Join Conserving Carolina on Friday, March 1, for a 4-mile, moderate, lollipop hike at Nine Times Preserve near Sunset, South Carolina. Conserving Carolina’s southeast stewardship manager, Pam Torlina, will lead the hike. 

 

Hikers will head to Nine Times Preserve, a 560acre nature preserve owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy. The preserve is located where the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains meet the Piedmont, and it is home to more than 134 species of native wildflowers. The trail begins with an immediate elevation gain of 400 feet in 0.5 miles as hikers ascend Cedar Rock Mountain, then the trail becomes more enjoyable as it skirts the mountain making a loop down to a creek bed and back up the mountain. The trail passes a beautiful seeping rock outcrops, crosses several streams, offers beautiful views, and passes a small waterfall. Once the group returns to the first part of the trail, they will continue up the mountain to the summit of Cedar Rock Mountain for beautiful views from a granitic bald at its peak. Hikers will enjoy scenic views and the chance to see early spring wildflowers at the onset of spring. 

 

If you are interested in attending the hike on March 1, meet at the Spinx gas station in Gowensville, SC, at 8:30 a.m. to check in and start the approximately 45 minute drive to the parking area. If you’re coming from an area closer to the trailhead, please contact Pam Torlina to make other meeting arrangements.

For your safety, do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience. Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear; bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water. Please be sure to bring any personal medication that you may require.

In case of inclement weather, please contact Pam Torlina at 828-697-5777, ext. 300 or e-mail her at pam@conservingcarolina by 8 a.m. on the day of the hike and/or check the Conserving Carolina Facebook page to see if the hike will take place.
 

For more info visit, www.conservingcarolina.org. 

 

– Submitted by Pam Torlina