuous. I noticed when I was there this week that they've completed their children's trail area. It has a few things for younger kids to climb on and play around. It would make a nice end to a visit. If you're here for a visit or live here, Hemlock Bluffs is a relaxing place that I'm pretty sure you'll come back to again and again.

Hemlock Bluffs is a great park to take a short hike/walk, plus they have a nature center, with local history and a gift shop. One of the trails has a very steep hill with many stairs, and the other is hilly but more gradual. Dogs are welcome on 6’ leashes. The Town of Cary offers children’s classes here as well. Good parking, bathrooms, and water fountain.

Hemlock Bluffs has two lovely trails. They are well mulched and well maintained. Stevens Nature Center, located at the park, has information about the area and native species. The facilities are clean and well maintained.

Great greenways and hiking right off of Kildare Farm Road. It’s amazing that Cary has so much to offer. This is a great hike and lots to see and experience. Bring bug spray as there tends to be a lot of mosquitoes near dusk. Check it out. You will be pleasantly pleased....

Hemlock Bluffs is a beautiful getaway off Kildaire Farm Rd. Walking trails, with both short loops and longer hikes, are open year-round. The rangers are friendly and my kids have enjoyed their educational programs, although by far their favorite activity is racing up and down the dozens of steps that carry you from treetop-level down to a stream bed full of wildlife. Great for exercise, well-maintained, and a lovely, shady getaway for hot summer days. Protip: bring insect repellent.

We decided to walk-off some BBQ and was it a treat! We saw owls, millipedes, and a large Black Rat Snake among other things. The park has a couple of really nice trails for short walks. Enjoy!

Great trails, well maintained. Perfect for the family (we have young kids) but don't forget your bug spray!

Once you park and go up the stairs, you forget you are in the middle of town. Very peaceful, very beautiful, well maintained. Can't wait to go back. Very scenic, great for pictures with the kids!! If you live in Wake County and don't visit Hemlock Bluffs, you are really missing out!

Went there to get out and walk the dogs, great trails and plenty of interesting things to see. Will go back, didn't get to see it all.

Hemlock Bluffs is unique in that it has vegetation that only grows in the mountains. It is unforgettable. The parks have made a wonderful trail system throughout. I would highly recommend a visit.

The nature center provides a quick guide to animals you might see. The trails are easy to walk on and mulched for comfort underfoot. Although it is only feet from one of the busiest roads in Cary, once on the trails, you can barely hear the traffic. Also a nice place for an old fashioned picnic - carry in, relax, eat, carry out.

Nice trails to take at your leisure and watch the wildlife. We started going when my son was young. Now we take our dog.

We walk here at least once a month. It's a beautiful walk in the woods and great exercise as it is quite hilly!

Hemlock Bluffs is a fantastic park that has a little bit of something for everyone. 3 or 4 well groomed trails to walk, a nature center that offers education and programming for all age groups, a unique stand of hemlock trees that wouldn't normally be found in this area except for the microclimate that this area provides and free parking and a picnic area. My only "complaint" is that the trails are rather short and unchallenging, but that said - it is a fantastic place to walk with family or just get away from the hustle and bustle for a short time.

Lovely well maintained trails. Great for dog walking, walking or running
Wood chip paths are nicer than asphalt. Several trail options. Great for kids.

Located in the southern part of Cary, NC, this is a nice short walk, with a few hills. It includes a small nature center (great for kids) and an isolated stand of Hemlocks. Dificulty, easy to moderate.

I was looking forward to seeing the bluffs but the trees have grown so much you can barely see the water at the bottom of the bluffs. It's even hard to tell they are bluffs. The best part was the Recycled Art Garden. It gave me some ideas for our back yard.

The nature preserve is home to many eastern hemlock trees. It also offers 3 miles of mulched trails (easy to walk) and scenic overlooks (but you can't really see anything because the trees are so big now). There are quite a few steps to get to the overlooks. They were also putting out fresh mulch when we were there and it smelled horrible so we cut our walk short.

Other things the nature preserve offers is an educational exhibit hall, wildflower gardens, and a children's garden.

I visited Hemlock Bluffs a Saturday afternoon as I was on business in Cary and I had time to kill and I wanted to get outside as I like to do. Hemlock Bluffs is a small wooded reserve ideal for young families. It was a nice little place for a short hike. Ideally I was looking for something longer but unfortunately I couldn't see anything else in the Cary area. It consists of about three one mile walks although they are all joined up so it is possible to link them together. I was there for about an hour or so. It isn't anything for a serious walker.

This is a very nice, quite nature walk in Cary. Not real strenuous but you achieve a good cardio workout. I'm in my sixties and the distance is just right and the woods are beautiful to enjoy. Pet friendly also!

I've been going to Hemlock Bluffs my entire life, it's a great place to enjoy an afternoon. Prepare to do some hiking since it is very hilly, but this is one of those places you can enjoy a good hour or two exploring around. The other nice thing about Hemlock Bluffs is that it's under the canopy of many trees, so even during the summer you'll find it's not oppressively hot. Another plus is that it's never crowded, or at least that's been my experience. Highly recommend!

This park has some Eastern Hemlock in it which is rare in the Piedmont area. This park has really nice mainly mulch trails very comfortable to walk on and on the most part very level without tripping hazards. So these are idea trails for all ages. The Swift Creek Trail the park's most popular trail does require a climb of 105 steps or so coming back which makes the hike back somewhat moderate. The park is thickly wooded making it an idea place to take a hike on a summer day. There are several overlooks albeit that the woods are so thick you can't see real great when the leaves are out.

There is a visitor (nature) center, classrooms and programs for kids. The park is very well maintained and is free.

Nice area for a short hike, but we didn't see very many hemlocks. They seem to be dying out. The hikes are very easy.

Nice small park in stw western part of Cary. Plenty of trails and quiet stream running thru the bottom of the park

This little nature preserve is very well-maintained and provides perfect relaxation in a natural environment. My husband an I were both very impressed with this little nature preserved and look forward to returning!

Great trails and the only place in eastern US where the hemlock grows naturally. Lots of nature programs

Very nice park with well maintained trails. Easy to walk and good place to go with children and your dogs

Plenty of parking and shade. This park is beautiful with plenty of trees and trails. There's also a nice area to sit and relax. There's a drinking fountain for humans and dogs.

My husband studied Landscape Architecture in college. We both thorough enjoyed our time here. We were astounded by the age and grace of the preserve. Trails are covered with wood chips and are easily walked. There are gentle changes in latitude. Overlooks and benches are thoughtfully located. Informational signs and guides are well placed and provide answers to popular questions. Whether you spend and hour or half day, you are definitely refreshed by this quiet forest in the city of Cary, a bustling Raleigh area city.

