Since moving, it has been so difficult to find any good hiking because let's face it, I'm no longer in the foothills, an hour away from the mountains and the beautiful Blue Ridge. It is what it is. Hiking here has been flat, sandy, and pine needley, and really no destination because waterfalls really don't exist here either. I've been trying really hard to find something exciting nature wise in the CSRA and finally I found something worth returning to all year long in every season.
Stevens Creek Heritage Preserve Trail is located in Clarks Hill, SC. This is only 25 minutes outside of Evans, GA and 2 hours from Easley, SC. I wouldn't drive the two hours to hike it without adding another item to your itenerary...but if you're someone who is chasing your SC state parks Ultimate Outsider challenge, then this spot is going to be the place to go for a hike after you get your stamps in the area....as the state parks of SC in this area are beautiful for lake play but really terrible hiking. So keep this spot on your list when in the area.
I had no idea this existed but I wanted to hike with the kids as we try to do as often as possible. So I did a google search and found this spot. The hike was about 2.5 miles. I'd say easy, some would say moderate...depends on how often you hike. Narrow at times.
What I loved about this trail was that it was secluded and quiet, the terrain and views were always changing, always a surprise ahead, and because it is not a busy area, there is a lot of raw nature to observe. There are rocks for climbing, trees to climb, fallen logs to walk across for balance for the kids, a large creek to sit on the bank of, rocks to build castles and statues with, and the best part to me for the day was the wildflowers that are already beginning to bloom and the copious varieties of animal tracks along the creek bank. We played in the mud (because you know, wild and free is life...and if you don't know...get the book...will change your life!) The animal tracks were really something of awe and wonder though. We worked to identify (a nature skill that is new for me apart from my knowledge of trees, fungi, flowers, and lichens.) We are quite certain of at least a beaver, deer, and possibly a coyote - maybe a fox...but I think it was too large for a fox. Now I want to get books and charts to study, haha!
And because the trail was ever changing there was so much to be interested by. There were rocks and bridges to cross over a trickling stream. There was an almost open meadow like spot that would be lovely for our next pic-nic. And unexpectedly, we ascended to a view of a horizon of green tree tops and cobalt blue skies amongst lichen dressed boulders hovering high above Stevens Creek...the creek bank we had been on earlier.
We heard much wildlife and stopped to listen and appreciate it. Working to identify the bird calls and see if we could spot them. Ellie climbed as high as she could up boulders and ridges barefooted leaping from stone to stone. She built a rock castle, nature journaled by a babbling brook, and laid on patches of soft spongy moss.
This was like being a world away somehow. It actually felt like the upstate which was such a treat to us girls who love nature and the opportunities it provides. How it brings peace and joy and strength and a wealth of knowledge. All from God the Creator!
I highly encourage all to explore it. If you want a companion, let me know! Just expect barefooted babies who climb and explore, who stop to observe and appreciate, and as always, are Wild & Free. 😘
Including photos below! Let me know if you can identify any of the tracks, experts!
