PARKS & REC

Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve

By James Tuliano · November 11, 2026

The stairs to the overlook at Hemlock Bluffs, covered in red fallen leaves — The stairs to the overlook, covered in red fallen leaves.

We are in peak fall color in Cary right now, and a great place to take it all in is Hemlock Bluffs. This 140-acre nature preserve on Kildaire Farm Road is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in town, and it is easy to forget you are in one of the biggest towns in the country once you are under the trees.

The preserve has about three miles of mulched trails. The Swift Creek Loop is a great place to start: about eight-tenths of a mile, down a long run of stairs to the creek, with boardwalks and overlooks along the way. The Chestnut Oak Loop runs 1.2 miles through the upland forest, and the West Hemlock Overlook and Beech Tree Cove trails round out the set.

Hemlock Bluffs protects a stand of Eastern hemlock trees, which typically grow in the mountains, not here in the Piedmont.

Tall trees and a leaf-covered forest floor at Hemlock Bluffs — Tall trees and a leaf-covered floor, with walkers out in the fall color.

If you’re bringing the kids, the Stevens Nature Center is right at the trailhead and is free, with hands-on exhibits and programs for kids. It is open Monday through Friday from 10 to 4 and Saturdays from 10 to 2. The preserve itself is open every day from 9 AM to sunset.

Try to get there in the morning if you want maximum quietness. The parking lot fills up on weekends, and it’ll be easy to see why once you begin walking.

Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
2616 Kildaire Farm Road