Very nice place to become inspired, or in some cases to relieve stress in seek of calm.

This is a beautiful place with many educational opportunities. The trails are short enough that the entire family can go without getting too tired. It's close to everything.

Visited the Preserve mid morning on Monday in Dec and literally had the place to ourselves. Went with my daughter and grandkids as they showed me some of the local nature in the Apex/Cary area. The trails are well maintained with signage along each trail describing the various habitat. It makes for an interesting walk that we thoroughly enjoyed. Clean restrooms and a nice Information Center. Hope to come back this spring to see it lush with green foliage.

Love coming here as they have a few selsctions of trails. Overlooks pretty bluffs with overlooks throughout the park. Nice gift shop and very friendly and dedicated staff. Cute children's garden. Steps available on one trail and well maintained wooden bridges. Quiet and easy location.

Had some time to kill so visited to take a hike. Great trails with varied habitat and very nice staff. The visitors center had a very nice exhibit as well.

I already knew that Cary, NC is considered a green space, eco friendly urban area that backs up to busy Raleigh and the Research Triangle but I had no clue there were so many parks, greenways, walking trails and lakes. I had wanted to visit William Umstead park in Raleigh but since this was the first day we were here, we had already driven a lot and we were close to our hotel, I decided this would be a better spot for stretching out legs after being in a car all day. Wow! At one point during our hike, I could no longer tell a thriving urban center was even close, much less that I was in the middle of it. Well maintained, easily navigated hiking trails take you through what was once a farming area/grist mill spot in Wake County. You meander past a creek that shows no signs that a city is nearby. A nature center is part of this park that is staffed with friendly park rangers who are glad to answer any and all questions. What's really neat about this place is the areas around the nature center that include a children's area designed especially for the littles and a garden that highlights ways to reuse/resource/recycle items for your garden which is just completely delightful! We took a nice stroll that relaxed us before having to re enter the chaos that is a large urban area on a Friday evening

Nice relaxing way to spend Sunday afternoon before dinner. Easy trail with mulch laid for low impact walking. Observed squirrels, and herd (12) deer scurrying about to avoid us. Cold but nice escape for a few minutes from civilization and all the hustle and bustle of Raleigh and Cary.

Well taken care of nature trails, enough to get the kids out but not overwhelm them with too long a hike. Saw a copper head snake in a stash of downed branches, lots of cool trees and the bluff of course. Nice Homage to Colonel William Walton Stevens the preserve's benefactor.

This is a great neighborhood park that has preserved a unique set of Hemlock trees and a mature hardwood forest. A great place to hike with the kids - lots of steps and boardwalk near the creek. Our girls loved it growing up and we still go there to walk.

I enjoyed walking the with my guy here! Very peaceful, great trails for exercise

The bluffs are a great way to spend an hour or so walking around with a special someone. There are quite a few places to stop, sit and talk and just enjoy this beautiful park.

My wife and I went and we loved it, beautiful scenery and a great healthy way to spend the day. I highly recommend a visit if you're in the area.

My husband and I love walking the trails at Hemlock Bluff with our dog. The paths are soft under foot with mulch padding and there are bridges spanning streams. There are beautifully crafted stairs to observation platforms at overlooks. Definitely worth the visit to short and long trails!

This is a great place to run to and around or just go and walk or walk your dog. Trail markings are nice and clear.

you can enjoy a nice nature walk through the preserve and if you enjoy bird watching this is especially a great place for you.

Fantastic destination for a walk and/or light hike. The trails are wood chip lined and super comfy to walk on, not to mention impeccably maintained. Some trails also have board walks. This is light hiking, some hills, nothing too strenuous. Some trails are even suitable for an all terrain stroller or wheel chair.

This park is SUPER dog friendly, offering a big doggie water bowl and a "dog parking" station near the bathrooms.

There is a lovely visitors center with history displays. There is a little bit of hands on for small kids, but not a ton. Outside, there is a cute area for little kids to play in.

If you're into that sort of stuff, don't miss their composting set up beside the visitor's center! We love visiting here. LOTS of shade keeps it pleasant. In cooler weather, there can be some mosquitoes, so don't forget the repellent.

They want me to put fifty words in? It takes about this long to walk around the place. Good education center.

Very nice, but short hiking trails. Lots of stairs so it would be difficult to bring a stroller. It's a great place to bring small kids who can't hike more than a mile or so. We will be back!

This is a good nature walk through the woods, we only wish they had some live animals throughout to see!

Great place to get lost in the woods with, peace , quiet and an opportunity to enjoy nature! Beautiful natural setting, alongside Swift Creek. Lots of birds and some good walking.

Great trails for hiking or walking, fun day to enjoy nature. Great place to take family. Lots of places to explore

I love the trails here. Even on a hot day this park seems to be several degrees cooler. Early morning or late afternoon is a good time to spot some wildlife. Is is a jewel within Cary!!

After a long delay, I eventually discovered this local gem, close to my home.It's appealing in many ways because the forest canopy shields you from the sun during the hot summer months.Interesting to see eastern hemlock trees, rare outside mountainous areas of North Carolina.Well maintained hiking trails and informative staff and wildlife displays only enhances the visitor experience.

This very naturalized setting can be a challenging walk if you follow the trail to an overlook and down stairs to view a craggy stream bed. You'll hear the footfalls of little, wild creatures, and see them sometimes. Good bathroom facilities and a picnic area. Special guided tours offered during the year for youth to seniors.

The Town of Cary had the foresight to make the bluffs area a park and they have done a marvelous job with the trails. Right now (end of March) there are many native wildflowers blooming in the flood plain area

Great place to burn off some calories and see some interesting things. Interesting to see the stand of hemlocks that have no business growing in this climate. Trails are very well maintained and there is plenty of wildlife to see. A nice break from suburbia. Highly recommended.

This is our favorite place for a walk in the summer. As you climb down from the bluffs the temperature drops significantly, for a nice break from the summer heat. Lots of steps for great exercise also.

beautiful park with some challenging paths for walking or running, Great oasis in the middle of Cary, NC

It is a nice place to go on nice day. Bring a comfortable pair of shoes. And a pet. My dog came.And a camera. Relaxing place to be. I bought a picnic basket with me.

Great walking trails, lovely trees with fall color. Most trails easy to walk, some have a few steps, and one is very steep. Easy to get to and it is FREE. Very nice and helpful staff which helped us get to the arboretum.

