About Bad Branch State State Nature Preserve
Bad Branch State Nature Preserve was dedicated on September 26, 1985, establishing and launching protection efforts for one of the most significant and beautiful natural areas in the state of Kentucky. The preserve includes Bad Branch Gorge, a forested gorge with a 60-foot waterfall tumbling over sandstone cliffs on the south face of Pine Mountain. The preserve expands west into the Presley House Branch watershed, northeast into the upper reaches of the Bad Branch watershed and a small portion of the north face of Pine Mountain.
Bad Branch State Nature Preserve protects the scenic beauty of the gorge and one of the largest concentrations of rare and uncommon species known in the state, including one of Kentucky’s only known nesting pair of common ravens (Corvus corax). The preserve contains over 5 miles of hiking trails and is open to hiking, biridng, nature photography, and research. There are no facilities at the preserve.
The Bad Branch watershed is also a Kentucky Wild River; learn more by visiting the Bad Branch Wild River page.
Directions to Bad Branch State Nature Preserve
Use Google Maps to navigate to Bad Branch State Nature Preserve.
Letcher County. From the junction of KY 15 and U.S. 119 S.E. of Whitesburg, follow U.S. 119 south 8.0 miles. Turn left at junction with KY 932, travel east for 2.0 miles to gravel parking area on left side of KY 932. There is parking for 10 vehilces or one bus available.