Bad Branch State Nature Preserve is a forested
gorge on the south face of Pine Mountain. This is one of the most
significant and beautiful natural areas in the state. This preserve
protects the scenic beauty of the gorge and one of the largest
concentrations of rare and uncommon species known in the state.
The preserve also protects Kentucky's only known nesting pair
of common ravens (Corvus corax), and the stream, Bad Branch, has
been designated as a Kentucky Wild River.
Contact Us: Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission Telephone: (502) 573-2886 Address: 801 Schenkel Lane
Frankfort, KY 40601
Website: www.naturepreserves.ky.gov/stewardship.htm
Directions:
Take I-75 to exit 41 (London). Travel east on KY 80 to the Hal
Rogers Parkway (formerly Daniel Boone Parkway). Continue on Hal
Rogers Parkway to exit 56, Hazard, KY. Bear to the right off of
the ramp. Turn right on Hwy 451 and continue south to Highway
15 South to Whitesburg, KY. Turn right and travel up the mountain
to continue on Hwy 119. Turn right on Hwy 119 South (just past
McDonald’s). Follow this road for approximately 8.0 miles.
Turn left onto KY 932 and the Bad Branch Falls will be approximately
2.0 miles down the road on the left side.
