hemlock bluffs nature preserve

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

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.

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 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!

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

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.