It’s hard to guess what treasures and surprises you’ll find when you’re driving the back roads in South Carolina. Yet, you can always rest assured there will be something, whether it’s the ruins of a centuries-old parish, the oldest stone bridge in the state, or something else that elicits your curiosity. Traveling through the Palmetto State on country roads is always an adventure!
Hidden along SC-162 between Rantowles and Hollywood is a wildlife management area that most people drive right on by without notice.
This more than 600-acre nature preserve is hiding in plain sight, yet many of the locals and those in other nearby rural communities have never noticed.
It's called Dungannon Plantation Heritage Preserve.
It's brimming with bald cypress and tupelo gum that absolutely thrive in the opaque green swamp that encompasses half of the preserve.
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The property was acquired by the SC Department of Natural Resources Heritage Trust in 1995 in order to preserve a natural habitat for the nesting sites of endangered Wood Storks. It's the second largest site for Wood Storks in South Carolina.
Needless to say, photos are a must when visiting! Be sure your phone is charged when you take this hike. You won't want to miss snapping a photo of them if the opportunity arises! Adults stand more then three feet tall and have an impressive wingspan of five feet.
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Precisely half of the 643 acres that make up Dungannon travels through the gorgeous swamp over boardwalks and natural surface.
And be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Endurance will be the name of the game on this easy trail that's on the long side and can be taxing if attempted during the warmer seasons in South Carolina.
Upon arrival, the start of the Dungannon Plantation trail may seem a bit underwhelming. But don't underestimate the beautiful sights that are only minutes away.
A word of caution if you have little ones or pets along on this adventure: snakes and alligators are known to be in the area. So keep a keen eye out for them.
As a mere point of reference, Dungannon Plantation Heritage Preserve is located about 30 minutes southwest of Charleston and one hour northeast of Beaufort. Learn more about the trail from our friends at AllTrails.
This place is so hidden, even some locals don’t know about it! Have you stumbled upon Dungannon Plantation Heritage Preserve? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this hidden nature park along the back roads of South Carolina so fire up some feedback and lay it down in the comments on this Facebook post.
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