Hiking Jeffrey’s Cliffs Conservation & Recreation Area in Kentucky
An Early Spring Hike at Jeffrey’s Cliffs
My son and I spent the day hiking the trails at Jeffrey’s Cliffs Conservation & Recreation Area.
We visited in early spring, before everything had fully greened up, but the area was still beautiful—and it ended up having one big surprise I wasn’t expecting.
What Is Jeffrey’s Cliffs?
Located about 4 miles east of Hawesville, Kentucky, Jeffrey’s Cliffs is a hidden gem for hiking and exploring.
This area offers:
- Around 230 acres of forest, cliffs, and rock shelters
- A 90-acre sandstone plateau
- Over 6 miles of hiking trails
- Free public access
One thing that really stands out—this area is maintained entirely by volunteers and donations, with no government funding.
Starting the Hike
We started from the main parking area, where a central trail leads up to the base of the plateau.
From there, you can choose from several different trails depending on how challenging of a hike you want.
At the time, I wasn’t too excited about climbing the stairs to the top, so we decided to take the trail that loops around the base of the cliffs to the north.
The Trail to Tobacco Cave
This lower trail felt a bit less traveled than the others, which made it quieter but also a little more rugged.
As we followed the base of the cliffs, we made our way toward what’s known as Tobacco Cave.
Not long after passing the cave, we came across something unexpected—a small, fenced-in grave.
A Surprising Discovery: The Grave of William Hardin Davison
The grave was marked with the name William Hardin Davison.
My son had been there before and knew about it—but let me discover it on my own.
When I got home, I had to learn more about who he was.
The Story Behind the Grave
William Hardin Davison began the American Civil War as a Union officer, serving as a captain in the 17th Kentucky Infantry.
He fought in major battles like:
- Battle of Fort Donelson
- Battle of Shiloh
Later in the war, after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln, Davison resigned his commission.
He eventually formed a guerrilla group known as “Davison’s Hyenas,” operating in western Kentucky.
In 1865, he was mortally wounded in a firefight near this very area and died at just 25 years old.
Because of tensions at the time, he was buried in a secret location near Jeffrey’s Cliffs before later being reinterred in Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Morgan’s Cave and Civil War History
We saved the easiest trail for last, which led us to Morgan’s Cave Rock Shelter.
This trail follows an old road with a gentle grade, making it one of the more accessible routes in the area.
Morgan’s Cave is believed to have been used as a rendezvous and hideout for Confederate guerrillas during the Civil War, adding even more history to this already interesting hike.
Trail Conditions and What to Expect
If you’re planning a visit to Jeffrey’s Cliffs Conservation & Recreation Area, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The parking area is large, but the access road can have heavy truck traffic
- Trails are well marked and maintained
- The main trail to the base of the cliffs is the busiest
- Some trails are less traveled and more rugged
- Portable restrooms are available
- No dogs are allowed on the trails
A Hidden Gem in Western Kentucky
Jeffrey’s Cliffs turned out to be more than just a scenic hike.
Between the sandstone cliffs, quiet trails, and unexpected Civil War history, it’s a place that offers a little bit of everything.
It’s not as well-known as some larger parks, which makes it a great spot if you’re looking to explore somewhere a little off the beaten path.
Other places that you can visit close by:
View our Video that we did hiking:
Reader Question
Have you ever come across something unexpected like a historic site or grave while out hiking?
