To limit impact to the sanctuary and provide quality experiences, visitation to Floracliff is limited to small groups and based on the number of hike/program leaders we have available. Our programs include regularly scheduled guided hikes, workshops, private tours, and field trips.
Educational Hikes & Workshops
We schedule a variety of educational hikes throughout the year with spring and fall being the busiest seasons. Hikes and workshops are typically led by Floracliff staff, trained volunteers, or conservation partners. We hike at a leisurely pace, cover 1.5 – 3 miles over 2 – 3 hours, and include at least one break along the way. Hike topics may include wildflowers, trees, ecology, birds, pollinators, nature journaling, and more. Workshops are more intensive educational programs offered over a few hours or a couple of days. Workshop topics typically cover the natural history and identification of plants, butterflies, and other wildlife. All hikes and workshops require pre-registration and sometimes fill up quickly. Please see our calendar of events for scheduled hikes and programs.
Other Guided Hikes
Our Golden Hour Hikes and Long Hikes focus on sharing the beauty of the sanctuary throughout the year. Golden Hour Hikes visit Elk Lick Falls or the Kentucky River and are typically 1.5-2 hours and 1.5 miles in length. They are scheduled to start two hours before sunset. Long Hikes cover 4-5 miles and cover a wide variety of the sanctuary’s features and terrain. Please see our calendar of events for more information about these hikes.
Creating Art in Nature Sessions
If you have an interest or desire to broaden your skills as a naturalist and artist, come join us for these free art making sessions scheduled at various destinations within the sanctuary. Some experience with handling art materials is assumed, but all skill levels are welcome. If you are a naturalist who wants to try your hand at rendering the things you love, you are welcome. If you are an artist who values the opportunity to work in a secluded, protected preserve, you are welcome. Guidance will be offered on request. Sign up for a Creating Art in Nature Session.
Bluegrass Biodiversity Seminar Series
The Bluegrass Biodiversity Seminar Series offers free evening programs in the historic Trail’s End Lodge at Floracliff. Talks are presented by experts in Kentucky natural history and ecology. Topics have covered freshwater mussels, caddisflies, crayfish, amphibians & reptiles, and bats. Sign up for a Bluegrass Biodiversity Seminar.
Private Tours
Private tours may be arranged on weekdays for small groups of 5 to 20 people. Due to our small staff and other scheduled programs, we ask that arrangements be made at least 2 weeks in advance. Private tours are $15/person and 1.5 – 3 hours depending on the chosen trails. To inquire about a private tour, please email info@floracliff.org.
Field Trips
Floracliff provides a unique setting where students can get hands-on field experience in a variety of topics. University and K-12 groups visit the sanctuary to study forest ecology, tree identification, plant taxonomy, entomology, water quality, habitats, stream biodiversity and more. We can accommodate up to 20 students an outing, depending on the topic and hike leaders available. Please email info@floracliff.org to inquire about field trips.