We took our 3 teenagers out for a little bit of hike to work off the day before Thanksgiving dinner. Nice trails but lots of steps so not handicap friendly. The visitors center was closed for the holiday. Best part it was free!

Good trails, lots of nature to observe. In the summer time it does get buggy, so be prepared. It does have some good inclines and stairs.

I never get tired of this park...love the hemlocks! My husband and I have been going here for over 20 years, and have watched it grow. It will always have a special place in our hearts.

Nice place for a walk nature viewing and getting away. In Cary yet in the woods. Nice trails from easy to advanced. Nice scenery. Well kept.

We enjoy going to Hemlock Bluffs to walk in all seasons. It is not the largest of the parks in this area, but it is close and nice. A good walker can walk all the trails in under an hour. Or you can stroll through the woods, looking for wildlife, particularly birds. The nature center has many wonderful programs for adults and children. Pick up a flyer at the center or go on-line to download a calendar. Take you dog, but bring the leash.

This is a nice local place to take your family. I've taken Girl Scout troops. The Education Center is small, but nice and well, educational. We go regularly.

A "well" kept hideaway in Cary. It feels like you escaped town and went back to nature. They even have a nature center and classes.

In eastern part of Cary. Took grand kids on a walk. Stairs may be tough for seniors. Very peaceful and full of many things in nature to see.

Hemlock Bluffs is a wonderful place to visit when you seek peace and quiet and enjoy the beautiful nature (fauna and flora) that surrounds you there during a walk/hike/run. There are a variety of interesting nature programs offered for young and old.
I enjoyed that park for the last 20 years and I will keep coming back.

Hemlock Bluffs is an awesome place to take a hike. It is very shaded and has a very comfortable muclh path. It also has a lot of steps on one side of the park for a good cardio workout, or you can just stay on the other side for leisurely trails to enjoy nature.

Hemlock Bluff is a peaceful, relaxing green space in lovely Cary, North Carolina. It is a nature preserve filled with boardwalks, walking paths, stairs, bridges, and a trickling stream, all engulfed in a lush green forest area. There is also a children's play area, visitors center, and great bathrooms! We spent a wonderful few hours wandering the numerous paths and taking photos until mosquitoes and heat overcame us!! Take bug spray!

Lovely nature preserve right in the middle of the suburban bustle. Relaxing walk through the woods on well-kept trails, some with boarded walking paths. Had a nice workout walking back up the steep step paths.
Very friendly, knowledgeable staff. One of my kids skinned his knee; I walked him back to the main building to see if they had a first aid kit because I had nothing on me to clean the cut. Right away, one staffer brought something out for us.
Had to cut our visit short, but we would visit again.

Charming little area and a great place to get the little ones interested in outdoors. We do the short hike down the steps and around a trail with the kids. It's not too much for them but gets them interested in the outdoors and nature. Fun place to spend an hr or so with the kids and the dog. Very peaceful and pleasant. We really enjoying coming here.

A great place to take a walk in the woods. The topography and orientation of this area allow for a more-mountain-like variety of flora including the hemlocks themselves. The trails are easy to wlak and well-maintained. There are quite a few steps near the bluff, so if you're not to sure on your feet, you might want to stay up top or hang out in the informative visitor center. Park and walk right in - no entrance fee. A great way to kill an hour if your stuck in Cary and don't get off on the oversized new construction houses and soul-less, generic shopping centers that abound in the area.

It's a great place for a nature walk right in the suburbs. It's a hidden gem that most people probably don't realize is there. There's also a nature center.

A great retreat from the hustle and bustle...right in town! Great for leisurely hike or pet walks. Several trail lengths to choose from.

I visited the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve in Cary, NC on a misty day in March and was pleasantly surprised. The Preserve is open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset. It stretches across 140 acres along Swift Creek. Lots of trails which include Swift Creek Loop Trail (.8 mi), Chestnut Oak Loop Trail (1.2 mi), Beech Tree Cover Trail (.9 mi) and West Hemlock Overlook (.7 mi).

I enjoyed a nice walk on my own and felt comfortable being by myself. Sometimes as a single woman, I don't like being heading out on strolls alone. Nice maintained nature trails.

We had friends in from TX, and they wanted to go for a walk. They requested trees and fresh air. They were speechless. This park is mostly for walking, hiking, or running. There is a cool kids play area, and a fabulous indoor area that educate us about nature. If your Zen needs a boost, take a walk through this park!

Trails with bluffs and river. River is muddy and not all that. Walk however is shaded and trail is soft mulch so a good walk for exercise.

Nice trails, I like that there are doggie bags for those who do not bring their own - peaceful and lovely views, feel like you are NOT in Cary

We love to visit Hemlock Bluffs, and we love that we can bring our dog along too! Close to our house, and a nice short, out in the woods, walk!

I love going on walks here -- it's absolutely beautiful in the spring and summer time. The hikes are all short and pretty easy, and have some great views along the way. A nice place to go to get away from the stress of everyday life.

It's a micro-climate of plants and terrain that you normally do not see this side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Very peaceful enclave in the middle of Cary.

Great trail with tons of wildlife, it is not uncommon to see owls, hawks, deer with their fawns, snakes, and chupacabras.

I love hiking here during the fall and in the summer it is about 20° cooler because of the shaded tree canopy!

I was just telling a co-worker about this today. There is a very nice path in the woods for a Nature hike. It is not paved and there are rocks and stumps so wear good shoes. During the evening hours you may even run into deer feeding at the bottom of the hill.

This is a local jewel that just keeps getting better thanks to increased interest from the community. It is beautifully maintained, serene, & tranquil. You can get as much or as little of a work out as you like there too. There's plenty of ups & downs and level areas for resting. There are areas with running cedar that are getting harder to find all the time as well as the even more rare eastern Hemlocks. Take a day & visit. Bring the kids too. There's lots of education to be had for all in the Stevens Center there as well as along the trails. Do wear your good walking shoes though. Not the best place for your flip flops...

With so much development going forward in Cary, it is great to have a place like Hemlock Bluffs to visit and appreciate. It is a great place for a peaceful walk on ahot Summer day. The trails are great and well maintained.

This is a Beautiful place to hit the trails and just hike or chill for a few hours. Just be sure to have your stamina! lol

Gorgeous park, manageable with young kids, nice little escape in the city! This would be a safe place also to go hiking alone as the paths are well defined and there are generally enough people around to be safe but not so much that you loose the feeling of being out in nature.

Good for all ages, there is something for everyone here. Extremely well kept but maintaining its wildness, this is one of our favorite places to go. Mosquitoes are occasionally an issue in the summer but both on the bluffs and down in the lowland, this is a beautiful preserve.

