Hiking through Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve
Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve - Search Nearby - Added by The Outbound Collective
An intermediate hike with scenic sights along the way, including a waterfall, beaver pond, and large granite flatrock.
This 2,267 acre preserve is known for its hiking, birding, and a 14-acre granite flatrock with a variety of wildflowers to observe. This moderate hike will take you past the flatrock, as well as a small waterfall and pond.
Start at the lower parking lot. The hike begins through the forest, then follows along Flat Creek to Beaver Pond. After the pond you will find a small waterfall, then hike up to the beautiful Forty Acre Rock.
You can consult a map of the preserve here.
Photo Credit: Photos of Lancaster, SC
5 Miles RT
100 ft Gain
Out-and-Back
Hiking
Nearby Lodging
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Reviews
Overall rating:
Go for the hike, not the rock
As mentioned in other reviews, the rock has been defaced with graffiti and has its issues with others not living the “Leave No Trace” lifestyle. However if you’re starting at the rock, then once you head down and onto the trail, the hike is enjoyable. The trees provide plenty of shade to stay cool and covered. Trail markers are present, but since maps are light for this trail, it could use an extra sign here or there to provide some feedback on distances to first-timers.
Terrible
The map takes you to a gate with graffiti and the rock has graffiti and there’s trash . It’s a dump. You should take this off of here. Totally not worth the drive I took.
It’s What You Make It
This is a great time with a few good friends. Definitely start at the “Lower Parking Lot” and hike around the beaver pond & from there continue to the rock. That makes the trip worth it. The hiking is light to moderate.
