Hunter Bluff Preserve

This preserve protects a small tract of old growth forest and a population of rare bugbane (Cimicifuga rubifolia). The top of the sandstone bluff supports a dry forest dominated by Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana).

Location
Located in Caldwell County, Hunter Bluff lies just south of US 62, about 4 miles southwest of Dawson Springs.

Size
34 acres

Conditions
Due to the sensitivity of the site, the preserve is open to the public only through Conservancy guided hikes.

How to Prepare for Your Visit
For more information on visiting this and other Nature Conservancy sites in Kentucky, see our Preserve Visitation Guidelines page.

What to See: Plants
The cliff tops support an unusually dry forest for the region with much Virginia pine. The bottomland includes swampy areas as well as an unusual second-growth forest including plants such as:

  • ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
  • Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
  • glade knotweed (Polygonum tenue)
  • rushfoil (Crotonopsis elliptica)

What to See: Animals
Forest wildlife species are abundant at Hunters Bluff. These include forest songbirds, deer, turkey, squirrels, raccoons, etc.
 
Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
Hunter Bluff is important primarily for the 20 acres of old-growth forest on the north-facing slope of the bluff itself. The Conservancy accepted this tract as a donation from Kenneth Oldham in 1992.
 
What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
The key objective for this site is preventing the damage to the area caused by exotic species and rappellers.