Nice walks but faded warnt at the other parks nearby. Cool to do once though. But nothing special to see here.

I had such a nice visit to the hemlock bluffs park. I went down the stairs to the creek and saw some pretty old trees for this region. I'm from ohio and there is a park there called mohican that has the most amazing hemlock gorge. I loved listening to the Tufted Titmouse call out to another one. That is my favorite bird that I miss hearing since I moved to south florida. The park is clean and safe and also has nice facilities.

This park is small but has some great hikes. Great for all ages. Paths are well groomed. Makes for a good run of you want to do all the trails. There are a lot of straits on the hike that goes down to the boardwalk but the other hike has none. Good views, peaceful and cool that you’re right in the middle of suburbia.

This is a small preserve that a lot of people that live in the area don't even know about. They have a small nature center, trails, and some overlooks where you can rest or take pictures. Hemlock Bluffs is a microclimate where a lot of plants and trees that otherwise grow only in the mountains thrive - especially the grove of hemlocks for which the place is named. Overall, it's a nice spot to rest if you have an hour or two free, and a nice break from all the stuff that is going on in Cary.

Wonderful place for a walk in the woods. The Millpond trail is beautiful with many photo opportunities. Don't forget your binos.

Had a lovely afternoon walking down the stairs and along the boardwalk into the woods, looking for signs of fall.

One of my favorite Cary parks! I enjoy the trails, which are well kept and easily marked. Met two deer along the way, wasn't chewed up by mosquitoes and the park ranger was friendly and helpful. A great place to go for solitude, with a loved one or as part of your family or group.

Lovely tranquil wooded setting with many walking trails and a variety flora and fauna. Dog friendly if on leash, great for kids to explore.

While it is great to have a nature preserve in the city, this one is too close to noisy roadways and, in the summer, very noisy "concerts",featuring drums and screaming vocals and such. Not very conducive to a nature felling.

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

Great place to take the kids or dogs for a nice walk. Very scenic and not crowded. Nice place to "get back to nature". I had a 12 year old and set of 8 year old twins and they enjoyed the visit!

The Nature Preserve is so beautiful, and the trails are excellent. It really makes you forget there are busy streets anywhere near by. We took our dog for a great walk, and met a few nice people along the way. Even though there was a bit of snow on the ground, it still made for a great bit of exercise. I am excited to see what the other seasons look like!

Hemlock trees belong in the mountains. So it is quite a treat to see these beautiful trees in a park in the middle of the city. Has beautiful trails. Great place to take your dog for a walk!

One of the best parks in the area. It's nature beauty and rolling hills; incredible floral and leafy trees make this a very special get away within the city. Perfect for little ones or just solo peace and quiet. Both work.

If you are a walker this is a really nice place, if you hike not so much. The trails are in excellent shape if only there were more of them. There are several nice overlooks but the view is limited except in the winter months. There is a second loop down the steps along the creek with some interesting facts noted about prior uses of the area. Alll in all a nice place to walk

The reserve is quite small, compared to, say, Umstead, but it large enough that you're out of sight of roads and homes most of the time. The trails are relatively short -- up to a couple of miles -- and some are friendly to people who can't manage tough climbs or descents. It's never been crowded when I've been there, but you meet people on the trail quite often.

Tucked away in southern Cary, NC, you have to know this place exists even though it's on one of the main arteries of the town. Well maintained, nature-friendly, multiple paths of varying lengths and difficulty. The lower level (down the Cliffs of Kildaire, named for the main road this venue is on, Kildaire Road) is a steep, multi-staircase down - no mobility-handicapped folks here unless you are very rugged. At the bottom, a well-done boardwalk through the woods in a complete circle, wandering along Swift Creek, very quiet and peaceful. The trails are in excellent shape and are suitable for running, but not so much for strollers (sorry kiddies). Folks bring their (friendly) dogs along, nice to meet new friends! The "upper" trail has some side trails that take you down the cliffs to Swift Creek, complete with gazebos for resting. The main upper trail is also a big loop and it too very quickly immerses you into peace and quiet in the woods. Nice spot, you can walk upper and lower trails in about an hour and it's a good workout.

A nice relaxing spot to visit! Tall trees but only a few hemlocks. Unfortunately I visited when the deciduous trees were barren. A few weeks earlier might have been full fall colors. The barren trees made it easy to view the topography of the land and over the cliff to see the stream below.
The short trail system was easy to walk. It was carefully laid out, the trails were wide and well kept either by grooming or wooden boardwalks. A wooden staircase with viewing platforms and benches leads down to the stream below.

There was a visitor center and activity center which was closed because of the Thanksgiving weekend, but it looked interesting. Will have to return.

The trails here are not challenging and perfect for a quick, quiet, getaway. Family and dog friendly, there is a small "center" where you can get your questions answered about the local wildlife and plants there. Very pretty and hard to believe you are right next to a busy road!!

Hemlock bluffs is a fun place to hike. The trails are well maintained and there is a nice visitors center with classes available. The park is named for the stand of Hemlock trees that naturally grow here. The trees are further south that typical for this tree. Come see and enjoy some of God's creation. This is a great place to watch for animals and enjoy.

If you have young children, Hemlock Bluffs offers great, short hikes that are easy to do with children, even as young as two!

We often stop here to walk and take time off from a faster pace of life. It's a lovely, quiet area that is perfect for a nice walk.

We go there a lot. It is beautiful. It is very well kept. I would recommend it to anyone looking for some peace and tranquility.

This is a wonderful place to meet nature. The center has guided walks with trained naturalists or you may walk on your own. Beautiful seasonal nature experience.

These bluffs offer one of the few locals with hemlock due to the ravine and microclimate. A number of other more high altitude plants can be seen, and nice boardwalk and trails circle the wetlands and deciduous forests. Stairs exist, so not wheelchair or stroller friendly, but a fun adventure for young kids. The nature center offers lots of programs for kids of,various ages that are well received and the wildflower gardens, with id labels are great for budding naturalists to learn local flora. A wonderful resource in the midst of a growing suburban town. A must for families,with kids, birders, and walkers.

Walk down into the forest and you feel like you are million miles away. Babbling brook, scent filled air, and scampering animals will restore your weary soul.

The hike was not too long. It was very pretty. Kid friendly too. Also pet friendly. A nice place to go when you dont want to spend a long time at a park.

I just moved into a neighborhood right next to this place and it is one of the reasons that we moved here. It is beautiful! Lots of walking trails!

