Bad Branch Falls State Nature Preserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bad Branch Falls State Nature Preserve |
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Bad Branch Falls
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 Bad Branch Falls State Nature Preserve
Location in Kentucky
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| Location | Letcher County, Kentucky, United States |
| Nearest city | Cumberland, Kentucky |
| Area | 2,639 acres (1,068 ha) |
| Established | September 26, 1985 |
| Official website: http://naturepreserves.ky.gov/naturepreserves/Pages/badbranch.aspx | |
Bad Branch Falls State Nature Preserve is a special protected area in Letcher County, Kentucky. It covers about 2,639-acre (10.68 km2) of beautiful natural land. This preserve is famous for its amazing 60-foot (18 m) waterfall and deep forest. It's a great place to explore nature and see unique wildlife.
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What is Bad Branch Falls Preserve?
Bad Branch Falls State Nature Preserve was first created on September 26, 1985. It started as a smaller area of 435 acres (1.76 km2). The main goal was to protect Bad Branch Gorge. This is a deep, forested canyon with a tall waterfall. The waterfall flows over sandstone cliffs on the side of Pine Mountain.
Growing the Preserve
Over time, the preserve has grown much larger. More land was added to the west and northeast. This expansion helped protect even more of the Bad Branch area. It also included a small part of the north side of Pine Mountain. This growth helps keep more of Kentucky's natural beauty safe.
Discovering Nature at Bad Branch
Bad Branch Falls Preserve is home to many interesting things. It protects Kentucky's only known nesting pair of common ravens. These smart birds are a special sight to see. The Bad Branch itself has been named a Kentucky Wild River. This means it's a very important and unspoiled waterway.
Exploring the Trails
If you love hiking, this preserve is for you! There are about 7.4 miles (11.9 km) of foot trails. These trails have bridges and go over uneven ground. They can be a bit challenging, but they offer amazing views of the preserve's natural wonders. It's a perfect place for an outdoor adventure.
