Otherwise known as the coolest place to hike or run in Cary in August.

Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve

The Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is just what its name suggests - roughly 140 acres of peacefull bluffs full of beautiful, old Hemlock trees. It's so cool there that Eastern Hemlock trees normally found further west in the Appalachian mountains have flourished in the shade. Hikers and runners love the area, as do nature lovers who appreciate the preservation work of the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs.

The town of Cary doesn't own all 140 acres. The state of North Carolina owns 97 acres and the town leases the other 42. Park workers run the Stevens Nature Center on the property and give tours, put on demonstrations and even host weddings. The nature preserve also protects a micro-habitat, migratory birds and salamanders.

If you're a runner or hiker, there are three designated loops: Chestnut Oak (1.2 miles), Swift Creek Loop (0.8 miles) and Beech Tree Cove Loop (0.9 miles). If you want to do a longer run, you can augment yours by doing loops around the base of the bluffs over the wooden boardwalks. The trails aren't paved and you'll probably encounter some stairs, so consider that if you plan on bringing small children in strollers.

They recently added a theater, and run lots of nature programs for adults and kids at the Stevens Nature Center.