Saunders Springs

Saunders Springs Nature Preserve is a heavily wooded natural area located on steep terrain with interesting historic features. The preserve provides opportunities for nature study, hiking, picnicing, and historic interpretation. There are three 1800's vintage cabins. Two pavilions plus many picnic tables with BBQ grills, and a scout camping area are available.

Saunders Springs Nature Preserve is located on the edge of the Karst Plateau in the Highland Rim physiographic region of Kentucky. The area is characterized by many sinkholes, caves and springs which drain a network of underground caverns.

A handicapped-accessible trail winds through mature hardwood forest past cascading waterfalls as it leads from a parking area at the old water plant to the lake. The lake at the preserve is stocked with fish. Other hiking trails wind through the dense forest around the lake and from a parking area at the top of the hill to an overlook and on to the lake. There are more than two miles of trails (10 different-named trails) that include around 800 steps to make hiking the steeper trails easier and safer.

A handicapped-accessible picnic area is located at the top of the hill and many trees are marked for identification along the trails.

History Of The Preserve

The main spring on the property flows from the mouth of a cave located at the base of a cliff and cascades down a rocky streambed as it works its way downhill. Large foundation stones from a mill operated on the site during the 1800's can still be found along the stream.

The spring was a popular destination for students from the nearby Saunders Spring School who went to the cave for recreation and as a reward for good behavior.

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