Hiking in South Carolina can lead to a world of jaw-dropping views and those found in a small nature preserve near Lancaster are among the most unique in the state. It’s here, at the Forty Acre Rock Nature Preserve, that hiking around this massive granite flat rock will lead you past pool after colorful pool of brightly colored plants that are born each fall and grow through the winter only to bloom in the springtime.
Known for many attributes that include its sheer size, Forty Acre Rock is topped with a series of natural depressions formed in the surface. Hiking here is a fascinating adventure nearly everyone can enjoy.
During the heated months of summer, the pools can have a tendency to dry out, but by autumn and throughout the winter the pools fill with water and the plants begin to thrive again. By springtime, the pools take on bright colors. Seen here, the red elf orpine dies off after it blooms each spring but begins anew in the fall.
There are two trails that lead to the top of Forty Acre Rock. The one seen here leads from the upper parking lot and is a 1.7-mile loop. Stick to the clock-wise direction and you'll encounter a small cave hidden behind a waterfall near the first big turn in the loop.
Formed millions of years ago when hot magma rich in silica cooled underneath the earth's surface, this massive flat rock was eventually exposed when the sediment on top of it washed away by way of erosion over a long period of time.
Worth noting, although not seen in these images, is that there is much graffiti on top of Forty Acre Rock. It's disheartening, but don't let it spoil your adventure.
Want to see more? Check out this drove video captured by YouTube user Drones In SC:
Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve is best explored between dawn and dusk. It’s open 365 days a year. Admission and parking are free. To arrive at the 1.7-mile trailhead outlined here, you’ll want to park in the upper parking lot on Conservancy Road.
