Pickens County has a new destination hiking spot that features a trail system that caters to a wide variety of skill levels. It also features the biggest boulder field in the state, a boulder field that happens to be on top of a mountain appropriately named Big Rock Mountain.

If you haven't heard of the Nine Times Forest or the Nine Times Preserve, then you're not alone.
Google Maps/Jamie Pace
Consisting of hundreds and hundreds of acres, the two entities currently feature at least three trails that interconnect throughout the preserve.
Google Maps/Kien Pham
A combination of low-lying terrain and some elevation gains make the initial trails fall into the categories of easy and moderate hiking levels.
Google Maps/Kimberly Poole
But the newest trails in the Nine Time Forest all focus on a mountain that's covered in boulder fields. Appropriately named, Big Rock Mountain is exactly that. And hiking up to the top of Big Rock Mountain is no easy feat.
Google Maps/Jamie Pace

Related Stories

The Wetlands Trail In South Carolina That's Like A Walk Through Middle Earth

The Wetlands Trail In South Carolina That's Like A Walk Through Middle Earth

 The Tunnel Trail In South Carolina That Will Take You On An Unforgettable Adventure

The Tunnel Trail In South Carolina That Will Take You On An Unforgettable Adventure

 This Easy Fall Hike In South Carolina Is Under 2 Miles And You'll Love Every Step You Take

This Easy Fall Hike In South Carolina Is Under 2 Miles And You'll Love Every Step You Take
A series of approximately 40 pathways have been configured to get up and over the boulders.
youtube/Keith's Folly
But unless you're fairly proficient at rock climbing and a sport known as bouldering, you'll probably want to stick to the other trails in the Nine Times Preserve and Forest.
youtube/Keith's Folly
It's estimated that there are 800 boulders in the boulder field atop Big Rock Mountain. Have you heard of this new hot-spot for hikers and climbers?
youtube/Keith's Folly

To see some amazing footage of Big Rock Mountain, watch the short video below from youtube user Keith's Folly:
The Nine Times Forest and Nine Times Preserve are located just off the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway near Sunset.
Google Maps [enhanced]

Here’s a link to the Google map. There is a new parking lot on Big Rock Lake Road for those wishing to climb/explore Big Rock Mountain. (Please be aware that most navigation on Big Rock Mountain will require technical climbing skills.) Information about the trailheads for the other trails in the Nine Times Preserve and Forest can be found at this link on the official website of the Nature Conservancy. There is no fee to hike or park, and the preserve is open during daylight hours.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore South Carolina