From the parking area, follow the yellow blazes as this hard dirt packed
trail slowly descends to a "T" intersection at Lawson’s Creek. Turn to
the right and you will walk through a wooded area until you reach a
tributary of Lawson’s Fork Creek where this section ends. Turn to the
left and you will view Lawson’s Fork Creek from a raised corridor, and
then pass a rocky knoll and a wooden bridge before looping back along
the banks of the creek. Among the many plants you may see, is the
federally endangered Dwarf-flowered Heartleaf. Muskrats and beavers are
common along the water’s edge and a variety of birds including
kingfishers and great blue herons. Picnic areas are available at the
trailhead and at the "T" intersection.
This trail is on a
floodplain, so sections may be wet and muddy after a heavy rain. Insect
repellent is recommended during warmer months. During hunting season
(The middle of August to January), trail users should wear bright
colored clothing.
For additional information from Palmetto
Trail users:
Trail Talk
Length: 1.3 miles.
Fees: No fee.
Directions: From Exit 72 on I-85 in
Spartanburg, turn right onto US 176. Turn left onto Valley Falls Rd.
(Exit 22), then right onto North Campus Blvd. Continue to the John M.
Rampey Jr. Center.
From Exit 5 on Bus. I-85 in Spartanburg,
turn left onto US 176. Turn right onto Valley Falls Rd. (Exit 22), then
right onto North Campus Blvd. Continue to the John M. Rampey Jr. Center.
Hours: Dawn to dusk.
Camping: No camping.
Information:
Palmetto Conservation Foundation 1314 Lincoln St., Suite 305,
Columbia, SC 29201-3154,
or
Trail Talk