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Bissell Bluff Wildlife Management Area


Bissell Bluff in Livingston County

A view of one of the bluffs along the trail
© Shelly Morris/Grand Rivers Project Manager

Why You Should Visit
This trail winds through some fairly rugged terrain and takes the visitor across streams, over a rocky bluff, and down to the bottoms of the Cumberland River.  This is a great spot to catch a glimpse of woodland wildflowers, closed canopy hardwood forest, limestone outcroppings, and wildlife such as deer, turkey, and songbirds.  Historic features, such as remnants of an old stone fence, can also be seen from the trail.

Location
Far western Kentucky in Livingston County near the town of Burna.

Hours
Open year-round, dawn to dusk

Conditions
This is an easy one mile hike.

Warning: Please do not hike on the bluff.

How to Prepare for Your Visit
Please see "Preserve Visitation Guidelines"

Directions
Visitors can reach the Bissell Bluff preserve by taking US60 from either Smithland or Marion to the town of Burna.  At Burna, turn on Bissell Bluff Rd.  Travel approximately 3 miles to Tomahawk Road and follow to end.  From here, turn left off the blacktop and follow the gravel road to the parking area.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
The Bissell Bluff Tract was purchased by The Nature Conservancy from Meade-Westvaco in 2002 and in 2004 was transferred to Livingston County using grant funding from the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund.  This approximately 600 acre piece of property is now permanently protected and is jointly managed by Livingston County Fiscal Court, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, and Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission.