Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve and WMA

Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve and WMA Lancaster County, South Carolina 0 Nature Reserve Road, Kershaw, SC 29067 34.6594, -80.5170 April 25, 2026 | 10:30am to 4:30pm Forty Acre Rock HP/WMA is a nearly 3,200-acre conservation property in Lancaster County, SC, just outside of the towns of Lancaster and Kershaw. It is owned and managed by the SC Department of Natural Resources for a wide array of public uses including hunting, hiking, and the conservation of rare and imperiled species. The property is home to the namesake Forty Acre Rock, which is large granitic bald, a slab of solid rock that has been exposed to the elements since the scour action of glaciers in the last ice age (it’s also only 14 acres, but who’s counting). This granitic outcropping is home to some interesting, endemic species of rare plant, such as the Elf Orpine (Diamorpha smallii) that may still be in bloom for our visit. The thin, droughty soils of the outcrop promote both an interesting botanical community on top of the rock and shape some of the more common vegetation that survives there into novel shapes and forms, like the many “bonsai” Eastern Redcedars that pepper its facade. At the same time, the sharp change in elevation beneath the rock allows for a quick transition between soil types and moisture levels, concentrating biodiversity around the rock through the ecotone effect. There’s even a waterfall or two. What that means is there is a lot to see in just the 40 acres on and surrounding the rock! The trails at Forty Acre Rock are about 2.5 miles in total. There is a gradual uphill change in elevation from the lower parking area (where we’ll meet) to the rock itself. There is a steeper ascent from the base of the rock up to its face. When SCANning the rock itself, be mindful of where you step, keep your feet on the rock itself and please avoid stepping in the vernal pools or on any vegetation. The rock is open, hot, and sunny. So please dress for hot sun and bring plenty of water. There are no restrooms on site. This month’s trip will be during SC turkey season (Apr.3rd – May 2nd). So please stay fairly close to the main trail loop, to be mindful and respectful of any turkey hunters present on the property and the shared public uses of this WMA. Following our regularly scheduled, soodle, those that are feeling peckish will convene about 10 miles south in Kershaw, SC for feasting and fellowship (location TBD during the Saturday morning briefing). Please join us! Directions from Interstate 20: (34.6594, -80.5170) [Forty Acre Rock Lower Parking Area] ● From I-20, turn north onto US-601 towards Lugoff, continue for 5.6mi. ● From US-601, turn left at the light in Camden onto US-521 BYP, continue for 3.9mi. ● From US-521 BYP, turn left at its end back onto US-601, continue for 18.5mi. ● Turn right in Kershaw onto E. Hilton St to remain on US-601, continue for 8.7mi. ● From US-601, turn left onto Nature Reserve Rd (S-29-27). ● In about 0.4mi, the Lower Parking Area will be on your left. Todd Johnston Northern Regional Director