BURKE BRANCH PROPOSED WILDERNESS AREA

There are no marked trails here, nor any highly spectacular scenery. Rather, Burke Branch is an unspoiled area of particular interest to those that enjoy diversity in geology and botanical habitats. You may explore this area on either user-made trails or "bushwhack".  This 6,230 acre area contains two main creeks.  Twenty-three different habitat types offer a rich diversity of plants and animals. Sinkholes are numerous on the forested ridge tops.  Local mammals include bobcat, wild turkey, deer, and beaver. Within Burke Branch is the 300 acre Cretaceous Hills Nature Preserve which contains several seep springs that form wet, boggy areas. Plants here include cinnamon, marsh, royal ferns, and sphagnum moss.

Directions:  For southern Burke Branch, take I-24 exit 37 to US 45.  Go east 2.5 miles, turn left on unity School Road and continue 4 miles to CR 144, turn left and go 4 miles to the parking area.  To north Burke Branch, follow as above except continuing on Unity School Road 6.5 miles to CR 144, turn left, go about 2.5 miles to a “T” intersection.   Turn left onto CR 140 and continue north for 5 miles to FR 1410.

For additional information on these or other outing locations, call Bob Tyson at 684-5643, or, mailto:robkay43@webtv.net ■

Updated: 10/26/2005