The John B. Stephenson Memorial Forest & Anglin Falls

​Take a beautiful hike through the nature preserve area dedicated to former Berea College President, John B. Stephenson.

John B. Stephenson Memorial Forest State Nature Preserve was dedicated into the state nature preserve system on December 10, 1996. The Cobb-Venable family owned this 123 acre wooded gorge for nearly five decades before it was sold to Friends of Anglin Falls, a non-profit organization, for preservation purposes. Ownership was then turned over to Berea College, which now manages the site. The preserve is named after the late Berea College president, John B. Stephenson, who was so inspired and moved by this site that he spent the last years of his life campaigning for its protection.

John B. Stephenson Memorial Forest SNP is a scenic, wooded ravine that protects Anglin Falls, a wet-weather waterfall of nearly 75 feet. On both sides of Anglin creek, there are steep slopes that lead up to rocky ridge lines with many limestone outcroppings and small caves. As the trail ascends to Anglin Falls, large moss-covered boulders line the trail and creek side. The preserve protects more than 450 species of native plants including 32 ferns and a spectacular springtime wildflower display.

The foot trail to the base of the falls is about a mile in length and is moderate to strenuous, over uneven terrain.

Below are the directions to the John B. Stephenson Memorial Forest. Both routes consist almost entirely of paved roads. One route may be used to enter the area and the other may be used as an alternative route out.

ROUTE 1 DIRECTIONS

Arrive in Berea from I-75, exit 77 (KY 595) or I-75. exit 76 (KY 21) which both lead to Berea College and Boone Tavern. From Boone Tavern, travel south on Scaffold Cane Road (KY 595) until it joins KY 1617 and continue for about 5.0 miles. After reaching the top of a curvy hill, Macedonia Baptist Church and a small store are at the junction of three paved roads, Burnt Ridge Road (left), KY 1617 (right) and KY 1787 (middle). Take the middle fork (KY 1787) and continue south for 2.3 miles until it joins Hammond Fork Road at the junction of Old Disputanta Post Office. Turn left (North) on Hammond Fork Road and travel 0.7-0.8 miles and watch for Anglin Fork Road, the only road on the right. Travel on this road East for 0.8 miles until reaching the Venable mailbox. Turn left and seek a parking place. You have arrived at the entrance to the John. B. Stephenson Memorial Forest.

ROUTE 2 DIRECTIONS

Arrive in Berea from I-75, exit 77 (KY 595) or I-75, exit 76 (KY 21) which both lead to Berea College and Boone Tavern. From Boone Tavern, travel east on KY 21 (Prospect Street/ Big Hill Road) for 5.0 miles. At Big Hill, turn right (South) on US 421 and travel 3.2 miles. At the top of the hill, after entering Rockcastle County, take the first right onto Burnt Ridge Road. After a few yards, take a left onto Hammonds Fork Road. Travel 3.5 miles to Anglin Fork Road. It is a sharp left turn down a steep hill. Travel on this road east for 0.8 mile until reaching the Venable mailbox. Turn left and seek a parking place. You have arrived at the entrance to John B. Stephenson memorial Forest.