Celebrate
The River!
Jim Beam
Nature Preserve
The
Jim Beam Nature Preserve is at the center of the Inner Bluegrass
Region, where the Kentucky River cuts thru many layers exposing
the oldest rocks in the state: The High Bridge Formation of Middle
Ordovician age (440-450 million years old). This dolomitic limestone
forms high "palisade" cliffs along the river and its tributaries.
The Palisades region harbors the largest concentration of rare plant
species within the Bluegrass region. These include Water stitchwort,
Svenson's wild-rye, Mountain lover and Cleft phlox. They are concentrated
in some of the more unusual habitats of the Palisades - the rocky
riverbanks and the clifftop sites.
 The
steep clifflines surrounding the Kentucky River also contain the
largest concentration of forest within the Inner Bluegrass, a region
which is largely agricultural or suburban. Blue ash, chinquapin
oak, and sugar maple are abundant on the steep limestone slopes,
along with less common trees like rock elm, yellow-wood and yellow
buckeye. Also of interest are sites on old sandy river terraces
and bluff-top ridges which have more acid or infertile soils than
are typical for the Inner Bluegrass Region. Here exist beech, tulip
poplar, and oak hickory forest types similar to those in Appalachian
Kentucky.
The Palisades is home to at least 25 mammal species and 35 reptile
species. Two endangered bats, the Gray bat and the Indiana bat,
utilize this habitat. Bats require forested corridors that serve
as a source of insects. The bats feed on these insects over streams
and along forest edges.
DIRECTIONS: From Lexington follow US 27 south for approximately
16.6 miles to Hall's Road. Turn right on Hall's Road. You will see
large distillery buildings a historic marker immediately prior to
your right turn. Proceed on Hall's Road 0.7 miles to the blacktop
lane on the right marked Payne Lane. Immediately prior to the lane
you will see a blue house on the right. Turn right onto Payne Lane.
Proceed 200-300 yards to just before the lane curves right. Rather
than curve, continue straight onto a gravel drive, past a boarded-up
white house. This gravel drive leads to the preserve parking area.
VISITOR STATUS:The Jim Beam Nature Preserve is open 365 days
a year from sunrise to sunset. Visitors may enjoy low impact activities
that include hiking, photography and bird-watching. To protect the
unique habitat of the preserve, you must stay on the trails at all
times.
 FURTHER
INFORMATION:
The Nature Conservancy
642 West Main Street
Lexington, KY 40508
859-259-9655
Brooklyn
Bridge On US Scenic 68
The
River Palisades helped to make the bridge "one of the Show
places of the Nation" - a magnificent scenic and historic spot.
The approach from the Jessamine County side of the river at one
time was through the Daniel Boone Tunnel (the first highway tunnel
in the state) which can still be seen at the crossing. This location
provides a spectacular view with fall foliage displays and spring
flowering red bud and dogwood. The fabulous Kentucky River Palisades
are a feature of this drive.
Boat
Ramp
A new boat ramp named the John Nickell Boat Ramp, is located at
the end of KY 39 (Sulpher Wells Rd.). The concrete ramp is 14 ft.
wide and 146 ft. long. There is ample parking for trucks and trailers.
If you're in the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky - explore history,
heritage and nature's scenic beauty in Jessamine County and beyond.
Boating & Fishing On The River
Some
of the best fishing in Central Kentucky is available on the River.
Record Muskie, Rockfish (Bass), Cat and other species have been
taken from the waters along Jessamine County. The Dix (Dick's) River
is a noted trout stream. Boating is a pleasure with wildlife such
as otter, wild turkeys, a variety of birds, and deer are always
spotted on outings.
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