It’s Impossible Not To Love This Breathtaking Wildflower Trail In South Carolina
Nine Times Preserve is known as the “wildflower showcase of the Southern Blue Ridge.” And found within the preserve is an overlooked wildflower trail in South Carolina that comes alive in the Spring with beautiful blooms.
Nine Times Preserve is located in Pickens, a part of the upstate area of South Carolina. Owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy to promote healthy native plant communities and wildlife populations, it was designated a state Wildlife Management Area under an agreement with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
In 2012, approximately 1.7 miles of trail were installed to give visitors an opportunity to explore the preserve’s forests, ravines, and streams. The Department of Natural Resources oversees fishing and hunting on the property.
Trillium Trail is one of the top seven trails in Nine Times Preserve. It runs parallel with part of Little Eastatoe Creek, and the trailhead is located across the bridge from the Ephemeral Trail parking area at the intersection of Eastatoe Creek Road and E. Preston McDaniels Road.
The trail often gets overlooked, passed over for Big Rock Mountain Trail which is much more popular. This could be simply because most people don't realize how beautiful it is during the Spring! It offers the best opportunity at the preserve to view ephemeral wildflowers during the season.
The preserve covers 560 acres and encompasses five mountains and seven distinct forest types, including Nine Times Forest which is considered an ecological jewel.
Have you ever heard of this trail before or experienced it during the spring? What was it like when you were there? Share about it with us in the comments section below!
South Carolina has been home for AnneMarie since 2001. Her favorite part of the state is Lake Jocassee. An App State alumna, it's always the mountains; the lake bonus makes it heavenly. When not writing about the state, she may be spending time with family, relaxing by the pool, or out somewhere enjoying nature.
