Bluffton Preserve

Visit Bluffton Preserve

Open daily sunrise to sunset

• What to Do

  Bluffton Preserve offers a mix of recreation opportunities centered around its trail system and river access. Visitors can explore roughly seven miles of interconnected trails that wind through steep, wooded terrain, connecting blufftop views, waterfalls and the Archey Fork below.

  Hiking and mountain biking are popular uses of the trail system, which is singletrack, rocky and often moderately to highly challenging. The river provides additional opportunities for swimming, fishing and floating, especially during warmer months. Birding and wildlife viewing are also common throughout the preserve.

  Three primary access points provide entry into different parts of the property. Along the way, visitors can experience notable features such as Double Drop Falls, Emerald Pool Overlook, and the Archey Valley overlook, as well as designated backcountry campsites tucked into scenic areas.

  Visitors can also reserve a stay at Bluffton Base Camp, a 3-bedroom property on the preserve with easy access to nature and trails.

• Trails

  Bluffton Preserve includes roughly seven miles of interconnecting trails that move across steep hillsides, narrow ridges and down into the river corridor. These trails are intentionally minimally developed, following the natural contours of the land to provide a more rugged and immersive experience.

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  Azalea Hollow Trail (1.5 miles): This trail leads visitors along the bluff which overlooks the river below. There are many opportunities to view wildlife and local flowers along the way. The trail is well-maintained and easy to navigate and there are many other trail connections visitors can take to extend or shorten the route. The forest is serene and makes for a nice peaceful hike that the whole family can enjoy.

  Bluffline East Trail (3.6 miles): This side of the Bluffline Loop is mostly downhill when starting from the Double Drop Falls trailhead. You'll start off by meandering through two draws that are often full of cascading water.

  Double Drop Falls (.3 miles): This short trail leads follows a creek downwards until you see a series of beautiful waterfalls ahead.

  Stoneroller Trail (2.1 miles): Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 44 min to complete.

  Bluffline Loop West (1.7 miles): From the Double Drop Falls Trailhead, this route travels along the bluff on the west side of the park. The Pocketbook Backcountry Campsite is accessed by this trail.

  Prickly Pear Trail (2.1 miles): Travel to the highest point on the Bluffton trail system on this hand-built spur trail that leads to a spectacular view and a backcountry campsite. This trail is narrow, but not exposed, and is great for hikers, overnight backpackers and more experienced mountain bikers.

• Our Conservation Work

  Management at Bluffton Preserve focuses on protecting water quality, restoring natural systems and balancing recreation with conservation. Because the Archey Fork is a high-energy system susceptible to sedimentation, much of the work centers on maintaining stable streambanks and reducing erosion. 

  Efforts also include restoring native plant communities and improving forest health. Prescribed fire is a key tool used to maintain oak-pine woodlands and glades. Invasive species such as privet and sericea lespedeza are actively managed through removal and treatment.

• Preserve Guidelines

  Every visitor has an impact. Please follow these guidelines to protect yourself and nature.

  • Preserves are open to the public during daylight hours. 
  • Take a hike or bike ride and stay on the trails. Leave plants, insects or other species, soil, rocks and artifacts right where you found them.
  • Recreation such as walking, biking, fishing, floating, bird watching and photography is welcomed.  

  Please don’t:

  • Leave trash. There are no restrooms or trash receptacles at trailheads or along the trails. Take out what you brought in and please consider taking an extra piece of litter with you.
  • Hunt or make campfires.