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Parson’s Mountain Hiking Trails
Two trails start at the recreation area. A 1.4 mile trail climbs 400 feet in elevation from the lake to the fire tower, passing gold mines along the way. Another 1 mile interpretive trail is self-guided and depicts activities of the early settlers. Directions from Abbeville: Take SC28 South 2.1 miles. Turn left on Rd. #1-251, drive 1.5 miles to entrance on the right.
Contact: US Forest Service 803/637-5396
Long Cane Horse Trail
23 mile loop offers numerous access points and a wide variety of terrain. The trail begins at Fell Hunt Camp but can be ridden in various lengths to suit the rider. It is also open to hikers and mountain bikes but biking here is not easy going unless it has been particularly dry. Of interest are state record trees, cemeteries and the original “Charleston Road”. Paved roads may be encountered. Directions from Abbeville: Take Rd. #1-33 South for 8 miles. Bear left on Rt. 47, go 1.5 miles on right. Directions from Greenwood: Take SC10 South 7.7 miles. Right on Rt. 47, 2.4 miles on left.
Contact: US Forest Service 803/637-5396
John de la Howe Interpretive Trail
1.9 mile hiking trail starts to the right of the John de la Howe Dairy barn. Along the way numerous stops identify various plants, animals and their habitat. Call to obtain a brochure or pick one up in the Barn which is a country market run by students and senior adults (open Saturday 9-4). Directions from McCormick: Take SC28 North (Savannah River Scenic Highway) for about 6.5 miles. Left on Rt. 81 for 1.3 miles. Look for granite Barn on the right.
Contact: John de la Howe School 864/391-2131.
Turkey Creek/Wine Creek Trails
Hiking and mountain biking trails are one linear trail. At the south end, Turkey Creek is one of the most popular MTB trails in the area. It starts at Key Bridge and is a little more than 7 miles of singletrack to a gravel cul-de-sac (FS 617A). It is relatively flat but does offer a few technical challenges. Generally it is easier than other trails in the area. Note: It is not a loop. Also starting at Key Bridge but traveling North is Wine Creek Trail, a much less traveled trail. Wine Creek is 5 miles long, all singletrack, ending at Hwy 283. Wine Creek shares the same traits as Turkey Creek: flat, fast, a few technical challenges, beautiful scenery...but several drawbacks. In the 5 miles, it has 22 bridges, some completely washed away. Best to ride in the Fall or early Spring. This trail can also be accessed from SC283 and ridden the opposite way to Key Bridge. Directions to Key Bridge from McCormick: Take SC28/US221 South to Plum Branch. Left onto SC283. Go about 3.5 miles, turn right onto Key Road (SC138). Trailhead is 4 miles on the right before bridge. Directions to Wine Creek from McCormick: Take SC28/Us221 South to Plum Branch. Left on Rt. 283. Park at trailhead on right after you cross Wine Creek.
Contact: US Forest Service: 803/637-5396
Catfish Creek/Peninsula
Approximately 5 miles of trail in this day use area which includes the main route with two spurs off of it and a circular path at the end with 4 spurs off of it. Directions from Parksville: Take SC28/Us221 North. See sign, turn left (west) onto Rd. #33-402. This paved road continues to the left past the curve. After pavement ends, travel the short distance to the gate which limits access.
Contact: Corps of Engineers 800/533-3478 Ext. 1147
Stevens Creek Heritage Preserve
One of the most unique floristic sites in the Carolinas and second most outstanding site in the eastern Piedmont. The most significant habitat occurs between the ridge-tops and the flood plain on steep, north-facing bluffs. The loop trail takes a hiker through habitat which is thought to be a relict of a once widespread hardwood forest from an ancient glacial period. Except for an uphill trek at the end, it is an easy hike and takes approximately one hour. Wild flowers bloom in the early Spring. Directions from Clarks Hill: Before US221 intersection, turn right onto S33-88 from SC28, cross the RR tracks, turn left at the dead end. Sign on left before Stevens Creek Bridge.
Contact: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources 803/734-3886
Lick Fork Lake Trail
1.7 mile hiking trail starts at the parking area near the bathhouse. It offers several stream crossings and has numerous informative stops along the way. Foot travel only, please. Directions from Edgefield: SC23 South for 8.2 miles. Left onto 230 for a half mile. Left at Sumter National Forest sign, 1.9 miles, take right into fee area.
Contact: US Forest Service: 803/637-5396
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