Search Results

Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve encompasses 2,965 acres of the most diverse protected area in the Piedmont region, including granitic flatrocks, waterslides, waterfalls, beaver pond, caves, hardwood and pine forests, and a variety of wildflowers and wildlife. This trail takes you through a forest to the top of a huge standing rock offering fantastic views of the surrounding Sandhills.

Bennett's Bay is a wonderful spot for hiking and wildlife observation, as several trails wind around the preserve.

Penn Center, with its 16 historic buildings—all registered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation—sits quietly on a rural side street on St. Helena Island. There is an easy, one-mile loop trail located here that serves as an outdoor classroom. 

The Fishermans Trail travels around the Star Fort Pond and provides access to the the lake at several points.

The Gouedy Trail experience is an exciting adventure filled with mystery in one of the parks most historical areas.

The Cherokee Path is a 1.5 mile trail from point to point. It was once a direct route for traders and trappers, Native Americans, and settlers to exchange merchandise between the backcountry and the Carolina coast. Today, you can hike the existing Cherokee Path at Ninety Six just as Native Americans and explorers.

Located at the back of the property along Hwy 246 is the Star Fort Pond, a 26-acre lake. Fishing is allowed Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday April 1 to November 1. The times for fishing are from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.

You will circle 73-acre Lake Ashwood, which is said to have been created when slaves diked up McGrits Creek during the last century. During your walk you will be surrounded by many beautiful birds such as the Carolina Wren, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, and numbers of Red-headed woodpeckers.

Located off Exit 21, the 10-acre Blue Heron Nature Center offers relief for the road weary, and it’s as easy to get to as any rest area. The loop trail includes a section of boardwalk through a forested wetland filled with ferns and native plants.

Lucas Park provides nature trails and gardens, in addition to a playground, picnic shelter and area, as well as two tennis courts.