Field Trips – SCNPS Symposium 2024
Explore the natural beauty of South Carolina’s Upstate with our guided field trips during the SCNPS Symposium 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned botanist or a nature enthusiast, these trips offer a unique opportunity to discover some of this region’s most stunning landscapes and rare plant species. Please note the details so you can choose the trip that best suits your interests.
Important Information:
- When registering for the symposium, don’t forget to select your preferred field trips to secure your spot.
- All field trips will gather at Pinnacle Pavilion at 9:30 AM for carpooling to the trailheads.
Peach Orchard Branch Hike
Dates: 10/18/2024 & 10/19/2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 02:00 PM
Leaders: Jon Storm – Friday, Adam Bigelow – Saturday
Maximum Attendees: 15 per day
Join us for an easy road walk combined with a faint forest trail on an out-and-back hike totaling about 2 miles. This hike offers the chance to see unique plants thriving in the mafic soils along the trail. As this area is part of the Jocassee Gorges Management Area, wearing hunter’s orange or other bright colors is recommended due to the hunting season.
Bald Rock Heritage Preserve
Dates: 10/18/2024 & 10/19/2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 02:00 PM
Leader: Dan Whitten
Maximum Attendees: 15 per day
Explore the 165-acre Bald Rock Heritage Preserve, which is managed by SCDNR. This hike includes easy walking with a short, steep section to view rare spray cliff community plants. The hike covers 1 to 2 miles, highlighting diverse habitats, including rock outcrop and oak-hickory upland forest. Dan will share insights from the 2022 SCNPS survey, which identified 342 species on the property.
Glassy Mountain Heritage Preserve
Dates: 10/18/2024 & 10/19/2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 02:00 PM
Leader: Rick Huffman
Maximum Attendees: 15 per day
Led by Rick Huffman, founder of the SCNPS, this easy to moderate hike takes you through Granitic Dome and old field communities. The 1.2-mile trail offers views of rare and uncommon species and is the only Piedmont Monadnock in South Carolina. It’s a great opportunity to explore various habitats and enjoy spectacular views.
Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve
Date: 10/18/2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 02:00 PM
Leader: Sam Tessel
Maximum Attendees: 15
Join Upstate Botanist Sam Tessel for a moderate 3-mile loop hike through the Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve. Expect some elevation changes as you explore this mountainous area, discovering both common and special plant species. Bright colors are recommended due to the hunting season, although the hike will avoid the archery hunting portion of the preserve.
Tall Pines WMA
Dates: 10/18/2024 & 10/19/2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 02:00 PM
Leader: Chris Sermons
Maximum Attendees: 15 per day
Explore the diverse habitats of the 1700-acre Tall Pines WMA, including upland and wetland areas. Naturalist Chris Sermons will guide you through sunny areas abundant with Asteraceae species. If time permits, the trip will also include a visit to “Janie’s Prairie,” a SCNPS property managed with controlled burning to maintain its unique plant species.
Bunched Arrowhead Heritage Preserve
Date: 10/19/2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 02:00 PM
Leader: Tim Lee
Maximum Attendees: 15
This easy 1.25-mile loop trail, led by Ranger Tim Lee, winds through a variety of habitats in the Bunched Arrowhead Heritage Preserve. You’ll have the chance to see (or at least learn about) some rare and endangered species, including the Federally Endangered Bunched Arrowhead, Federally Threatened Dwarf-flowered Heartleaf, and the rare Climbing Fern.
Jocassee Gorges Scenic Drive
Date: 10/18/2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 02:00 PM
Leader: Seth Harrison
Maximum Attendees: 15
Experience the breathtaking views of Lake Jocassee on this 18-mile scenic drive along Horsepasture Road. Led by Seth Harrison, this driving tour includes several stops at overlooks, including a short walk to Jumping Off Rock for spectacular vistas. High-clearance vehicles or 4WD are recommended, and carpooling is necessary.
