Green Mountain, High Rock & Lake Wattacoo (Ashmore Heritage Preserve)

Overview:

• Distance: ~4.9 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: ~1,013 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate, with steady climbs and some steeper sections
• Estimated Hiking Time: 2.5–3 hours (including breaks)
• Trail Surface: Natural surface with rocky fire roads, loose gravel, forest paths, and lake shoreline sections

Description:

This hike takes us through Ashmore Heritage Preserve, combining a steady climb up Green Mountain with a scenic stop at High Rock overlook, followed by a peaceful section around Lake Wattacoo.

The trail offers a mix of environments — forested paths, granite outcrops, and lakeside views — making it one of the more unique hikes in the area. The climb to the overlook provides a solid workout, but the reward is a wide-open view of the surrounding foothills. After taking in the overlook, we’ll continue toward the lake for a quieter, more relaxed section before heading back.

Important Considerations:

• Trail Difficulty: Moderate. The climb is steady and can feel strenuous at times, especially on loose rock and gravel. Good footing and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended.
• Navigation: Trail includes multiple logging/fire road sections and intersections. A GPS app (like AllTrails) is recommended.
• Footwear & Gear: Proper hiking shoes are strongly recommended due to loose rock and uneven terrain. Hiking poles can be helpful, especially on the descent.
• Trail Conditions: Sections of the trail may be rocky or slick, particularly after rain. Watch footing on both ascent and descent.

What to Bring:

• Hiking poles (recommended)
• Plenty of water (at least 1–1.5 liters)
• Energy snacks
• Weather-appropriate layers

Park Information:

• Access: Free – Ashmore Heritage Preserve
• Restrooms: Not available at the trailhead
• GPS Address: Ashmore Heritage Preserve / Lake Wattacoo Access – Cleveland, SC

Carpooling:

Interested in carpooling? Please email Ryan Jobs ([email protected]) after registering, and I’ll connect those interested.

Meeting Time & Location:
📅 April 11th
Meet at the Ashmore Heritage Preserve parking area at 8:45 AM. We will begin hiking promptly at 9:00 AM.

📞 Morning-of contact: Ryan Jobs – 864-776-2395

Hike: Bridal Overlook via Mine Mountain, Laurel Ridge, and Corn Mill Shoals

Overview:

• Distance: 4.3 miles (loop)

• Elevation Gain: ~538 feet

• Difficulty: Moderate, with rolling elevation changes and a few short steep sections

• Estimated Hiking Time: 2.5–3.5 hours (including breaks and time at the overlook)

• Trail Surface: Mostly natural surface, including packed dirt, loose gravel, rocky areas, roots, and potential muddy sections depending on recent rain

Description:

This scenic loop in DuPont State Recreational Forest offers a lesser-traveled route to Bridal Veil Falls Overlook—a quiet spot with views of the surrounding Blue Ridge landscape. We’ll begin on Mine Mountain Trail, connect to Laurel Ridge Trail, and then loop back via Corn Mill Shoals Trail. Along the way, we’ll pass through a mix of hardwood forest, open ridgelines, and babbling creeks.

While not as rugged as some of our previous hikes, this route has a few moderately strenuous sections and rewards hikers with peaceful scenery and light foot traffic. We’ll take a break at the overlook before completing the loop.

Important Considerations:

• Trail Difficulty: This hike is moderate overall, but does require some uphill hiking and a basic level of fitness. Beginners comfortable with 4+ miles of hiking are welcome.

• Navigation: The trail is well-marked, but intersects with several other trails. A GPS map or AllTrails app is helpful.

• Footwear & Gear: Sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners are recommended. Hiking poles are optional but helpful on uneven terrain.

What to Bring:

• Water (at least 1–1.5 liters)

• Electrolytes (e.g., Gatorade, Liquid IV)

• Light snack or lunch for the overlook

• Sunscreen and bug spray

• Optional: Hiking poles, camera, small towel if exploring any creeks

Park Information:

• Access: Free admission. No park pass required.

• Restrooms: Portable toilets may be available at the trailhead (check before going).

• GPS Address: Google Maps Link – 3051 Reasonover Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718

• Parking: Fawn Lake Access Area– fills quickly on weekends, so arrive early.

Carpooling:

Interested in carpooling? Please email Ryan Jobs ([email protected]) after registering, and we’ll coordinate rides for those who request it.

Meeting Time & Location:

Meet at the Fawn Lake Access Area at 8:45 AM. The hike will begin promptly at 9:00 AM.

Nine Times Preserve – Cedar Rock Mountain & Big Rock Mountain Loop

Overview:

• Distance: 5.9 miles (loop)

• Elevation Gain: 1,463 feet

• Difficulty: Difficult, with steep and rocky sections

• Estimated Hiking Time: About 5 hours (including breaks)

• Trail Surface: Natural terrain, steep inclines, boulder scrambling, and uneven paths

Description:

This challenging loop in Nine Times Preserve near Pickens, SC, climbs both Cedar Rock Mountain and Big Rock Mountain. The trail features steep ascents, rugged terrain, and a memorable ¼-mile section on Big Rock Mountain where hikers must scramble across large boulders.

The reward: panoramic views, diverse forest habitat, and one of the most unique hiking experiences in the Upstate. This is not a casual stroll—be prepared for a workout and an adventure.

Important Considerations:

• Trail Difficulty: Rated difficult. You must be in good physical condition and comfortable with strenuous uphill climbs and rocky footing.

• Navigation: Trails are marked but include multiple intersections. Stay with the group.

• Footwear & Gear: Hiking boots or rigid-soled trail shoes are required. Hiking poles are highly recommended for stability.

• Facilities: There are no restrooms at the preserve.

What to Bring:

• Plenty of water

• Energy snacks

• Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes

• Hiking poles (recommended)

• Extra layers depending on weather

Park Information:

• Access: Free – Nine Times Preserve, Pickens, SC

• Restrooms: None at this location

• GPS Address: Cedar Rock Trail Parking Lot – Corner of Nine Times Rd. & E. Preston McDonald Rd., Pickens, SC
  Google Maps Link

Carpooling:

If you’re interested in carpooling, please email Ryan Jobs ([email protected]) after registering, and I’ll connect those who want to ride together.

Meeting Time & Location:
Meet at the main parking lot (corner of Nine Times Rd. and E. Preston McDonald Rd.) at 8:45 AM to review safety and hiking guidelines. We’ll begin the hike promptly at 9:00 AM.