Lush nature trails featuring the best flora and fauna Kentucky has to offer provide visitors a respite from the hectic pace of everyday life at the Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve. Established in 1975 by Virginia Creasey Mahan and Howard Mahan, the 170- acre non-profit public charity nature preserve is located at 12501 Harmony Landing Road in Goshen. Visitors are free to roam the property exploring the vast majestic woodlands, meadows filled with native grasses, flower garden or wetlands including a winding stream.

The beautiful grounds at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, including nine miles of trails, are open from dawn to dusk 365-days of the year. Public restrooms are located in the barn and open year-round. Dogs on leashes are allowed. No bikes permitted on property.

Walking and Hiking Trails

Whether you’re an experienced hiker, trail runner or pleasure walker, Creasey Mahan has the perfect path for you. With seven unique trails to choose from, visitors can customize their experience. Venture down an old farm-lane past the frog pond and grassy meadows on the Mahan Lane trail or run along the grassy paths and climbing tracks on Cross-Country Trail or take your little ones on Frog’s Leap Trail.

Every path provides visitors with a spectacular view of nature. Benches and picnic tables throughout provide a spot to rest, picnic and watch the native wildlife around you. Trail maps are available at the office and main kiosk (near the fir pit at the wildlife entrance).

Garden Centerpiece

Set on a 2-acre plot along Mahan Lane, the Woodland Garden features more than 5,000 plants including a wide variety of native wildflowers, ferns, shrubs, and trees. This magnificent garden centerpiece includes a walking path, pond, stream, waterfall, and peat bog. Labels categorizing various plant groupings help visitors identify plants and spot those they may like to plant in their own home gardens.

The Woodland Garden is a work in progress. When completed, it will cover 6-acres making it one of the largest native wildflower and fern gardens in the United States.

Guided tours are available upon request.

Nature Center Educational Building -- Currently Closed due to Covid-19

Discover the wonders of nature and learn more about Kentucky’s unique plant and animal life with hands on exhibits at the Nature Center. Four detailed dioramas explore the wetlands, woodlands, Kentucky fish and Native American life and artifacts. Watch animals at work and play in the wildlife habitat garden and visit the bird blind to watch native birds in their natural habitat through a one-way viewing window. Learn about the life of bees at the observation bee hive open during the summer.

The Magical Forest Imagination Station is perfect for toddlers allowing them to get up close and personal with a mix of friendly animals.

The Nature Center is open every Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Historic Home Mahan Manor

Mahan Manor was built in 1806 and given to Virginia and Howard Mahan as a wedding gift in 1921. The original two-story log cabin was renovated over the years to include a kitchen, breakfast room, bathroom, and bedroom. The bare logs typical of a traditional log cabin were covered with cedar clapboards but the original logs remain underneath.

The first building on the property was the springhouse, built in 1803 using limestone native to the region. It served as the water source for the farm and provided cool storage for milk and produce. An active spring still runs underground there today.

Guests can call (502) 228-4362 to schedule a tour.

Programs for Children

Environmental educational programs including field trips, environmental science classes and summer camps introduce children to the wonders of nature and our role as stewards of the environment. The camps and classes focus on a variety of topics including animal homes, Kentucky mammals, birds of prey, bees and bugs, conservation, recycling, woodland ecosystems, fossils, rocks and minerals, plant life cycle, wetland ecosystems and more. The preserve also offers courses focused on native American culture including dances, games, language, medicinal plants, and storytelling.

Children can enjoy a variety of crafts including leatherwork, fiber art, plaster masks, woodworking, jewelry making, painting with plants, and eco-friendly recycled material art.

The Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve hosts summer nature camps open to children in 1st through 6th grades. The 4-day camps feature a variety of fun activities including archery, hands-on classes with frogs, birds, bees and other animals, crafts, water play, and more. With its vast natural resources, the preserve offers children the opportunity to see nature up close through bird watching, nature scavenger hunts, nature hikes, and wagon rides through the forest.

Forest Friends Playground 

Forest Friends Playground now offers a safe, creative, and explorative experience for children of all ages. Equipment is even handicapped accessible.

For more information including a list of events visit: https://www.creaseymahannaturepreserve.org/ or call 502-228-4362