Cedars Nature Preserve
Trail. Click to enlarge
This Sycamore Land Trust property protects 40 acres, including the large stand of cedar trees from which the preserve takes its name. The trail is a long-stemmed figure eight that begins by crossing a beautiful creek. It soon turns left and follows a scenic intermittent tributary of the first creek. If you continue straight at the first junction, you’ll pass the remnants of a former quarry; look for large stone blocks scattered about, and a small shed. I can’t resist noting that Sycamore Land Trust literature suggests that the original quarry owner may have been a victim of the Titanic disaster. If so, that would have been John Bertram Crafton, one of three Indiana passengers on the doomed vessel and the only one that did not survive. Cedars is a quiet, scenic, tree-filled, and pleasant destination that you probably won’t have to share with many other visitors.
Trail Map
Click to enlarge
Directions
Monroe County. From Popcorn Rd on S side of Harrodsburg, west on Popcorn to Ketcham, then right 0.3 miles to Thrasher. Left on Thrasher, then 1.3 miles to a loop at the end. Thrasher begins descending sharply at about 1.0 mile. Park along the loop, but don’t block the bridge.
GPS: N 39 01.433 W 86 34.762
Facilities
None
Finder Sketch
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Nearby Natural Areas (miles)
Cedar Bluffs Nature Preserve (2.9)
Leonard Springs Nature Park (12.8)
Canyon Forest Nature Preserve (14.8)
Porter West Nature Preserve (19.2)