My daughter has taken classes at Hemlock Bluffs and I hike the trails while she is in class. These are short trails (1 mi and less) with mild to moderate hills, but one can put together several loops to make a longer hike. Dogs are welcome on a leash and there is a great nature center and gift shop that also has information on all local outdoor and environmental locals. Free parking, free admission -- well worth a visit.

I am a city girl at heart so was a little anxious about walking a nature trail by myself. This preserve is perfect!! Well maintained trails, clear defined paths, very well kept!! Took some great photos and got a good workout for my old bones! Will return often!!

My friend and I needed to get out to nature. Looking for places to walk, we found Hemlock Bluffs. This is a must see in the Raleigh area.

This is a pretty special place--hemlocks grow on the steep ridge above a creek here, and have been preserved, thank goodness, since it's surrounded by developments. This is an island in the middle of suburban Cary. The walkways are constantly being improved and expanded, you can get a lovely view of the hemlocks and the creek and the bluffs without damaging the fragile environment, and the little nature center is interesting, too.

I stopped at this place around 7:30 in the morning and found out the gates didn't open until 9:00. I returned after opening and took a stroll with my camera in hand. What a great place to stroll first thing innthe morning. It was clean and the paths were easy to navigate. So quiet you could hear every stir in the woods. The lodge appears to have plenty of classrooms and apparently has alot of educational offerings although nothing in progress during my visit. I noticed the scouts seem to have some input here with upkeep. I love that being a ex-scout myself. Only a mile from my hotel and surprised to find it in the location it was. Pay this place a visit and enjoy nature.

Have been here several times. A great place to walk. I'm not close enough to walk, it's a short drive but well worth it. Plenty of trees for shade which makes for a comfortable place to walk. I would suggest bug spray to stay on the safe side. Have never had a problem with bugs here.

I visited Hemlock Bluffs as a child, but I had not been back in so long. We went out with friends this past weekend to do a little hike and it was really nice! We ended up doing both sides and got in 2 miles. It was the perfect temperature and very relaxing in the woods. I forget this location is so close to us...crazy it's just in Cary.

A definite local gem. Great hiking trails and nature programs. Feels like you're getting away from it all close to home. We usually do several loops around the mile long trail for a pretty good workout. Trails are fully shaded and it always feels a bit cooler here. Trails are very well-kept and beautiful all seasons. We use this park weekly, if not more.

Nice place to walk for a short bit. Trails are well maintained with mulch. There are a variety of trails in various lengths and difficulty. All trails are less than 2 miles in length. One trail has a lot of wooden steps on a gradual slope (not steep). We walked 2 of the trails - the views are not as pretty as I've seen in other locations - you are mostly seeing hemlock and other trees. Area is well shaded and trails mostly well marked. We saw several families with young children there. They have a program for young children, which seemed to be nice. Our kids are all adults so we didn't stay and watch the program. We would visit this again.

There are about 3 miles of trails alltogether. They are mostly mulched or have boardwalks. The trails are very, very kind on the joints - like running on a rubber mat. There aren't many roots or other obstacles on the trails. B/C the trails aren't long, I run "figure 8s" or loops on them. However, the boardwalk sections on one trail are very slippery when wet. Also, this place has really bad mosquitos in the summer. It's a very pretty little park though and one of my favorite running spots.

We visit this park often. There is plenty of shade and places to have lunch. It's got a nice trail and is clean. :)

Lots of stairs at the beginning of the trail. Very pretty in the Spring and Summer. The trail has boardwalks through the forest, and plenty of wildlife and ferns.

We have lived in Cary for 25 years now and did not realize or visit Hemlock Bluffs. The property is lush, beautiful, well maintained and a total surprise. The walk along the Bluffs with the stream below is lovely and the pathways are easy and peaceful. There is a lovely ranger station which was great to explore and there are many special events and nature discussion going on all the time. This is a great place for kids, elderly and anyone interested in a little nature right in the city.

Like to go early during the week. Have seen deer and a ground wasp nest. That wasn't so good. Good parking

For the past five years. this has been my 'special place' when I need to feel grounded or get away from life stresses.

Alone, in a group, all ages, Hemlock Bluffs offers delicious air, ions galore, walks of varying character (decked, stone and wood stairs, flat and winding paths). It provides a stroll or a chance to practice for hiking.

While it is not a rocky Billy Goat Trail you can make it a strength and cardio activity as well as a spiritual renewing.

On top of this, it is well maintained and includes an educational center, easy access and clean restroom facilities with a pet station!

Downtown small city Raleigh has nothing over Hemlock Bluffs! If there was only a zipline and camping ;)

Bird watching, plant specimens and hemlock trees, who ever would have thought... Hehe. Great place for kids (run that energy out) and dogs too!! Hope you make it soon!!

Nice area with beautiful hemlock trees. Educational and materials and kids area up front provide the perfect set up for a nature walk. Although its a short walk you can do many loops. And if you like a short walk its perfect, but a bit hilly on some sides - they're bluffs!
Dogs on leashes are ok and the paths are paved. Enjoy this beautiful maintained park in Cary.

Stopped in last summer and great place to walk. Trails are clearly marked. Staff was very friendly and would be good for groups.

Coming from California, I have never seen a nature preserve that is as beautiful and preserved as Hemlock Bluffs Nature. The is something about this preserve that makes me appreciate the nature and its living things. Beautiful place to take a break or just exhale and appreciate the real nature.

This is a lovely park tucked away in south Cary. There are walking trails, a learning center and classes offered. You forget that you are close to a major road once you come into the preserve. The staff are friendly and helpful.

Very nice park full of trails, right across the street from the Lochmere subdivision.
The trails are not paved, so it is recommended to go on a dry day.
Do not leave the trails since you may step on dog waste (it happened to me already).
Nevertheless, it is worth the trip, especially in the spring when there are lots of birds around.

Love the fact that there are several trails for different levels of fitness. Check out the Bluffs!

Nice little park off the beaten path, never seems to be crowded, and you can usually find some solitude, despite the smallish nature of the park.

We love taking our dog here for a long walk, or short since they have different trails. Not too strenuous but definitely burn some calories!

I have been to Hemlock many times with my kids when they were young and now with my dog. The trails are soft and well maintained. There are activities at the center for kids including classes. Sometimes while walking on the trails you see a class of young children learning about the trees, squirrels and leaves. It's a great family activity and also for the solo walker/runner. In the winter it is quiet with only sound of the leaves rustling in the trees. In the summer it is shaded with all the trees. What a great place in Cary! Highly recommend

My family and I enjoy hiking here. The trails are not too big, not too small. They have a little wild life center that shows what kind of wild life you might see. They also have some really nice shelters.

