Forty Acre Rock and Beaver Pond Loop

Kershaw, South Carolina

3.2/5
based on 6 reviews

Details

Distance

3.76 miles

Elevation Gain

430 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by The Outbound Collective

Forty Acre Rock and Beaver Pond Loop in Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve is 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 from the upper parking, where you'll follow Conservancy Rd for a short stretch. 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.

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Features

Hiking
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers
Waterfalls

Forty Acre Rock and Beaver Pond Loop Reviews

Absolutely a great hiking trip and the water fall was gorgeous didn’t quite know where to go though no signs on any trails or anything and the graffiti just broke my heart but an awesome hike!! Definantly not for beginners but great workout!!

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.

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.

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.

Not worth the trip. Directions from app take you straight to a gate near the flat rock. It's a 5 minute walk to the rock which is covered in graffiti and has a disappointing view. Not much of a hike at all.

The big rock is by far the main attraction but don't bypass the caves and rock mounds close by. Most are off trail but not such to disorientate the habitual hiker. More daring folk can follow the trail (upstream) to just past the footbridge over the swamp. From the end of that bridge upstream (off trail) they will find a decommissioned highway bridge over Flat Creek that used to be the main thoroughfare for highway 601. Be aware graffiti and trash are obvious issues and pack out+ always.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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