Brigadoon State Nature Preserve, located in Barren County adjacent to Barren River Lake, is 95 acres of mostly mature forest. It was dedicated into the preserve system on March 14, 1985. An additional 88 acres were dedicated on June 12, 2001 and a very small tract was dedicated on December 9, 2010. Today a total of 187 acres are protected. The rich woodlands contain an impressive array of spring wildflowers including several species that are considered rare or uncommon. The preserve also provides habitat for many resident and migratory birds.
- Features - mature beech, maple, tulip poplar forest
- Hiking - one-mile foot trail through ridgetops, mature forest and scenic ravines, moderately strenuous
- Parking - 10 cars
- Activities - hiking, birding, nature photography, research, etc.
Brigadoon, Vernon-Douglas, and Blanton Forest State Nature Preserves were recognized as being a part of the Old-Growth Forest Network in 2016. The Old-Growth Forest Network, a country-wide conservation organization, was created to identify a forest in each county which will remain in a natural condition and is open to the public.
Access:
Barren County - From Exit 43 on I-65, travel east on the Cumberland Parkway to its junction with US 31E in Glasgow. Follow US 31E south for 6.5 miles. Turn left onto Dover Church-Browning School Road and travel approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Mutter Road. The parking area is approximately one-half mile on the left.