Dedicated August 12, 1992, Vernon-Douglas State Nature Preserve is located within a rugged, steep, forested section of Hardin County. This 730-acre preserve protects one of the most mature second-growth forests in the Knobs physiographic region. Hall Hollow, a north-facing valley in the preserve, supports a rich array of spring wildflowers. A trail system passes through the valley bottom to the dry ridges above Hall Hollow. A spur trail takes hikers onto a narrow point locally known as "the pinnacle," which provides a bird's-eye view of the Younger Creek valley.
- Features - stands of sugar maple, beech and tulip poplar; spring wildflower display
- Hiking - 4.5 miles of trail over uneven terrain, moderate to strenuous
- Hazards - venomous snakes (rare), steep slopes
- Activities - hiking, nature study, birding, etc.
Access: 
Hardin County. From Elizabethtown, take the Bluegrass Parkway east 9.0 miles to KY 583. Exit right and turn right at the stop sign. Immediately turn right again onto Audubon Trace Road. Drive 0.5 mile to the preserve and park in parking lot on left.
Vernon-Douglas, Brigadoon, 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.
Vernon-Douglas was highlighted in Winter 2015 edition of Land, Air & Water magazine.