Nine Times Preserve is known as the “wildflower showcase of the Southern Blue Ridge.” Found within the preserve is an overlooked wildflower trail in South Carolina that comes alive in the spring with beautiful blooms. The next time you’re on the lookout for some stunning wildflowers in South Carolina, consider this special little hike. 

Nine Times Preserve is located in Pickens, a part of the upstate area of South Carolina. Owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy to promote healthy native plant communities and wildlife populations, it was designated a state Wildlife Management Area under an agreement with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Ashley Blough/AllTrails
In 2012, approximately 1.7 miles of trail were installed to give visitors an opportunity to explore the preserve’s forests, ravines, and streams. The Department of Natural Resources oversees fishing and hunting on the property.
Trillium Trail is one of the top seven trails in Nine Times Preserve. It runs parallel with part of Little Eastatoe Creek, and the trailhead is located across the bridge from the Ephemeral Trail parking area at the intersection of Eastatoe Creek Road and E. Preston McDaniels Road.
Kristin Sanders/AllTrails
The trail is only about a quarter-mile long out-and-back and takes only nine minutes on average to complete.
Wild Flower Trail in South Carolina
Douglas Turner/Google Reviews
It's also a very easy trail, so a good option for all types of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, even young children.
Caryl Mallory/Google Reviews
The trail often gets overlooked, passed over for Big Rock Mountain Trail which is much more popular. This could be simply because most people don't realize how beautiful it is during the Spring! It offers the best opportunity at the preserve to view ephemeral wildflowers during the season.
Gabriel Craft/Google Reviews

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The absolute best time to visit the trail, especially if you're interested in seeing the wildflowers, is between about mid-April through May.
Douglas Turner/Google Reviews
If you catch the trail during the peak blooming season, there will be an abundance of all types of gorgeous wildflowers!
Brad Bowen/AllTrails
There are more than 134 species of native wildflowers that bloom in Nine Times Preserve!
Nicole Erickson/Google Reviews
You may also see birds and other wildlife on the trail.
Brent Morton/Google Reviews
The preserve covers 560 acres and encompasses five mountains and seven distinct forest types, including Nine Times Forest which is considered an ecological jewel.
Brad Bowen/AllTrails
This is a not-to-be-missed trail for all who love flowers, and it would be a fun challenge to see how many could be properly identified!
CONNIE Finley/Google Reviews

Whether you’re looking up “wildflowers near me,” or simply have a thing for wildflowers in South Carolina, we’re confident you’ll enjoy this trek. Have you ever heard of this trail before or experienced it during the spring? What was it like when you were there? Share about it with us in the comments section below — we would love to hear from you! And don’t forget to take a look at our hiking essentials packing list before embarking on your adventure.

Consider making it a getaway trip and staying in a charming, themed bed and breakfast in South Carolina:

There’s A Themed Bed and Breakfast In The Middle Of Nowhere In South Carolina You’ll Absolutely Love

 

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More to Explore

Natural Wonders In South Carolina

Beth C. | April 04, 2024

What are some of the best hiking trails in South Carolina?

South Carolina is a hiker's dream. From rugged mountain paths to coastal havens and inland rivers, there's no shortage of gorgeous scenery to enjoy when you're out on the trail. We've outlined some of our favorite recommendations for the best hiking trails in South Carolina below:

  • Table Rock Trail
  • Raven Cliff Falls Trail
  • Rainbow Falls Trail
  • Boardwalk Loop Trail
  • Mountain Lake via Sulphur Springs Trail
  • Oconee Station and Station Cove Falls Trail
  • Table Rock to Sassafras Viewpoint Loop
  • Sassafras Mountain Trail to Table Rock Viewpoint
  • Pinnacle Pass Trail
  • Raven Rock Loop Trail
  • Weston Lake Loop Trail
  • Mountain Creek Trail
  • Winding Stairs Trail
  • Sewee Shell Ring Interpretive Trail
  • Cherokee Path Trail
  • Firebreak Trail
  • Three Rivers Greenway Trail
  • Columbia Canal Path

 

There are so many unique hiking trails to enjoy in SC; this list just scratches the surface! If you're curious to learn more about what makes each of these so memorable, be sure to take a look at our full guide to the very best hiking trails in South Carolina. Lace up your hiking boots; there's something for everyone on this list!

What is there to do in the spring in South Carolina?

South Carolina is beautiful in the springtime! Here are some fun things to do in South Carolina in the spring:

  • Swan Lake Iris Gardens
  • Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve
  • Cypress Gardens
  • South Carolina Botanical Garden
  • Riverbanks Botanical Garden
  • James Island County Park
  • Falls Park on the Reedy
  • Table Rock State Park's Carrick Creek Trail
  • Congaree National Park's Boardwalk Loop Trail

 

Learn more about all the fun things to do in South Carolina in the spring!

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Featured Addresses
Nine Times Preserve, Pickens, SC 29671, USA