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The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.

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Forty Acre Rock

SC PICTURE PROJECT 4 Comments

SC Picture Project / Lancaster County / Forty Acre Rock

Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve in Lancaster County contains the Upstate’s most diverse natural habitats. What seems like a 40-acre-wide granite rock at the peak of the preserve actually spans only 14 acres. Yet the views that stretch across the Piedmont from atop this natural wonder give the illusion of the formation being much bigger.

Forty Acre Rock

Sue Roberts of Kershaw, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The entire preserve encompasses 2,267 acres of biodiversity, with waterfalls, beaver ponds, a vast array of wildflowers, and even long leaf pine forests all adding to the remarkable medley of plant life found here.

Forty Acre Rock

Sue Roberts of Kershaw, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Several rare and protected plants are provided sanctuary within the preserve’s hardwood forests and the rock’s microhabitats.

Forty Acre Rock

Sue Roberts of Kershaw, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Sadly, vandals have contributed to the fragility of the rock and its surroundings by operating four-wheelers within the preserve, which is not allowed. Others have spray painted graffiti on the rock, causing harm to its plants, and subsequently, the animals who eat them.

Forty Acre Rock

Sue Roberts of Kershaw, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The damage done to this otherwise pristine refuge is reminiscent to that suffered at Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve in Lexington County.

Forty Acre Rock

Sue Roberts of Kershaw, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Visitors are encouraged to walk the trails and appreciate the arresting beauty of Forty Acre Rock, respecting and conserving the ancient heritage of natural South Carolina.

Forty Acre Rock

Sue Roberts of Kershaw, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Reflections on Forty Acre Rock


Contributor Andy Lawless writes, “Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve located in Lancaster, South Carolina offers a great place for photographers, bird watchers and hikers to get outdoors in nature while enjoying a pleasant walk.”

Forty Acre Rock

Andy Lawless of Lancaster, 2009 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Plan Your Trip: Forty Acre Rock

Where is Forty Acre Rock located?
Address: Nature Reserve Road, Kershaw, SC 29067
GPS Coordinates: 34.6752,-80.5236
What else should I see?
Buford's Massacre Site 12 miles
Kershaw Depot 15.1 miles
Kershaw's First Library 15.3 miles
Heath Springs Depot 16.5 miles
Show me more like this!
  • See other South Carolina Forests and Nature Preserves
    Forty Acre Rock Map

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gail says

      June 24, 2020 at 2:46 PM

      Why do people have to destroy things? It is a beautiful place. Thank you for all the info.

      Reply
    2. Terri Hartman says

      April 9, 2017 at 7:53 PM

      Most diverse area I have ever visited. Great trails beautiful wildflowers. You can go from a tiny stream to a large area of water and numerouse waterfalls. But when you climb the mountain to see the whold top is rock it is like another planet. Very unusual and would recommend to visit. A wonderful trip for all!

      Reply
    3. Brian Dale says

      February 28, 2015 at 5:52 PM

      Visited on a sunny winter day and had a lovely time!
      http://youtu.be/HXgiW9JUTWo

      Reply
    4. Faye Burnette says

      July 26, 2014 at 6:26 PM

      Can you take horses to ride the trails?

      Reply

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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