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.
The Nature Conservancy assisted with the acquisition of some of the acreage that is 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.