There are comfortable paths that wind thru the woods, as well as a visitors center.

It's a lovely place to get a little exercise and enjoy the fresh air.

A good one to three mile walk through woods and around a small lake. The area is quiet and provides some choices as to the distance you walk. No distractions.

I went here with my 6 year-old daughter, and we had a blast. The trails are very walkable, and the preserve's location within Cary makes it really easy to get to. While we were there, there were a number of educational programs going on that were well attended.

This is a peaceful place for a short hike. There is one trail that is about 2 miles and another that is about a mile and includes stairs. There is a small nature center that is great to visit and while I was there the last time just outside of the nature center they were having a program for little kids where they get to water the plants.

I wasn't expecting much but what a nice surprise! Well worth the visit and the time spent walking it. There were a mixture of families, couples, and solo exercisers that were on the paths and it was a great environment to visit.

If you're looking for that "deep in the forest" feel in the middle of Cary, then this is the place for you. It's a wonderful place to hunt for creepy crawley critters with the kids. They even have wooden boxes installed throughout the preserve as homes for birds, small mammals and insects (aka creepy crawlies). The really great part is that when the kids want to take some of the bugs home, I get to say that the bugs live in a nature preserve protected by the state. Removing them would not only take them away from their little buggie families, but it would be against the law. :) It totally trumps my standby response of "because I said so."

Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash. There are restrooms and water fountains (one for humans and one for 4-legged family members) next to the Stevens Nature Center near the courtyard. Although there aren't any picnic tables, you can still bring a bagged lunch to enjoy on one of the benches in between critter hunts.

Oh, and by all means, DO NOT FORGET mosquito repellent.

P.S. Just in case you don't already know and are wondering, geocaching is not allowed. Bond Park on the other hand does have geocaching.

This park has trails that wind up and down thru a wooded area. There is a small on site nature museum and maps of the mulched trails, which vary in difficulty and length. This park is located on a busy road, but once on the trails, you feel like you are far away from the hustle & bustle.

Great place for walking the dogs. Some hills and well kept paths through the woods. One loop is mostly boardwalk above a marshy area. Not real extensive trails, but good for a short walk/run.

Great place to be one with nature! The Hemlocks are amazing! They are tall and the branches come out at exact right angles. The natural bluff is beautiful!

Hard to believe this is off a main street. Nice trails and views of wildlife

Beautiful place! Took a dog for a walk. Nice nature center for learning. Got beautiful nature photos! Saw a deer just ten feet away at a creek. Loved the information posts along the way of the trails. Very cool under the trees in 100 degree heat!
Boardwalk trail. Closed shoes are best. Some stairs. Love it.

We walk, run, take the grand kids there where they have fun.
It is really relaxing, a few minutes from home.

We had a wonderful time visiting Hemlocks Bluff. It has nice trails with excellent views, a visitor's center and restrooms. I would go back again.

The entrance/parking lot of Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is located on a very busy 4-lane road, but once inside the park, you would never know it. It's beautiful, quiet, with only the sounds of nature - birds, rustling leaves overhead, around you, and in Fall, under your feet. The trails are comfortable to walk, yet the the park is thickly wooded, with trees right up to the trail, often. The park is located on a site that is probably one of the highest places in Cary, NC, so the trail goes downward quite a distance, but winds its way down, and the upward trip, completing a circle, more or less, is not as hard as it might sound. I'm 75 years old, and I can do it, so I recommend it to all you kids who are 70 and younger. It's a truly beautiful place, and enjoyable even if you don't walk the trail, but sit down by little Education Building and drink in the surroundings..

Well maintained facilities and trails where you can take a nice easy stroll with young children or something longer and hillier with older kids and adults. Very easy to get to, easy parking. Highly recommended!

A beautiful well-maintained area in the heart of Cary with several walkable trails. Features a rare stand of hemlocks in the South. I always feel safe there.

This lovely place is near my home, so I walk there frequently. The variety of paths suit every need from a meditative walk, to nature viewing, to fitness efforts. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Dog friendly, too! Just can't say enough wonderful things!

My wife and I enjoyed the walking trails in this park. Very shaded and the trails were all very soft as they have a wood chip base.

Well maintained paths, beautiful woods with seats and observation areas along the way. very good walk workout in shade!

Thank you to all volunteers and staff who keep this a gem!

Very nice nature trails that give a good workout. Very relaxing and rustic and they offer interesting classes.

Hemlock Bluffs is one of my favorite places on Earth!
Quiet and serene, but you need to be able to do a bit of hiking.

A nice place to take a walk. Good for kids. They have a great little nature center museum, too. Some of the trails have stairs. (I've seen people jogging here, but honestly I wouldn't simply because of the stairs and shorter length of the trails.) The views are nice and kids love it.

great place. sweet walking trails. protected area of hemlocks in park setting. Beautiful and informative.

If you like easy to access trails under tall shade trees with nature all around this is your place! The trails are fully mulched, lots of gradual hills, there are a few spots with wooden benches, a few streams to see from afar, and a few decks to walk out on and view the very neat hemlock trees (that only grow in the NC mountains) growing on the bluff! We took a family hike with our 5 yr old son who ran ahead of us the entire time spotting moss, stumps, quartz rocks, and spiderwebs (it's all a very wooded area so it felt safe for him to run a little ahead of us, he didn't go far). This was the perfect trail area for him because he didn't tire out till the very end. And it seemed like the loop we took was 1 or 2 miles, you could do less or more on the other trails. There are bathrooms and an education center, but check their hours on when they're open.

Enjoyed the views! The paths are ambling, well-kept. Must be able to climb steep stairs for exiting pathways. Otherwise, great nature walk with wonderful views!

Hemlock Bluffs is a great little nature preserve. Most of the preserve is part of Hemlock Bluffs State Natural Area and leased to the town of Cary to operate as a nature preserve. Steep bluffs along Swift Creek create a montane microclimate that supports an unusual population of eastern hemlock. The preserve has a nature center to learn more about the flora and fauna of the area and about 2.5 miles of mulched trails and wooden stairs. The trails are mostly easy but there are some stairs to go up and down the bluff. The Swift Creek floodplain and steep bluffs support diverse wildlife and this is a great place to see spring wildflowers. Hard to believe this little gem is nestled right in the middle of Cary.

