Forty Acre Rock

Trail Activities: t

  • Hike

Length:

2.50 miles

Type:

Round Trip

Surface:

Natural

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Features: t

  • Parking
  • Point of Interest
  • Scenic Observation
  • Pets
  • No Camping

Summary:

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.

Loading Trails

This moderately strenuous, out and back trail provides a unique break from the normal terrain of South Carolina. Starting from the lower trailhead, you will wind through a sandy, high grass, but well marked section that is very easy to follow. You will pass through a thick forest, where you may see many different types of animals, such as Prairie warblers, indigo buntings, red-tailed hawks, vireos, cottontail rabbits, and deer. Continuing along flat creek, you will come to a beaver pond, which is small, but full of water lilies and very colorful during the summer months. You will pass a small waterfall as you make the moderate climb to your destination, the vast opening on top of a huge standing rock called Forty Acre Rock. Though actually 14 acres, it is still a breathtaking site. During the spring, water collects in depressions and you will be treated to the sight of a variety of specialized plants such as lichens, mosses, sedum, and the endangered pool sprite. The trail continues across the standing rock and into a forest of thick vegetation including red cedar and several species of hardwood trees.

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Directions:

From Kershaw: Drive north on US 601 for approximately 9 miles and turn left onto Reserve Road (Lancaster County S-29-27). Drive for .4 miles and the parking area for the lower trailhead is on the left. For the upper trailhead, continue approximately 2 miles, turn left onto Conservancy Road and drive to the end.

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South Carolina Department of Natural Resources | 1000 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201 | (803) 734-4080

Download Coordinates
KML file Trail Segments (Paths)
Trail Features (Points of Interest)
Lat: 34.66748160881111
Long: -80.52569381061210