Recently, we paid a long overdue visit to Forty-Acre Rock. Entering from the lower trailhead, we enjoyed a scenic hike up the winding trail, through lush forest and over rocky terrain. [click here to view photos]
At one point, a branch wedged between two trees pointed away from the path. We spent a few moments on this tangent, following the footpath to a large pond... but soon turned back to the main trail, unsure of how long the pondside excursion would take.
The hike is strenuous and, at times, hard to follow– but finding our way back to the path was no trouble. All we had to do was listen for the sound of running water since the path pretty much follows the creek.
Massive boulders with mossy sides line the creekside path, and we followed it upstream to a slippery rock face. This was the first of two waterfalls; the second of which houses a cave beneath its slow trickle. We rested there for a moment, listening to water flow slowly over the creekbed, then continued our steep climb up to The Rock.
Standing on the rock is a lot like being on a movie set for some sci-fi adventure... red Diamorpha smallii flourishes in shallow pools on the rock's surface, adding a bizarre touch to the other-worldy landscape (this threatened plant species exists only in remote locations scattered across South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama). The endangered Carolina Heelsplitter Mussel also makes its home here, as do many rare species of plants, including Nodding Trillum, Eastern Greenviolet, Black-Spored Quillwort and Puck's Orpine. We strongly recommend this hike. It's well worth the burning calves, especially on the hike back– it's all DOWNHILL.
LocalHikes.com
SC Department of Natural Resources
Endangered Species in South Carolina
The Nature Conservancy
Random Pictures of 40 Acre Rock
______________________________________
Directions for entering from lower trailhead:
Upon entering Lancaster from 521, exit onto 521 Bypass heading South, exit on Hwy 903, drive approximately 15 miles until you see the old Flat Creek School on your left, continue straight on Hwy 601 approximately 2 miles til you cross the first bridge, turn on the first left- look for the signs and parking lot on the left side of the road.
Make a day of it! Pack a light lunch and big bottle of water.
Click for trail map. For a less strenuous hike, enter from the upper trail head; a short walk on softly sloping ground will bring you right out onto the rock.
At one point, a branch wedged between two trees pointed away from the path. We spent a few moments on this tangent, following the footpath to a large pond... but soon turned back to the main trail, unsure of how long the pondside excursion would take.
The hike is strenuous and, at times, hard to follow– but finding our way back to the path was no trouble. All we had to do was listen for the sound of running water since the path pretty much follows the creek.
Massive boulders with mossy sides line the creekside path, and we followed it upstream to a slippery rock face. This was the first of two waterfalls; the second of which houses a cave beneath its slow trickle. We rested there for a moment, listening to water flow slowly over the creekbed, then continued our steep climb up to The Rock.
Standing on the rock is a lot like being on a movie set for some sci-fi adventure... red Diamorpha smallii flourishes in shallow pools on the rock's surface, adding a bizarre touch to the other-worldy landscape (this threatened plant species exists only in remote locations scattered across South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama). The endangered Carolina Heelsplitter Mussel also makes its home here, as do many rare species of plants, including Nodding Trillum, Eastern Greenviolet, Black-Spored Quillwort and Puck's Orpine. We strongly recommend this hike. It's well worth the burning calves, especially on the hike back– it's all DOWNHILL.
LocalHikes.com
SC Department of Natural Resources
Endangered Species in South Carolina
The Nature Conservancy
Random Pictures of 40 Acre Rock
______________________________________
Directions for entering from lower trailhead:
Upon entering Lancaster from 521, exit onto 521 Bypass heading South, exit on Hwy 903, drive approximately 15 miles until you see the old Flat Creek School on your left, continue straight on Hwy 601 approximately 2 miles til you cross the first bridge, turn on the first left- look for the signs and parking lot on the left side of the road.
Make a day of it! Pack a light lunch and big bottle of water.
Click for trail map. For a less strenuous hike, enter from the upper trail head; a short walk on softly sloping ground will bring you right out onto the rock.
0 comments:
Post a Comment