This park is beautifully maintained jointly by the town of Cary and the state of NC. It has about 3 miles of trails (total -- loops of .8, .9, and 1.2 miles), all mulched so they're soft underfoot (good for runners). The Chestnut Oak trail has the most gradual changes in elevation, so would be best for running or people who are averse to stairs. The Swift Creek Loop trail takes you down the bluffs to the creek, which is fun (bring bug spray or keep moving, because there are plenty of mosquitoes down there!). A pleasant walk on a summer morning -- i bet it would be gorgeous in the fall. The Nature Center was closed when we were there, so can't review it. There aren't any play areas for children, so unless you're just going to walk with them, it's not a child's playground.

There are several trails that are well maintained and provide nice options for short or long walks/hikes, all very shady. They do a great job of educating visitors about the unique aspects of the hemlocks, the geography of this specific site, and the overall ecosystem (from the bluffs to the marsh down below). They also have a beautiful open-air meeting space (sort of a wooden gazebo but with a cathedral-height roof) where I've seen yoga classes taking place on some mornings-- looks like a wonderful spot for yoga! Also the visitors center has lots of interesting displays, and a gift shop with unusual gifts & nice T-shirts.

Located in Cary, the park is easy to get to and cool that this is right here in town. The trails are clearly marked, mulched and well maintained. They have done a lot of work here over the years. I have not been in the education center but it looks very nice. This is a hilly area with lots of elevation changes, hence the bluffs. There are several trails to choose from and most have extensions that you could add or subtract. My only issue is that there isn't much to see aside from trees, trails and the bluffs. Great for exercise or stretching your legs and getting some fresh air. Just wish they had a "main attraction" (i.e. Lake, sunset view, etc).

I stopped here for a jog one evening in the Spring while I was in the area. Beautiful park with very well maintained trails. Very quite and I saw many deer and smaller critters throughout the park.

This place seems hidden among everything else that is going on in Cary! I was surprised that I had never heard of it before, it was wonderful! It was a beautiful place, the trees are huge and cover you from the sun. You can walk different loops around. It was a relaxing and peaceful place to go. My husband and I had a wonderful time; there was no rush we were enjoying the moment. I would highly recommend this place if you are in the area, it was beautiful and you step away from how crazy life can get and enjoy the moment.

Soft, mulched trail and plenty of shade. There are a lot of stairs on one side which brings you down into the beautiful bluff. This is a unique spot with plenty of wildlife to see.

Free and close to everything in Cary/S Raleigh. Nice place to stroll and see some wildlife, interesting topography and wetlands.

Such a pretty place with trails that are clearly marked and not difficult for all ages and levels. Hemlock trees are a sight along with the native critters.

A place to bring kids or if you just want a peaceful solo walk in the woods, this would be ideal. Not challenging hiking but a small wooded area with a couple of miles of trails if you did them all. I nice place to introduce the kids to "hiking" in the woods.

This is best hiking area in Cary. Not a whole lot of there there but they do a really good job of upkeep

Don't miss this gem in South Cary, right on Kildaire Farm Road. You will never know you are in the midst of suburbia hiking into the gorge along the creek or walking above it, all on well-maintained trails with beautiful vistas and benches or decks to rest or think. It is beautiful down below, but beware the stairs coming back up if you get out of breath easily. Just take it slow and enjoy the scenery! You will lose track of time and space in these beautiful woods. Someone sure thought ahead preserving this land for the future enjoyment of people and critters. The educational buildings at the entrance are really nice, restrooms are clean, and the gift shop is fun. Everyone who works there is informative and helpful. If you live near here and haven't been to the Bluffs yet, what are you waiting for?!

The park isn't bad overall, but the bluffs for which they are named, aren't overly visible due to the abundant tree cover. The trees, of course, are very nice, pleasantly green and whatnot, but as the name suggested, I was hoping to see a bit of a bluff. The activities for kids seem good. As far as "wildlife," you will probably see a couple of chubby squirrels.

This is a well maintained park right in the middle of Cary. A great way to get out of the suburban sprawl and into nature without traveling far. The trails are well maintained, although short. The upside is that you can see much of the park in a single visit. If you are looking for a place for longer hikes or runs, you might need to go to Umstead Park.

There's a nice visitor's center, gift shop, and restroom area. They also hold nature classes and camps for all ages.

Educational and Local Place in Wake County. The Town of Cary has done a outstanding job on the site and showing us all how preservation of our Environment is important.

This is a really nice place to visit for hikes through the woods. There are a few different trails to choose from. Along the way, there are overlooks at the different bluffs. This area is not mountainous, so these are small bluffs. But still, it was cool. Another nice thing is that the trails are completely shaded, making it great for hot summer days.

We've only been once but we're looking forward to another visit this spring. This ones very hilly & there are boardwalks with lots of stairs...the pups aren't crazy about those. The trails we took we're all through the woods & soft with pine straw. It was a really nice walk. Looks like lots of educational activities for youngsters & a nice little playground too.

My husband and I frequently visit Hemlock Bluffs to have a relaxing walk. There are a variety of trails with varying difficulty levels. Walking through the woods is always relaxing. The preserve is large enough that you never feel crowded. I enjoy the scenic overlooks built into the trails. At the entrance, there is a nature center and areas for family activities.

Hemlock Bluffs is a lovely place to take small hikes on hot days. Heavily canopied trees shade a couple miles of trails including one that goes down many steps to a wooden walkway over marsh land. Kids absolutely love that trail. There is a small museum on nature at the park and the park often offers classes and day camps for kids.

I love this hidden gem of Cary! I previously took my Girl Scout troop there for nature badges. My family enjoys going to walk and take in the best preserved natural area! Many animals and plants are abundant here! Do yourself a favor and feel like you are back in time by visiting this wonderful wooded adventure!

Over the years, preserve keep expanding and adding new hiking paths. Good place to walk your dog or even do some trail running

This park is nice. Lots of wildlife and trails for walking. It is very quiet and was not crowded at all, although we went during the week. It is peaceful - a must visit!

I enjoy taking hikes among the beautiful hardwoods and occasionally birding on some of the trails. There are some nice overlooks. Most trails are easy, while one has some stairs. It can get busy on weekends, though.

Well maintained and easy to social distance. Enjoyed a wonderful evening hike through many of the trails today on Fathers Day. Well maintained, even during these difficult times. Not at all crowded today. Few was out places need some mulch but overall great job.

I like several paths, the gift shop had nice stuff, the hemlocks were not thrilling but they were there

Beautiful fun trail! Lots of different paths to take even some down to water. Beautiful in the fall and they long place to see all these hemlocks together in this area. Also has a great little vistor center and bathrooms and a great play area for the kids.

Trails in shade and comfortable to walk. Some trails with lots of stairs and wooden walkways. Very nice for a walk with family , friends and pets. Most trails are short.

