Initially, 435 acres of land in Letcher County were dedicated on September 26, 1985, launching protection efforts for one of the most significant and beautiful natural areas in the state. The original acreage includes Bad Branch Gorge, a forested gorge with a sixty foot waterfall tumbling over sandstone cliffs on the south face of Pine Mountain. Subsequent acquisitions have expanded the preserve west into the Presley House Branch watershed, northeast into the upper reaches of the Bad Branch watershed and a small portion of the north face of Pine Mountain. Today, this 2,639-acre preserve protects the scenic beauty of the gorge and one of the largest concentrations of rare and uncommon species known in the state. The preserve also protects Kentucky’s only known nesting pair of common ravens (Corvus corax). Bad Branch has been designated a Kentucky Wild River.
- Features - hemlock gorge, waterfall, high quality stream, numerous rare species, trail along mountain crest
- Access - foot trail and bridges, 7.4 miles of trail over uneven terrain, strenuous
- Facilities - none
- Parking - 10 cars; one bus
- Hazards - steep cliffs, venomous snakes (rare)
- Activities - hiking, birding, nature photography and research
- Directions - Letcher County. From the junction of KY 15 and U.S. 119 S.E. of Whitesburg, follow U.S. 119 south 8.0 miles. Turn left at junction with KY 932, travel east for 2.0 miles to gravel parking area on left side of KY 932.
Fall hike at Bad Branch State Nature Preserve (Letcher County) with KSNPC Southeast Regional Preserves Manager Kyle Napier
When: Saturday, November 4, 2006
Start time: 9 a.m. EST End time: 4 p.m. EST
Maximum # Participants: 20 Minimum # Participants: 5
Length: 7.5 miles Difficulty: Very Strenuous
As part of our 30th anniversary celebration, join us for this extended hike through the Bad Branch gorge. On this hike participants will have the opportunity to visit High Rock, an area that offers an unparalleled view of the Cumberland Plateau. Kyle Napier will be the guide on this trek through one of Kentucky's true natural treasures. Participants should wear long pants and hiking boots. They should also bring a lunch and plenty of drinking water. We will meet at the trailhead/parking area for Bad Branch SNP on KY 932.
Hikes can fill up quickly, so don’t hesitate to reserve a spot today by contacting KSNPC Southeast Regional Preserves Manager Kyle Napier at (606) 633-0362 or kyle.napier@ky.gov.
