About Archer-Benge State Nature Preserve
Archer-Benge State Nature Preserve, dedicated on March 14, 2013, protects a siginificant portion of one of the largest forest blocks in Kentucky. The preserve is located within the Laurel Fork watershed in Whitley County on the southern end of Pine Mountain, covering both the north and south side of Pine Mountain. The preserve protects habitat for rare plants such as golden club, rock harlequin and blue mountain mint. The waterways of the preserve protect populations of the federally endangered mussel, Cumberland elktoe, and the federally endangered fish, the Cumberland Darter.
Archer-Benge State Nature Preserve was named to honor Hugh Archer, one of Kentucky’s leaders in natural areas conservation, and the late William Dennis Benge, a private citizen who loved Kentucky's natural areas and donated funds to purchase this property.
Visit Archer-Benge State Nature Preserve
Access is by written permission for scienitific research only. The preserve will open to the public once a trail system is completed.