We love this place and go there often with the family. Has multiple trails through the rare and picturesque hemlock forest. The lower trail is so cool and nice to hike in when the weather is warm. You walk on a path that is sometimes raised in order to go over naturally marshy areas. The upper trails.. of which there are several, afford terrific views over the side of the bluff. Upper trail is less strenuous as it does not require you to walk down and back up the long flights of stairs that the lower area requires. We also bring our 2 dogs with us sometimes. They are allowed but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Hemlock Bluffs also offers terrific classes for nature watching and learning. Our kids have really enjoyed these over the years. It's awesome to have this gem of an oasis easily accessible from n Cary. Highly recommended for families as well as those looking for a nice hike in a quiet and terrific setting outside of every day hustle and bustle.

My Finance took me for a stroll through the swift creek trail and was peaceful and beautiful.Enjoyed our couples day trip.

Few people understand what is right under their noses. Hiking the trails of this park in Cary can seem like you're somewhere in the NC mountains. Beware of copperheads in the warmer months.

A deep woods walk so close to suburban Cary area. A hidden gem in this area. Great place for us and the dogs.

This area is great for hikers young and old. It has easy hiking trails as well as one that will get your heart pumping. Just as all around great place to enjoy the beauty of being outdoors among nature. They also have many programs for all ages to enhance your visit.

Super nature center in the Cary parks system. The staff here does a wonderful job sharing nature with youth.

Who knew a rustic couple of walking trails are available so near all that Cary shopping? There walking trail options and much to look at and listen to. Give it a try.

My wife and I go here now and then and we enjoy it every time. Be sure to see the Hemlock trees and walk the nice boardwalk by the creek. Very lovely!

A good place for a short to medium walk through nature. Bring bug spray if it's the bug season. You should plan at least 1 hour but could make it longer if you do multiple trails. Nature center onsite is a nice stop for the kids.

An ideal place to walk/run in the summer heat because the trail (at least the 1.2 mile Chestnut Oak trail) is entirely in the shade and the path is well mulched. Offers protection from sun exposure and is easy on the joints, though the hills add a bit of challenge. Paths drain well so they are not muddy even soon after a rain. Beautiful year round, with notable change in scenery during various seasons.

Very difficult walk with lots of steep stairs and hills. Not a good place for people with knee problems. Also very buggy.

Some nice trails right in the middle of suburbia. Great for a short walk on well-maintained trails and some nice observation decks. Longest trail is about 1.2 miles. Some easy out&back walking areas for strollers. Creek trail has lots of stairs to get down to, but worth the effort.

My wife and I enjoyed admiring some of the trees that are almost extinct in this area. We have lived in Cary many years and feel that we should visited many years earlier

Hemlock Bluffs is a great place to take a nature-walk or take a class, offered by the Town of Cary. We've visited many times during our 24 years in Cary and have signed our grandchildren up for several different classes. If you're in the area, don't miss this chance to get up close and personal with nature!

This is a great park in Cary. The trail through the park can be a little daunting - there are a lot of steps to get you up and down. The boardwalk is really nice. This is a good workout for exercise, and a nice walk/hike/climb if you enjoy being outdoors without having to venture out of town.

A nice little park in the Cary area with several easy trails through forested landscape.

We stopped by the park with our 2 and 3 yr old kids. The trails were well maintained and the nature center was informative and had engaging displays. I'm sure in spring and summer the scenery is even prettier. We will definitely be going back frequently with the boys.

Always loved this park. Interesting to see all the hemlocks. Various levels are well maintained with accessiblity through stairs, boardwalks. Offers several options in how far you might want to walk. Good for dogs but take your bags.

Lovely spot for a mile or 1.5 mile hike with or without pets. Hilly with benches and a few overlooks to a stream below. A nice way to experience a natural wooded setting and get away from the rat race for a bit.

We are fortunate to have some very nice parks and walking trails here in Cary. I am a regular visitor to Hemlock Bluffs ang highly recommend it as a nice place for a shaded nature walk on very well taken care of mulch trails. This is an especially nice place for walking dogs or for trail running.
As with any nature area you will occasionally see wildlife - including lots of lizards, deer and if really lucky you may see a fox. You may also see scarier wildlife such as snakes. I have been to Hemlock at least 50 times this year, and had never seen a snake... but this past week i saw copperheads on consecutive days. It seems that with the weather change, they are more active, so walkers should be attentive. I highly recommend visiting Hemlock Bluffs, and this is not meant to deter (ill probably go for a walk there later today). But during this season be alert to the trail ahead of you - especially if visiting with a pet or child.

We go often for family walks. It's always clean, well maintained and you can bring your dog! LOVE Hemlock Bluffs.

Park has nice well kept walking trails and some nice views, although not a lot of views. All wooded areas, with short walking trails. One trail does have a lot of steps. Park has a visitors center, picnic shelter and clean restrooms. Great place for kids, adults, elderly and dogs.

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.

A lovely nature center right in town. Very wooded, well cared for. Lots of birds. Free!

We took our two children and dog (ages 9, 5, and 10 months, respectively) on a hike here. It was beautiful in the fall. The hike is not strenuous if you're reasonably fit. There are hills, to be sure, but they are not bad. The views were not stunning vistas, but they were quite pretty.

We will certainly go back. It's a lovely place to take a walk/hike on a nice day.

loved the hiking trails. Beautiful bluffs as well. all trails are a big loop so you cant get lost. don't miss out

Great little gem stuck in the sprawl of Cary. Even though I grew up in Cary, I rarely have reason to visit. This is one of the reasons.

Great little nature park that's easily accessible. Beautiful wooded trails with very soft surface for runners. Lots' of highlights for children. Great camps and programs.

Hemlock Bluffs is a wonderful nature preserve tucked away on Kildaire Farm Road in Cary. We live close by and love to go there to escape into the natural beauty. You can simply get lost (not literally) in the beauty of the place. Many trails (almost 3 miles), a nature center, and a friendly, helpful, knowledgeable staff. Parking is a bit limited, so be aware that you may have to come at a less crowded time. Some rules to be aware of are that dogs must be leashed (no longer than 6 feet) and their droppings must be cleaned up. Walking is only allowed on trails and bikes are not allowed. Our family loves to walk the trails, especially in the autumn. Get the kids away from the XBOX, leave the smartphones in the car and enjoy the time together!

It's not a very big park, but it has some elevation allowing for a brief but intense hike (if one wishes to keep a certain pace). There is much to be seen and kids love it.

This nature center offers classes for children, well maintained trails. A short loop with stairs so it gets the blood pumping. A longer loop that has some inclines. Will see folks taking their dogs for runs. New play area for the little ones.