Hiking To This Aboveground Cave In South Carolina Will Give You A Surreal Experience
The Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve offers single-day hiking in South Carolina like you’ve never seen before. In addition to the explosion of colors in the rock pools on top of the rock, hiking here also offers a chance to see an amply-sized aboveground cave right here in the Palmetto State. Several months ago we published some fabulous drone footage of Forty Acre Rock. You can see that here.
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There are two trailheads at the Preserve. The shorter one starts at the upper parking deck. The longer, more adventurous trail begins at the lower deck.
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Either will lead you past some amazing eye candy, so bring your camera and your best smile for great photo ops.
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![](https://oiys-develop.go-vip.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/forty-acre-rock.jpg?w=720)
You'll know when you get to this gigantic earth canvas known as Forty Acre Rock. This time of year especially, the pools are filled with colorful surprises.
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![](https://oiys-develop.go-vip.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/waterfall.jpg?w=720)
If you started at the lower trail you found a waterfall or two. But when you get to the waterfall that looks like this, look to the far right and you'll see the above-ground cave.
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For a look inside this cave, check out this video clip from YouTube user Southern High Lifer.
![](https://oiys-develop.go-vip.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/forty-acre.jpg?w=720)
The Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve in Lancaster County is a great way to explore part of this state. The trail from the lower parking lot is 2.4 miles out and back. The trail from the upper lot is significantly shorter.
Getting there: 2207 Conservancy Rd, Kershaw, SC 29067. You'll find a trail map here with parking areas indicated.
Getting there: 2207 Conservancy Rd, Kershaw, SC 29067. You'll find a trail map here with parking areas indicated.
Hiking in South Carolina delivers many unusual surprises. Are there other caves in the Palmetto State that you know of? We’d love to hear about them in the comments below or on Facebook.
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