40 Acre Rock Heritage Preserve - Kershaw, SC
40 Acre Rock Heritage Preserve — A Unique Dog-Friendly Hiking Destination in Kershaw, South Carolina
If you’re searching for a pet-friendly hiking experience in South Carolina, 40 Acre Rock Heritage Preserve offers a truly special outing for both you and your dog. Located just outside Kershaw, this preserve features expansive granite outcrops, lush plant life, fascinating geological formations, and scenic waterfalls that will captivate nature enthusiasts and dog lovers alike. The area is especially popular for its unique red mosses and rare flora, creating a memorable landscape perfect for adventurous pups and their owners.
With miles of hiking trails, moderate climbs, and plenty of opportunities to observe local wildlife, 40 Acre Rock Heritage Preserve is ideal for anyone seeking a dog-friendly park filled with natural wonders. Please note that trails can be challenging in places, with some steep sections and limited trail maps, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and bring plenty of water. While there are no dedicated dog park amenities like fenced areas or water fountains, leashed dogs are welcome to accompany you as you explore this remarkable slice of upstate South Carolina.
FAQ
- Are dogs allowed at 40 Acre Rock Heritage Preserve? Yes, dogs are allowed on the trails and throughout the preserve.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the preserve is known for its extensive hiking trails, unique rock formations, and scenic waterfalls.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? The preserve is considered good for kids and offers kid-friendly hiking options.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? No, the entrance is not wheelchair accessible and the terrain may be challenging for some visitors.
- Are restrooms available for owners? No, there are no facilities or restrooms at the preserve.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there are parking lots available at the trailhead.
Reviews
Excellent exploring and hiking. Water, rock, and cave features. Choose your own adventure style hiking options. No facilities. No camping.
Fantastic place to do a bit of hiking. This is a very interesting area of exposed granite. At the top of the rock are large shallow pools filled with endangered mosses. There are a couple of small waterfalls and it is well worth checking out.
40 Acre Rock is a great place to explore. With the unique geology and the variety of plant life in the park, you will have plenty of scenery to enjoy. Be sure to bring plenty of water if you visit on a hot day.
40 Acre Rock Heritage Preserve is very nice. It is an easy hike to the large rock but it can be difficult from there. The terrain is steep heading down to the waterfall. There is no trail map at the trailhead. The blazes are getting old. It took us two visits to find the waterfall. We still didn’t get to the pond. Definitely a pretty place.
Unexpectedly amazing! An astonishing natural geological wonder nestled away in the woods of Upstate South Carolina. A lovely hike encompassing streams, waterfalls, and marshes in addition to the spectacular granite remains from a volcanic era. We learned that the lovely red vegetation is Snorkelwort, or Pool Sprite, and can only be found here. Truly remarkable hike.
Note: Trail is not a loop any longer. It appears the beavers have built a dam increasing the one side of the pond which has wiped out a section of the lower trail. Not too difficult to retrace walk back to either parking lot. I’d say this is a moderately difficult hike in some areas due to some steep and technical sections. The stream-side path back to the rock formation is less difficult than following the white blazers.
This trail is a must do for any nature or history enthusiasts. We did run into (literally) a small Copperhead snake who was nesting beneath one of the rock formation’s jagged outcroppings. Socks recommended!