Kentucky River Palisades
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The Kentucky River Palisades are series of steep, scenic gorges and limestone outcroppings that stretch for approximately 100 mi (160 km), along the Kentucky River in central Kentucky in the United States.
The Palisades are considered by environmentalists to form a unique ecosystem in the region. It provides habitat for four species of endangered bats as well as several rare and endangered plant species. Uncommon tree species found in the Palisades include Yellowwood, Rock Elm, Sugarberry, Mountain Lover, and various types of Viburnums. The preservation of the scenic beauty and habitats of the Palisades is on-going project of state agencies such as Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission, which manages the Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve. At 700 acres this preserve is the largest intact forest in the palisades and has several miles of public hiking trails. In 2007 the Kentucky State Parks announced the purchase of 90 acres adjacent to the Dorman for the creation of the new Palisades State Park. Other public natural areas in the region include the Sally Brown Nature Preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy.
