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Places We Protect

Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve

Kentucky

Image of cliffs on the Kentucky River at Thomas Dorman State Nature Preserve.
Thomas Dorman Nature Preserve Cliffs line the Kentucky River at a lookout point at Thomas Dorman State Nature Preserve. © Mason Brock

The Nature Conservancy helped acquire one of the largest protected areas in the Kentucky River Palisades region.

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Overview

Description

This preserve was previously owned by the Kentucky River Authority (KRA), and was dedicated as the Kentucky River Authority Palisades State Nature Preserve on December 20, 1996. The preserve was renamed in 1999 to honor Thomas Dorman for his service as former director and commission chairman of the Kentucky River Authority and his efforts to acquire the site. With additional acreage dedicated in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2011, the preserve now protects 908 acres including the spectacular 220-foot palisades along the Kentucky River in Garrard and Jessamine counties. 

We assisted with the acquisition of many acres of land that are now protected. The Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve is one of the largest protected natural areas in the Kentucky River Palisades region. Several rare plants are located on the limestone cliffs including starry cleft phlox (Phlox bifida var. stellaria) and Eggleston's violet (Viola septemloba var. egglestonii). 

The Garrard County part of the preserve is open to the public, sunrise to sunset year-round. Due to fragile habitats and its inaccessibility, the Jessamine County tract is closed to the public.

  • Features - 220-foot limestone palisade walls, rare plants, Kentucky River.
  • Access - Foot trail through the forest and to the river, two-mile loop; moderately difficult, with hills and steps.
  • Facilities - None
  • Parking - eight cars
  • Hazards - Extremely high cliffs.
  • Activities - Hiking, nature study, birding, etc.

View a brochure with a map of the area to learn more.

Access

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Highlights

Hiking on two-mile trail, nature study, birding, and other compatible uses.

Size

908 acres

Explore our work in this region

Learn More About Our Work

The Kentucky State Capital building, where laws are passed and TNC works to support nature, as seen on a gloomy day.

Government Relations and Policy in Kentucky

Learn how we partner with state and local governments for a more sustainable future for people and nature in Kentucky.

A fire management steward holds a red drip torch which is used in prescribed fires to create controlled burns and prevent wildfire spread.

Kentucky Fire Management

The Nature Conservancy works with partners in Kentucky to carefully select and manage natural areas that will benefit from prescribed fire.

A staff member stands next to the Mantle Rock sign.

Mantle Rock Preserve

The centerpiece of the preserve is Mantle Rock, a 30-foot high natural sandstone bridge, spanning 188 feet. The 1 mile trail includes a babbling brook, countless wildflowers and part of the Trail of Tears.