Welcome to Lilley Cornett Woods

Lilley Cornett Woods, Appalachian Ecological Research Station of Eastern Kentucky University, located in Letcher County in southeast corner of Kentucky, is the first and largest preserved remnant of old-growth forest in eastern Kentucky. Lilley Cornett Woods has been designated as a Registered National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of Interior, and it is also a Registered Natural Area of the Society of American Foresters. LCW has been recognized by the Registered National Natural Landmark as an "excellent example of preserve mixed mesophtic forest." The 554 acres are characterized by a topography of coves, benches, ridge crests and steep slopes. The old growth forest covers 252 acres of the total acreage. This portion of forest has never been logged, but over the years has been subject to grazing livestock and periodic burnings of the upper slopes. A visitor to LCW has the opportunity to be transported back to the kind of forest that was seen by early pioneers. It is a unique "island" of protected forest in a "sea" of other kinds of land use.

The biological diversity present at Lilley Cornett Woods is greater than most temperate regions in the world. Visitors can walk through several forest communities and marvel at the wildlife associated with these ecosystems. A cornucopia of wildflowers blanket the forest floor in the spring and through the summer. Over 530 species of flowering plants may be observed at Lilly Cornett Woods. Along with the plants, approximately 700 breeding pairs of birds are estimated to reside in the old growth forest as well as numerous small mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Larger animals such as white tailed deer, bobcat and fox use Lilley Cornett Woods as part of their home range. A day spent at Lilley Cornett Woods will leave a lasting memory and a desire to return and further explore the natural wonders present there.

Visitation and Use

Lilley Cornett Woods is open daily from 9am -5pm from May 15 to August 15.
For the months of April, May, September, and October LCW is open on Weekends Only from 9 am- 5 pm.
From November to April it is open by appointment only.
Public access to Lilley Cornett Woods is by guided tours on designated trails.
Tours are not regularly scheduled, but are made on a first come, first serve basis. Tour reservations can be made by contacting the superintendent at LCW. School groups, classes and other large groups are encouraged to schedule early for a prefered time slot.
Picnicking is allowed in designated areas
Camping facilities are not available
As a State Wildlife Refuge, hunting and dogs are not permitted
Collecting of plants, artifacts, and any other living or nonliving items is prohibited.

People interested in conducting research at LCW and/or planning to use LCW for extended periods of time are required to contact the Superintendent of LCW and the Director of EKU - Division of Natural Areas.

Contact Information

Lilley Cornett Woods Superintendent, Robert Watts 91 Lilley Cornett Branch Hallie, Kentucky 41821 (606)633-5828
Eastern Kentucky University Division of Natural Areas 105 Case Annex Richmond, KY 40475 (859)622-1476

Directions to Lilley Cornett Woods